Science Discovery founding director Carol McLaren Schott will retire this month, 22 years after she began developing the University of Colorado at Boulder's tremendously successful statewide science outreach program for children ages 4 to 16.
McLaren Schott joined the staff of the fledgling CU-Boulder science program for kids in 1983, when it offered a series of summer classes based at Fiske Planetarium. As she passes leadership of the program to incoming director Jeffrey Kidder, Science Discovery now serves more than 30,000 students and 1,500 teachers.
"Science Discovery exists today because of Carol's fortitude and determination," said associate director Ellen Brock, who joined the program in 1986. Brock said a scholarship fund has been established in McLaren Schott's name to support student and teacher participation in Science Discovery programs.
"It's been a lot of fun," said McLaren Schott, who looks forward to spending more time with family and friends. "It was never boring, and it always called on me to learn new things. Observing students and teachers actively and enthusiastically engaged in learning science has been very rewarding."
Science Discovery uses university faculty expertise and a small, dedicated staff to create hands-on science programs for Colorado students and educators. Students can enroll in more than 200 summer and after-school classes with titles like "Science Chefs" and "Rocket Design."
Science Discovery also offers "Science from CU," a series of traveling programs that visit classrooms, libraries and community centers around the state. The "Bugmobile," which operates in partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center, is the most popular Science from CU program.
Deb Kulcsar and David Darst have run Science Discovery's wilderness camps since 1989. Among the 10 current summer offerings for students are treks to Yellowstone National Park to learn about wolf biology, the Crested Butte area for lessons on tundra and mountain biking, and Great Sand Dunes National Monument for geology and rock climbing.
"We blend learning, adventure and community building," Kulcsar said. "We bring in local experts to teach the kids, and we incorporate a service activity."
A related "Outdoor Classroom" program, funded by grants and corporate sponsors, has been exposing urban fifth graders to ecology and the beauty of the mountains since 1997. "Most of these kids have never been to the mountains," Kulcsar said.
Rural teachers and students benefit from "Science Explorers," the professional development program run by Science Discovery. It offers daylong activity-based workshops for teams consisting of a teacher and five students. Workshop attendees receive materials and curriculum to take back to their respective schools.
"The kids get very excited and spread their enthusiasm for science when they get back to school," McLaren Schott said. Last year there were 17 Science Explorers sessions in locations like Montrose, Lamar and Alamosa.
CU-Boulder faculty members enhance Science Discovery programs by reviewing curriculum and getting involved in classes, McLaren Schott said. "Faculty don't often have time to travel with us to teach a class, but they are very supportive of the program and have contributed greatly through the years."
Science Discovery began in 1983 at Fiske Planetarium in response to community interest in informative and engaging science programs for children and teachers, according to McLaren Schott. Student interest was immediate. "We had very little advertising in the early days, but the classes filled very quickly," she said.
By the mid-1990s, the program had grown beyond its facilities. "Our offices were all over campus," McLaren Schott said. Several moves later, Science Discovery's offices and classrooms are now located on CU-Boulder's east campus in the Science Learning Laboratory.
McLaren Schott said it's a good time for new leadership. "Science Discovery is now well-established throughout the state and we have a terrific and dedicated staff who will continue to provide outstanding science education."
Before Science Discovery, McLaren Schott was a teacher and principal at Boulder's September School. She will remain supportive of the program she's nurtured for two decades. "I taught some Science Discovery classes in the beginning. I might consider doing it again," she said.
For more information about upcoming Science Discovery classes and programs, visit
or call (303) 492-7188.
FACT SHEET
University of Colorado at Boulder
Science Discovery
January 2006
o Science Discovery began in 1983 as a pilot program of 10 summer classes at Fiske Planetarium located on the campus of the University of Colorado at Boulder.
o The Science Discovery core staff includes 10 members, both full- and part-time, along with approximately 50 program leaders who teach classes and make presentations. Program leaders have strong interests and talents in teaching science and are often classroom teachers or community members with science backgrounds. CU-Boulder faculty members contribute by reviewing curriculum and providing information on research.
o In 2004-05, Science Discovery's numerous programs served over 29,000 students, ages 4 to 16, and 1,000 teachers statewide in both summer and after-school classes. A summary of programs and the number of participants includes:
- 200 science, math and technology classes serving 2,487 students
- 10 wilderness camps serving 107 students
- The Outdoor Classroom for urban students, serving 477 students and eight teachers
- Lafayette Enrichment Program, serving 46 students and four teachers
- 17 Science Explorers workshops, serving 1,740 students and 348 teachers statewide
- 564 Science From CU presentations, serving 24,472 students and 816 teachers statewide
- 15 teacher workshops at various locations, serving 147 teachers and involving 25 CU-Boulder graduate students
- K-12 outreach assistance to CU-Boulder research faculty
o Science From CU was initiated in 1988. Twenty-two diverse science presentations are offered in classrooms around the state, featuring CU-Boulder faculty research. Science From CU reaches over 22,000 students annually.
o Science Explorers was initiated in 1988. The professional development program provides daylong workshops with hands-on activities for 21 teams consisting of a teacher and five of the teacher's own students. Science Explorers is now offered in 20 locations throughout Colorado and reaches over 400 teachers and 2,000 students.
o The overnight Wilderness Camp program began in 1989. Camp locations have included Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, the San Juan Mountains and others. Students learn wilderness skills, cultural history and natural sciences while enjoying adventure activities.