Bayer Making Science Make Sense
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Institute, West Virginia

Bayer CropScience has always maintained a close relationship with area schools in support of science education and formally adopted the Making Science Make Sense (MSMS) program at its Institute site in 2003. Shortly thereafter, Institute joined forces with Bayer MaterialScience's South Charleston facility to expand the MSMS program to the greater Charleston and Kanawha Valley region. Today, a core group of more than 20 employee-volunteers support all MSMS activities in these regions.

Specifically, MSMS components include:

  • The Science Connection - Designed as a hands-on classroom presentation to teach students about the scientific method, this interactive program features "Molecule Man," who provides an entertaining look at scientific investigation and experimentation and guides students in how to develop and present school science fair projects.

  • Celebrating Science - Since 1996, employee-volunteers have partnered with the Shawnee Community Education Center to assist with this summer program for students. It focuses on different themes such as space, weather, magic and chemistry, and integrates math, science and reading. Celebrating Science has earned two "Lifelong Learning Awards" from the governor of West Virginia.

  • Pumpkin Drop at the Capitol - Bayer is an annual sponsor of this Halloween event where students from across the state of West Virginia "compete" in a pumpkin drop off of the roof of the state capitol building. This event is the perfect combination of engineering challenge and hilarious fun.

  • Employee-volunteers serve as science fair judges, both at the school level and the county level, and participate in year-round, hands-on science activities for Outdoor Classrooms, 4-H Camp, KIDS (Kids Involved in Doing Science) Camp, Starbase Academy, the public library system, Scouts and other community organizations.

  • Annual grants totaling more than $20,000 to 17 area schools in support of various educational programs.

  • Partnerships with two nearby schools - Dunbar Intermediate and Nitro Elementary - through the Community Alliance in Support of Education (CASE) program.

  • Support of the Charleston Clay Center's Avampato Discovery Museum through financial donations and participation on its board of directors.