By Ellen H. King
December 9, 2002

Akron Mayor Donald Plusquellic invited two DuPont Engineers, Lashawanda Lands and Sara Godding to join him in Akron to host the Cities United for Science Progress (CUSP) "Science and the School Day" Program November 19 at two Akron elementary schools. Also attending the educational events were Akron's leading newspaper the Beacon Journal, the NBC, CBS and FOX affiliates and Akron's local WAKR radio station. Plusquellic, chairman of the Advisory Board of the U.S Conference of Mayors, invited CUSP to assist him in emphasizing the importance of science education in the lives of some of Akron's youngest residents.

"When we stimulate young children's minds with this kind of hands-on exploration," Plusquellic said, "they grasp it quickly and retain it solidly. Programs such as this are invaluable to the children of today and the America of tomorrow."

Plusquellic and DuPont's Lands and Godding, both of Newark, Delaware, performed experiments with the children displaying basic engineering theories, allowing the children to grasp general concepts of engineering.

Plusquellic and the DuPont engineer team first visited Akron's McEbright Elementary School to lead students in an experiment called the "Gumdrop Dome." Sitting side-by'side with the mayor and the DuPont engineers, students created dome shaped structures with toothpicks and gumdrops. The experiment displayed for students the strength of a triangle when in the shape of a dome. Together, Plusquellic and the eager students tested the dome theory, discovering the true strength of triangles when in the shape of a dome.

In the afternoon, Plusquellic and the engineers went to Akron's Findley Academy to discover the engineering principles that make skyscrapers possible. The mayor led students in exploring different ways to transform newspaper into sturdy paper towers. The engineers explained to the participating students the vital considerations, like a building's surface and weight, which are essential when creating skyscrapers such as the Sears Tower in Chicago. The students gained from the experiment not only a new understanding of the construction of tall buildings but also a broader description of engineering.

"Mayor Plusquellic's leadership in the Akron schools was evident during the time DuPont spent there. He is a national leader amongst his fellow mayors and our experience with CUSP in Akron showed why."

Dr. Kathy Sparrow, K-12 Science Learning Specialist for the Akron Public Schools commented, "There is so much value in children seeing real scientists as role-models and interacting with them. Collaborating in groups to solve a problem or create a product is real-world work. These experiences can be long-lasting and can give children new career interests that they may not have thought of before."

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