Inspiring the next generation of scientists

Photo: Skip Paznokas with a map of the state.(Photo courtesy of Skip Paznokas).

John (Skip) Paznokas has been giving and regiving the same gifts for the last 15 years.

In 1991, Paznokas, associate professor of biological sciences and director of the Science Mathematics Engineering Education Center, received a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to purchase and distribute equipment for in-classroom science experiments to teachers in Washington’s K-12 system.

He assembled the equipment into “kits,” each with enough educational material for 30 students, and then shipped the boxes to science teachers at no cost. When the teachers returned the kits, he refurbished the supplies and sent them out again to other teachers. And again, and again.

The science kits are sent to about 100 Washington teachers every year, and each teacher uses the equipment to teach about 100 to 150 students, he estimated. 

“Over the years, we’ve used about 20 different sources of funding to pay for the equipment upgrades and shipping to keep this program going,” Paznokas said. “We’ve patched it together from lots of places.”

The kits provide students with real scientific equipment for specific experiments, allowing them to learn science by doing it (a method called hands-on or inquiry-based learning). For example, students can use the equipment for DNA separation to solve real forensic problems like they see on TV shows.

“This hands-on problem-solving is a far better way for students to learn and appreciate science than reading books or hearing lectures,” Paznokas explained. “This works — I have tested students and seen a significant increase in understanding with hands-on methods.”

The continuing success of the project has been an immense source of personal satisfaction, he said. 
“This program has a multiplier effect. We help one teacher. One teacher helps hundreds of students. Providing these opportunities for hands-on instruction to Washington students helps us recruit and prepare the scientists we need.

“Right now, the biotechnology industry in this state cannot find enough scientists to hire. We need more scientists just to maintain the status quo. This project is a contribution to solving that problem, and I am proud of my association with it.”

New students are drawn to WSU due to this program, he added. Science teachers come for graduate degrees and continuing education programs, and undergraduates choose the university too — because of the reputation for involvement and problem-solving this program has helped develop.

However, the primary reason for his 15-year commitment to the project, Paznokas admits, is the fulfillment of his life’s work: reaching out to inspire the next generation of scientists.

See related article on physics and chemistry at WSU Today, ONLINE @ www.wsutoday.wsu.edu/completestory.asp?StoryID=2879

This article is part of an occasional series on small grants and their impact at WSU. If you know of a newsworthy or creative program grant, please contact WSU Today writer Bill London at london@wsu.edu.

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