On Thursday, May 31, nine young scientists from the J. David Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco spent the day with the 7th and 8th grade science classes at Creekside Middle School. The scientists, all graduate students or postdoctoral fellows, were at Creekside to help generate enthusiasm for science and to encourage the students to consider a career in science. Interest in science begins to wane in middle school, especially among girls.

“I knew the visit would be great, but it was way beyond my expectations,” said Meg Jeong, head science teacher. “The scientists were so involved with the students.”

During the classes, the scientists explained a little about in their research. They also described what it was like to be a scientist and how to become a scientist. Most people have an idea of how to become a physician from television and the movies, but very few understand how to become a scientist. More importantly, simply by being there, they allowed the students to see and talk to working scientists who looked like a big brother or big sister rather than a parent.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Dr. Ed Hsaio, a postdoctoral fellow. “The students asked some great questions.” Postdoctoral fellows have completed their MD or PhD degree and are continuing their training. Dr. Hsaio has both degrees.

The visit was a collaboration of Gladstone, the Creekside science teachers, and cvparents, a community-based nonprofit educational organization in Castro Valley.

The early returns from parents are encouraging. For example, one girl told her mother that she wanted to be a brain scientist when she grows up. Another boy talked all evening about the scientists’ visit.