Bayer Program 'Makes Science Make Sense' For Kids

The Bayer company recently conducted a kid-friendly and super-fun program in cooperation with the Morris School District. In April, students in grades two and three at Normandy Park School were visited by employees and scientists from Bayer Health Care in Morris Township, who conducted a program called "Making Science Make Sense."

The hour long session featured Bayer volunteers conducting workshops like, “Skewering a Balloon,” “Color Changing Milk,” “Make Your Own Bubbling Lava Lamp” and “Alka Rocket.” The experience, both fun and engaging for students, has them make observations and predictions, test their hypotheses and draw conclusions. 

Robert Russell is the Normandy Park School Science Specialist. “For me," he said via email, "the Making Science Makes Sense program is important in two ways. One, It gives children the opportunity to see real scientists in action and that the world of science can lead to a job in the future. It also gives the children the chance to dress up like scientists and to do a few experiments that they would not normally do in school.”

Bayer’s Morris Township location is one of 12 Bayer sites around the country that operate Making Science Make Sense programs, and the volunteers dispensing the information and fun experiments number roughly 1,000.

The idea, officially kicked off at Bayer’s Pittsburgh headquarters back in 1995, has been brewing over the past 40 years, as Bayer scientists began partnering with teachers and classrooms in bringing the fun and learning of science to students. The program is highly lauded, having been awarded The Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership, The President’s Service Award and most recently the National Science Board's Public Service Award.

Sherene Bembridge-Bryan, Senior Financial Analyst and Bayer volunteer, described her feelings about the Normandy Park School visit via email." For me it was a most rewarding experience. The curiosity, the attention to detail that the kid's had was truly amazing. I really felt a sense of accomplishment today!! As I was talking to one of my co-workers and explaining the event, she said to me, 'Sherene I have never seen you so enthusiastic and passionate about something as much as this."

"I enjoyed every moment that I spent with the kids today."

Robert Russell envisions a further educational union between Bayer and students. “This is the second year we have partnered with Bayer in this program and we would love to continue this partnership. For me, the most important part of this partnership is the opportunity that our children get to see real scientists in action. Because of these interactions some of these students may choose to pursue a science career. For me, that is exciting!”