Dow AgroSciences’ Donation Makes 4-H Spring Break Science Camp Possible

Indianapolis, IN - March 24, 2009

Seeing new things and having fun is what students would like to do over Spring Break and some Indianapolis Public School (IPS) students will be doing that right here in Indianapolis thanks to a new science-focused program. A group of up to 30 IPS sixth graders will be spending their Spring Break learning and experiencing science first-hand at a week-long Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Camp. The camp is being held at Indiana’s largest classroom, the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the historic Normandy Barn the week of March 30, at no cost to the camp participants. The camp is possible due to a donation from Dow AgroSciences LLC along with support from Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Marion County 4-H Youth Development, and the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Each day a different subject will be covered giving the students an introduction to many different science-related areas. For example, students will learn from local experts about possible careers in the science field, learn about Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, conduct water experiments that focus on physics and chemistry, and learn basic principles of dynamics, all while being involved in interactive, science-related activities.

The campers will take a field trip to Purdue University’s Aviation Technology Center, located at the new Indianapolis International Airport, and later in the day will explore the Marian College Eco-Lab. The week-long educational experience will culminate with a field trip to Dow AgroSciences for a tour of the Research and Development building where the students will learn about the product development process of crop protection and biotechnology products, visit a greenhouse, see some insects and learn about Dow AgroSciences’ portfolio of products which illustrate the power of science and technology in feeding the world.

“Science education in the communities where our employees live and work is a key focus of our corporate contribution program,” said Gordon Slack, Finance and Public Affairs director, Dow AgroSciences. “It is our hope that through interacting with Dow AgroSciences employees, these young people will get excited about science and learn about the work in life sciences taking place in Indianapolis.”

4-H has the ability to draw upon a rich and diverse set of research-based curricula and activities that provide hands-on, real world experiences delivered in both non-formal and formal settings. Because of the wide variety of science, engineering and technology programs 4-H already offers and the resources it has, 4-H has the opportunity to tailor its programming so that it can expand the number of girls and boys involved in science, engineering and technology regardless of where they live.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population.  Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $4.5 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com

For Editorial Information:

Kenda Resler-Friend
Dow AgroSciences LLC
1-317-337-4743