Scholars in the Schools
Throughout the school year, the Pinhead Institute brings internationally renowned scientist into our regional schools. These acclaimed scientists lead labs, experiments, workshops, and field expeditions for students in grade school through high school. This program enables students from rural communities throughout the region to have the opportunity to interact with PhD scientists from around the world specializing in everything from nanoscience, to biochemistry, to field biology, to climatology, and much more.
Since its inception, Pinhead has placed nearly forty scientists in our regional schools through the "Scholars in the Schools" program. By the end of each academic school year, Pinhead Institute places at least ten internationally renowned scientists in our regional schools, including Nucla, Norwood, Telluride, Ridgway, and Ouray, reaching over a thousand students and exposing them to real world applications of the scientific method.
In collaboration with teachers, the demonstrations and hands-on activities enhance the science curriculum, increase science awareness among students, stimulate scientific thinking and put a human face on the scientific community.
Visiting scientists for the 2008-2009 school year included such scientific giants as:
- Dr. Jack Dumbacher, California Academy of Sciences
- Dr. Thomas Painter, University of Utah
- Dr. John Straub, Boston University
- Dr. Susan DeSensi, Boston University