Home > About Us > News & Events > Lancaster Science Factory

SciClub Begins at the Lancaster Science Factory

January marked the beginning of a new partnership between the Lancaster Science Factory and the Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster. Funded by grants from the Lancaster Investment in a Vibrant Economy (LIVE) through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development and QCCI Foundation, this program was created to increase the student's interest in science and technology and improve their school performance in Science, Mathematics and Technology.

Starting in January 2009 and continuing through July 2011, The Boys and Girls Club will participate in "science classes" at their clubhouse and at the Lancaster Science Factory. Ten children from each clubhouse will attend two sessions a week for four weeks. Participants will attend one session at their clubhouse, where that week's subject will be introduced by Clubhouse staff. Their second session will be held at the Science Factory, where Factory volunteers will lead children in hands-on activities that match their subject. Lessons include studying electical power, fluid dynamics, mechanical energy and bridge building.

Increasingly, students in Pennsylvania and nationwide are missing out on the opportunity to experience the wonders of science in elementary school, resulting in a lack of interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields at other points in their education. The Lancaster Science Factory focuses on the physical sciences, the area where U.S. students are most falling behind compared to their global peers.