CLEARFIELD -- "Someday, you can become a scientist, mathematician or an engineer and that day starts today," said Professor Scatterbrains, also known as science teacher Mrs. Stevenson, as she spoke to a crowd of students.

Last week, hundreds of students and parents from across Davis County gathered at Clearfield High School to learn about Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA).

MESA is a club with the vision of "supporting the national science and mathematics educational agenda by ensuring that MESA students develop a high level of literacy in mathematics and science so they can play a leading role within an increasingly technology-based world."

During the science- and math-filled assembly, students heard from representatives of local businesses and universities, who spoke about the doors MESA could open for the students.

In attendance included ATK Launch Systems, MOOG Aircraft Group, Weber State University and more.

"I spoke with a young man who is a sophomore at Layton High," said Logan Toone, director of MESA for the Davis School District. "I asked him if he liked math and science. His face lit up as he told me that he wanted to become an astronaut. I directed him to the presentation by ATK - Launch Systems (the company that designs and manufactures rocket engines for NASA). After spending about 30 minutes exploring the things they had to offer, he returned to tell me about it. He learned that math, engineering, and science is the backbone of space travel. He learned about a wide variety of related careers, and he was excited to get involved in the education that would lead him toward them."

And this young student's ambition and excitement was reflected across the room, as students went from booth to booth, learning about the world of opportunity ahead of them.

"It's really neat to see all that we can do," said eighth-grade student Sierra. "I love learning math. A lot of kids hate it, but I think it's fun. I don't know what I want to do when I grow up yet, but it's cool to see all this stuff."

"I'm glad I came," said another student. "I think that I'm going to join MESA. I want to learn more about math and science."

"Our hope is that MESA students will develop skills and interests which will move them to become the mathematicians, scientists, and engineers of the future -- inventing new technology, discovering cures for disease, exploring new frontiers, and designing our world," Toone said.

sryther@davisclipper.com