FMC employee Rich White conducts an experiment with middle school teacher Ruth Penning at the Franklin Institute's Summer Science Institute.

What does it take to be a strong science student?

Curiosity is the most important trait, said parents, teachers and scientists surveyed by FMC Corporation, a Center City chemical corporation that has publicly supported STEM education in the form of grants and teacher training programs.

But these students also need to exercise that curiosity in the form of hands-on learning. That’s why FMC is holding a company-wide science supply drive for School District teachers. FMC will donate the supplies to middle school teachers in the District this fall.

With school officials still debating with City Council on how much money and from where will head to the District, any support is vital to keep programming, like STEM work alive.