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Penn-Merck Spring '97 Newsletter
Penn-Merck Collaborative Spring '97 Newsletter
Contents
Message from Jane: "Penn-Merck Meets USI"
Silkworms Across the Curriculum
Sine of the Times
Academy of Natural Sciences Activities and Events
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Events
The Penn-Merck News
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- Message from Jane -
Penn-Merck Meets the USI
Our region is a veritable hotbed of activity when it comes to science education! Penn-Merck is joined in its efforts by many universities, museums, private agencies and professional organizations -- all dedicated to supporting the teaching of science in Philadelphia's public schools.
Oversight for these diverse efforts is provided by the Urban Systemic Initiative (USI), part of the School District of Philadelphia's Children Achieving agenda. While Penn-Merck has been aware of USI activities since we began in 1994, and both programs are funded by the National Science Foundation, our work has recently evolved into a fully-fledged partnership.
As you are certainly aware, it has been a year of many changes in science education in our district: new standards, increased emphasis on assessment and a shift away from the widely-used Museum-to-Go kits. To guide these developments and coordinate our response, Penn-Merck, School District and Franklin Institute Science Museum staff have been meeting regularly since the Fall. Outcomes of these meetings include preliminary recommendations concerning appropriate materials, staff development opportunities and guidelines for school-based planning.
Despite our best attempts to present a "united front" to our constituencies, we sometimes receive questions about how Penn-Merck and the USI intersect. Because training schedules (particularly in the summer) have overlapped, many schools have different faculty representation in the two programs, and communication is not always what it could be. We strongly encourage you to pursue collaboration within your school! The following is, in abbreviated form, a comparison of several aspects of the two programs:
| Program Aspect |
Penn-Merck |
Urban Systemic Initiative |
| site leadership |
Participants attend in teams of 4-7 teachers per school. |
Each participating school has 1 science teacher-leader, as well as leaders for math and technology. Additional teachers also attend programming. |
| materials used |
Science and Technology for Children (STC) is used predominately but not exclusively. Franklin Institute, LINX and AIMS kits have also been incorporated, as have PENNLincs materials. Will expand to utilize other commercially available programs this summer. |
Is moving towards programs and modules which are aligned with both national and local standards. These include STC (most units), FOSS (many units) and Insights (a few units), plus other exemplary materials. Franklin Institute kits are now considered supplemental materials, but are still recommended. |
| region served |
Program is currently serving primarily the 3 clusters in southwest Philadelphia: University City, Bartram and West Philadelphia. Schools from other regions have been accepted occasionally. Expansion is likely in the future. |
Program is designed to eventually serve all public schools in Philadelphia. Feeder-pattern clusters are grouped in Cohorts; the 3 southwest Philadelphia clusters are all involved actively at this point. [this needs to be amended] |
| grade range |
Was initially designed for teachers in grades K-5. Will expand this summer to include 6th grade teachers. |
K-12 |
| focus |
Focus is on the development of individuals as learners and teachers of science. Teachers provide support for each other both intra- and intermurally to facilitate change. |
Focus is on the development of leadership in science, math and technology for schools and K-12 clusters. |
| alignment with standards |
Is guided by local and national science standards. Provides limited training on and regular reference to Benchmarks for Science Literacy. |
Adheres to Philadelphia science content standards, which are derived from Benchmarks for Science Literacy and National Science Education Standards. Extensive training on and use of benchmarks (including resource analysis) is provided through Project 2061. |
| assessment |
Supports an integrated approach to assessment as a means to gauge student progress and guide instruction. Teachers are required to assess their own knowledge/interest as well as that of their students. Uses standardized test scores (e.g., Stanford 9) as one measure of progress. |
Uses Stanford 9 (at 4th and 8th grade level) and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests to measure student achievement. Provides professional development on the administration of these tests. Works with teachers to develop skills needed to use alternative types of assessment as well. |
| turn-around training |
Participants are not required to provide turn-around training in their schools during the initial 13-month program. Expectation is that this will happen in the school year following their involvement, and that P/M teachers will assume a leadership role in their schools. |
Participants are required to provide turn-around training on curriculum materials, content, teaching strategies and assessment in their schools shortly after being trained themselves. School Improvement Plan leadership is also expected. |
Despite minor differences in approach, Penn-Merck and the USI share a common goal of improving science education for students in the Philadelphia Public Schools. Our collaboration this year has yielded several positive concrete results: the selection of exemplary science materials, Penn-Merck facilitators and graduates providing instruction on STC units to USI teacher-leaders, increased emphasis on Benchmarks and the inclusion of 6th grade teachers from the West Philadelphia cluster in our upcoming summer program to name just a few. We are certain that our partnership will continue to be mutually beneficial, and welcome your perspectives and questions.
