A new program is enabling elementary and middle school-age children to participate in attention-grabbing scientific study. It's the type of research most students will find fascinating -- and sometimes gross. From the biochemistry of digestion and the invention of artificial limbs, to spontaneous generation of molds, each lesson plan aims to help students discover the significant principles of both life science and physical science.

Oregon Health and Science University and the statewide Area Health Education Center system are partnering with Eastern Oregon University to deliver this cutting-edge curriculum to teachers in Oregon. The program is called "Great Discoveries" and is based on a concept so unique it caught the attention of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the multibillion-dollar foundation awarded a substantial grant to fund implementation and follow-up for the program.