Provide the most up-to-date scientific equipment available at your local middle school. Work with civic groups, the Parent-Teacher Organization and educational groups to raise funds for lab equipment, new science textbooks and other support the school may not have. Recruit science professionals to come to the school and present workshops to inspire the students to experience science in exciting and practical ways. For example, have your local meteorologist come to the school and present information on how he predicts the weather and the kind of equipment he uses.
Partner with the school, local industry and parents to offer scientific field trips for middle school students. Work with local civic organizations to fund the trips for students who can’t afford to participate but have a strong desire to learn. Take students out on a local archaeology dig, a tour of a hydroelectric plant or a solar array. Offer trips that explore diverse scientific fields. Have students sign up for additional projects in a chosen scientific field. Channel their enthusiasm into activities that offer additional learning opportunities.
Organize local science fairs in the middle school and recruit area science professionals to mentor participants or judge the event. Raise funds to purchase materials students can use to create the projects. Encourage students to participate in regional and state science programs, such as those leading up to the United States Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl. Volunteer to work with student competitors and fund trips to the next level when students win. Honor all students who compete and stage local ceremonies to recognize the winners.
Recruit donors to fund science camp scholarships for middle school students. Sponsor an essay-writing contest for students who need a scholarship or offer the scholarship to the winner of a local science competition. Publicize the program and recruit local individuals in scientific careers to mentor students. For example, a member of your local crime scene investigation team could acquaint students with methods used to solve crime in the field and challenge a student team to solve a crime scene mystery to earn tuition for camp.