Middle school science teachers know how easily their students are motivated by experiences related to community concerns and interests (Kielborn and Gilmer 1999). Students in middle grades are highly curious about science and are at the perfect age for exposure to scientific ways of thinking and behaving in their community (NRC 1996). Providing authentic science experiences for them is also important because students are highly impressionable regarding career-related interests. Science and community experiences can be life changing and career forming!