Eighteen teachers at area elementary schools will soon be welcoming Oberlin students into their classrooms. They are recipients of the College's Hughes Grants, which are awarded annually to help develop area elementary schools' science programs.
The teachers, from schools in Oberlin, Elyria, Lorain and Wellington, will use the grants to develop hands-on science curriculum for students grades K-4. Oberlin students taking private readings in science education next semester will visit the classrooms and be an active part of the programs.
According to Caitlin Scott, Youth Education Programs Coordinator for the Center for Service and Learning, the teachers submit ideas for "innovative science projects" which will actively involve students. The Oberlin students will work with the teachers in and outside of the classroom. "They help in a variety of ways, depending on the project," said Scott. "The might give presentations, do research, or go to other classrooms."
All science, math, environmental science and psychology majors were invited to apply for the private reading and service. Those departments were the recipients of the original Howard Hughes Medical Institute Outreach Program. The original grant was given to the College to develop activity between the College and surrounding communities.
Scott formally awarded the grants to selected teachers at a brief ceremony last Monday at the Center for Service and Learning. The gathering gave the elementary teachers an opportunity to discuss their ideas for science education development.
College senior Rebecca Sanagorski took part in the Hughes Grant last year, working with first and second grade students at Cascade Elementary school in Elyria. She helped teach them simple science projects about the natural environment around the school. "It was leading up to building a natural habitat outside of their school," said Sanagorski.
Sanagorski plans to take part in the Hughes Grant project again this year. "I think it's a nice change of pace from Oberlin stuff, and I like working with kids," she said.
Five of the 11 programs are at Oberlin schools. Sharon Blecher and Kathy Jaffee will help first and second graders develop an in-class science museum and web sites at Eastwood Elementary. Sarah Lee will work with the same age students to develop a community garden, and Rachel Koch and Gail Burton are bringing plant and animal labs to their classrooms.
Two projects at Prospect School will investigate inventions and inventors. Teachers Jean Ebosh, Jan DeMarinis and Christine Marquis are developing a hand-on study of machine, as well as encouraging students to create their own inventions. Gail Wood and Barbara Enos are bringing simple machines, magnetism and electricity to light for students in their classes.
Students who are involved in the grant will take private readings next semester focused on science pedagogy. Scott hopes to expose them to various opportunities in education after college. "Careers in education might range from classroom teachers to curriculum development to textbook writers to education professors," she said.
The original application deadline for the science education private reading was Nov. 30. However, the Center for Service and Learning is still welcoming applications from interested students.
Copyright © 1998, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 127, Number 11, December 4, 1998
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