By Ellen H. King
March 29, 2004

In late February, Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes joined DuPont engineer Kenneth Parker and a classroom of 3rd grade students at McCoy Elementary School to host a Cities United for Science Progress (CUSP) Science in the School Day. Barnes invited CUSP, a partnership of The U.S. Conference of Mayors and DuPont, to assist her in emphasizing the importance of science education. Local Kansas City media, including the NBC, ABC and FOX Affiliates, attended the event to capture the mayor's commitment to quality education in the lives of Kansas City students.

"My experience with 'science in the School Day- could not have been better—the partnership of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and DuPont provides children a great opportunity for hands-on learning in ways that can best be described as fun," noted Barnes. "It is, of course, so much more than fun. Programs like this are essential. Introducing young people to the wonders of science is an important part of their current education, of course, but also of the future. Our cities are enriched by having smart, curious children who grow into productive, happy residents."

Students worked with Barnes and Parker to conduct the famous "Gumdrop Dome" experiment by connecting gumdrops and toothpicks. Parker explained the elementary engineering principles involved in building domes and everyday objects like bridges.

Barnes continues to note, "Mayors, if you haven't become involved with this effort, I encourage you to do so. Think of all you have done, just today. Did it make someone (yourself included) laugh and smile? Did today's work introduce children to you and your role in the city? Did it strike wonder in a child's eyes? Did it enrich a child's mind? Join DuPont and the U.S. Conference of Mayors in the 'Science in the School Day' effort and foster the love of learning in the kids of your city."

Kansas City is the 23rd city in the nation to participate in the Science in the School Day CUSP Initiative. Over 600 students across the country have reaped the rewards of sitting side-by'side with their mayor to explore the exciting world of science by conducting science experiments in their public school classroom.

CUSP visits cities across the country and teams up with mayors to assist them in creating healthier, safer and more innovative and economically vibrant cities through science-based solutions. Science in the School Day is an initiative of the partnership created to inspire, maintain and expand students- interest in science and engineering. To learn how to bring this valuable educational resource and other CUSP initiatives to your city, please contact CUSP Managing Director Ellen H. King by phone at 202-861-6798 or by e-mail at eking@usmayors.org