By Ellen H. King
December 8, 2003

In October, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley joined DuPont engineer Beverly Hinds and a classroom of 3rd grade students at Westside Elementary School to host a Cities United for Science Progress (CUSP) Science in the School Day. Mayor O'Malley invited CUSP, a partnership of The United States Conference of Mayors and DuPont, to assist him in emphasizing the importance of science education in the lives of some of Baltimore's youngest residents.

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.

"Baltimore is proud to partner with The United States Conference of Mayors and CUSP to bring this innovative program into our classrooms," said O'Malley. "CUSP is a great tool to help spark the imaginations and thirst for learning in our young people."

Together, O'Malley, the DuPont engineer and the school children performed an experiment displaying basic engineering theories, allowing the children to grasp general concepts of engineering through a fun and understandable approach. The students left the event with not only an increased knowledge of elementary engineering, but also a heightened interest in science and math.

"We are excited to have a partnership that benefits children who are the future of our cities," said Conference Executive Director Tom Cochran. "CUSP serves as a useful tool for teachers, students and children across the country and helps revive an interest in science."

As of Fall 2003, a total of 21 mayors have brought the CUSP Science in the School Day initiative to their city. To learn how to bring this valuable educational resource to the students in your city, please contact CUSP Managing Director Ellen H. King by phone at 202-861-6798 or by e-mail at eking@usmayors.org.