Learning by doing, rather than in a more traditional classroom setting, was the focus of a Drake University (Des Moines, Iowa) project called "Des Moines Science Pioneers." This is the second year DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International has supported this program.

The Des Moines Science Pioneers Camp is designed to improve student interest in science, improve leadership skills through a peer mentoring program, enhance elementary teachers' abilities to teach inquiry-based science, help teachers become mentors; and provide learning opportunities for the students.

This week-long camp uses interactive inquiry-based lessons developed by Drake students as part of elementary science methods class. The approach also helps generate an interest in and appreciation for the sciences among the students.

This contribution is the most recent made by Pioneer to support education in the communities where employees and customers live, work, and play.

Visit the Pioneer Web site for additional information about Educational Outreach activities provided by Pioneer.