David Mantus, Vice President at Cubist Pharmaceuticals has been bringing science to life at the Edwards Middle School volunteering as a Citizen Teacher. David’s “It IS Rocket Science” apprenticeship teaches students the basics of biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics needed to travel to space. Apprentices participate in hands-on experiments, discussions, demonstrations and team activities. They build and launch rockets, fire cannons, freeze flowers, bananas, and other objects. By the end of the semester, students simulate a space mission conducted with the NASA Learning Center in Wheeling, West Virginia for the WOW!. Watch the following clip as students share how Dr. Mantus makes science exciting, and as Dr. Mantus explains how everyone has a passion they can teach:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8iY-NXKaQo