Students in the United States lag their peers in many other industrialized nations in studies and careers in the sciences. But what does it take to pique the interest of children as young as kindergarteners in chemistry, physics and other natural sciences?

That is the challenge that 150 Chicago Public School (CPS) teachers will tackle this Saturday at DePaul University as they immerse themselves in a training program with DePaul College of Science and Health faculty to make elementary science education fun and compelling.

WHO:                    150 CPS teachers and DePaul College of Science
                              and Health faculty members

WHAT:                 Will experiment with tops, marbles, water, earth 
                             materials, balancing acts and a variety of other tools   to  enhance the teaching of and creating fun around
                             elemental lessons in chemistry, physics and other
                             natural sciences.

WHEN:                 Saturday, Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

WHERE:               Levan Hall, 2320 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, Ill.

WHY:                   DePaul University is working with CPS teachers who are
                            volunteering their weekends to learn how to better
                            inspire young students about the wonder and fun of the
                            natural sciences. Several hundred CPS teachers have
                            already gone through the training this academic year.
                            The program has already enjoyed tremendous success
                            and participation has dramatically exceeded original 
                            expectations. 

Contact:             Media interested in covering this event should contact
                           John Holden at 312-391-5798.  On the day of the event,
                           they may also contact Wendy Jackson at 847-414-3700.