It all started with the bike.

 

Professor Greg Muth, a chemistry professor at St. Olaf College by day and chemical engineer by night, invented a bike that could be used as an educational tool in the classroom to educate students in elementary classrooms about health and movement. After receiving a grant from Northfield's Healthy Community Initative, Professor Muth brought his bike, along with some other educational tools, into a fourth grade classroom. The bike was a huge hit with the students!

 

Following this reception, Professor Muth realized that the bike had the potential to be much much more than just an extra, fun educational tool, so he brought two college students on board. In January 2013, Emma Chapman and Cassie Paulsen, two sophomores at St. Olaf College, joined the team and gave the organization a name and a mission statement: The Science Alliance, bringing hands-on science curriculum to K-8 students in Rice County. ​

 

A Need in the Community

In 2011, the three public elementary schools in Northfield performed in the 33rd, 52nd, and 58th percentiles on the 5th grade MCA-II (Minnesota Department of Education). Science Alliance seeks to meet the need for fun, interactive curricula to counter the negative stigma around science and re-engage students, improving science literacy by tapping into St. Olaf College’s resources: volunteers with a passion for education and science, as well as fresh perspectives towards interactive and accessible curriculum.

 

How will we do this?
 To develop positive attitudes towards science and increase science literacy, we emphasize complementing existing curriculum and supporting the existing work of teachers in the classroom. The Science Alliance uses hands-on, exciting materials and creates opportunities for meaningful connections between college and elementary students. For more details on each of these three points, see our Mission Statement under About Us.