Dave Brown, a fourth-grade teacher at Sumner Elementary opened a large box full of materials for science projects.

He and second-grade teacher Teresa Royce, pulled out a rubber band airplane, explaining that they adjusted parts of it to see how it would fly.

The teachers were among eight area educators who attended the Atofina Chemicals Inc. Science Teacher program last August in Blooming Prairie. The company sponsors the program nationwide, both providing science kits to teachers and telling them more about what the company produces.

Royce wore a white Atofina lab coat as she looked through the kit. After a few minutes, Brown decided to wear his as well. Royce said she wears hers every time she teaches science.

"The kids always think it's really cool," Royce said.

This past summer, two teachers each from Blooming Prairie, Austin, Hayfield and Owatonna attended the workshop. The teachers apply and select what type of science project they would like for their classrooms. Mostly fourth, fifth and sixth grade teacher come, but teachers who instruct younger grades are welcome as well, said plant manager Rodney Earlywine.

Brown and Royce had heard the program was useful and decided to apply. They were accepted and chose a science kit called "Variables."

"I had heard of several teachers that had gone before," Brown said. "There were incredible reports that we got beforehand."

The teachers were paired up with two Atofina employees and worked on the kits during the week. At the end of the week, the teachers presented the kits to the group.

"It was really very casual," Royce said. "You didn't feel like you were on parade."

The teachers also got a tour of the plant and took a trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul.

Earlywine said the teachers enjoy the trip to the museum because they can see the exhibits without having to supervise their students.

"They get a chance to pursue knowledge," Earlywine said.

The Atofina scientists become mentors for the teachers. They can call Atofina for advice with the science kits throughout the year. It also gives teachers a chance to meet educators from other districts.

Earlywine said Atofina, which has been in Blooming Prairie for 32 years, likes to be involved in education and the community. Atofina also helps the Blooming Prairie Education Foundation, the Blooming Prairie Center and other organizations and events. It hosts monthly meetings with its Citizen's Advisory Panel to discuss what the company is working on and if the community has any concerns with the plant, Earlywine said.

Earlywine said many of Atofina's employees enjoy participating in the teacher program because they were inspired by a teacher to pursue a science career.

"It's an opportunity to give back to the teachers in the community," Earlywine said.

Brown and Royce each talked about how helpful the scientists were and how enjoyable the week at Atofina was. A drawback for Royce, though, was having to drive to Blooming Prairie with Brown everyday, she said, with a laugh.

The teachers talk about the program like their students might talk about summer camp, bringing up funny stories, laughing at inside jokes and poking fun at each other.

And agreeing that they would go again.

"I think it's really cool that Atofina does that," Brown said.

"I was really glad I went," Royce said. "It was a great experience."

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com