INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN AND MACHINE COGNITION BRINGS WORLD CLASS SCIENTISTS TO TEACH KIDS AT PENSACOLA BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

PENSACOLA, FL, June 10, 2003 – Top scientists and staff from the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) in Pensacola are teaching local Boys & Girls Club children a well-kept secret about science: it’s fun.
The two organizations have collaborated on bringing a special summer program to Club members that, for a couple of hours each Wednesday afternoon, teaches kids that science is mostly about thinking like a child. That is, combining curiosity and experimentation.

The “inquiry-based” science activities, presented by IHMC participants that include world-renowned experts in their fields and students just beginning their research careers, allow kids to investigate and ask questions about their world. The children get hands-on experience with science concepts through making balloon cars, lemon powered batteries, paper airplanes, straw bridges, exploring sports science and other projects. The activities are designed to use simple household materials so kids can experiment at home, as well as allowing the Boys & Girls Club to repeat the activity with other kids. The program is additionally impressive for children, carrying the high status of the IHMC and its staff as well as the “wow” factor for kids interested in IHMC subjects like artificial intelligence and robotics.
“These activities are not like traditional science classes where lessons are focused on rote learning, nor are the demonstrations ‘led’ by adults,” said Dr. Megan Pratt, an IHMC scientist and organizer of the program for the IHMC. Instead, kids are encouraged to experiment and try new things. There isn't a right answer. “We want kids to look forward science, to have increased confidence in their science abilities, and to understand that science is part of their everyday world,” she continued.

IMHC Presenters
IHMC presenters include Pat Hayes, Ph.D., researcher in knowledge representation; Jerry Pratt Ph.D., research scientist in robotics, Mike O'Sullivan, graphic artist and conceptual designer; Chris Eagle, computer scientist; Paul Feltovich, Ph.D., and Robert Hoffman, Ph.D., researchers in expertise studies, Niranjan Suri, researcher in software agents, Matt Johnson, computer scientist; Joan Feltovich, researcher in computer mediated learning; and Mary Jo Carnot, researcher in computer mediated learning.

The presenters benefit as well as the children. Pratt relates that the program provides an exciting outlet for the scientists, many of whom were inspired themselves as children. “They are eager to share their love of science with others. They’re having fun planning and experimenting with the projects before presenting them, and it gives them a means to connect with the community and feel a part of creating a vibrant city,” she said.

“It’s great for the children to have such prominent science leaders interacting with them at this high level,” said Hattie McCorvey, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Escambia County. “This is one example of the kind of enrichment programs the Boys & Girls Clubs bring to kids who, for a variety of reasons, wouldn’t otherwise have access,” she concluded.

About the IHMC
IHMC is a premier research institute with more than 115 researchers and staff investigating a broad range of topics related to understanding cognition in both humans and machines with a particular emphasis on building computational tools to leverage and amplify human cognitive and perceptual capacities. The organization strives to be a habitat for innovation in the community, providing a setting for innovative research and inspiring those in the surrounding community. Operating under the belief that our future success rests on a scientifically literate workforce, the IHMC has undertaken the Boys and Girls Club program to encourage the children to continue studying science throughout their school years. For more information on the IHMC, contact Megan Pratt, Ph.D. at (850) 202-4462 or visit www.ihmc.us

About the Boys & Girls Clubs
The Boys & Girls Clubs provide high quality youth development programs to children after school and during the summer. The Clubs achieve impressive results in raising grades and reading levels, in developing artistic and social skills, and in giving children ages 6-18 an environment of strong fellowship and support.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs, contact Hattie McCorvey, Executive Director, at (850) 438-0996, or visit www.bgcesc.org.