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Silkworms Across the Curriculum
Silk worms are a wonderful resource for your classroom: an engaging focus for observation and rich connections among science, math, social studies, writing, reading and literature. At this hands-on workshop, learn the basics of silkworm management, examine samples of student work, and gather suggestions for developing curricular ideas and extensions in your classroom. Silkworms and printed materials will be provided to get you started. You'll also explore the Museum's special exhibit "China: Ancient Arts and Sciences" to see skilled Chinese artisans demonstrate crafts such as spinning silk, weaving and embroidery.
The workshop leaders are Philadelphia teachers with many ways of experience using silkworms with their students and sharing ideas with other teachers. Light refreshments will be served, and free parking will be available in the Franklin Institute garage. Bring your ticket to the workshop for validation.
To register, complete the form and return by mail (Not Pony Express) to Susan Holmes, The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1194, no later than April 28th. For more information, call 215-448-1297.
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Sine of the Times
The fourth edition of the journal, Sine of the Times, written by teachers and for teachers will be publishing in the Spring of 1997 and will contain articles and photographs about mathematics, science and technology in grades K-12. Sine of the Times is a publication of the K to 12 Math/Science Teacher Leadership Conference which is funded by the Philadelphia Education Fund. The journal provides an opportunity for teachers to share news about what is happening in their classrooms and schools in science, mathematics, and technology with teachers around the School District of Philadelphia. Articles such as those in the following areas are welcome:
special projects
workshops
sure fire lessons
curriculum projects
assessment projects
opinions
grant projects
teacher projects
use of technology
useful resources
classroom challenges
book reviews
For information on obtaining a copy of Sine of the Times and about contributing to future volumes contact:
Martia L. Kendrick
Girls High School, #605
Broad Street and Olney Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19141
215-276-5258
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Academy of Natural Sciences Activities and Events
Hunters of the Sky
Hunters of the Sky demonstrates how raptors have adapted to their ecological niche and celebrates their role in the development of human culture. Come learn to identify eagles, condors, falcons, hawks and other raptors which you've no doubt seen fly over your neck of the woods and may not have known it! Hunters of the Sky are on view until May 4.
Related Activities at the Academy of Natural Sciences
"Ravenous Raptors": Auditorium Show, weekdays at 11:30 am and 12:15 pm.
Daily Live Raptor Mini-Show, times vary
KidsKraft: Bird Cafe, May 17 - create a bird feeder. Materials provided. Ages 4 & up.
Expeditions for Everyone: birding day trips.
- Pea Patch Island Heronry - Saturday, May 3
- Warblers of the Wissahickon - Saturday, May 17
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Backyard to Nature
Spring is here and the animals in your back yard are emerging from winter. Learn to create your own habitat for birds, insects and other creatures in the "wilds" of the city and suburb. Join in and build "homes" for wildlife that can be set up near your home. Limited to 40 people per session. To register and for more information call 215-299-1060.
Let's Go Native - April 19: Celebrate Earth Day with an exploration of animals and the native plants on which they depend.
Welcome Back - May 3: An exploration of the animals that migrate to our area.
Magical Migrating Monarch - June 14: Celebrate Father's Day by learning how to raise monarch butterflies and release them in your neighborhood.
Pollination - July 12: Learn how plants are pollinated by butterflies and other insects.
Water - August 16: Dive into essentials of water - find out why all life depends upon it and how you can provide it for your backyard visitors.
A Time for Gathering - September 27: Prepare your back yard for the season's changes as summer turns to fall.
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Expeditions for Everyone
Expeditions for Everyone is designed to provide quality, in the field experience in the natural sciences. Trips introduce beginners to the subject and provide the more experienced with specific information. Most trips are appropriate for adults and their children. For Information call 215-299-1060. The Ludwick Foundation provides scholarships for eligible Philadelphia students 18 and under.
A Wildlife Safari Close to Home: Saturday, May 3 - Visit 350-acre Six Flags Wild Safari Animal Park, the world's largest drive-through wildlife safari. See Fifty-five species of animals from six continents roam freely with their new offspring and display behavior seen in the wild. Leaders: Dr. Phelan Fretz, Vice President for Public Programs and Jacquir Eppolito, Live Animal Unit Coordinator. (Cost: $25 members; $30 non-members)
Ornithology Behind the Scenes: Tuesday, April 15 - The Acedemy's ornithology collection is home to thousands of birds from all parts of the world and from all varieties of habitats. You'll learn how this collection was formed and why birds are an important part of the Academy's past, present and future research. Leader: ornithology staff. (Cost:$15 members; $20 non-members)
A Wildlife Safari Close to Home: Saturday, May 3 - Visit 350-acre Six Flags Wild Safari Animal Park, the world's largest drive-through wildlife safari. See Fifty-five species of animals from six continents roam freely with their new offspring and display behavior seen in the wild. Leaders: Dr. Phelan Fretz, Vice President for Public Programs and Jacquir Eppolito, Live Animal Unit Coordinator. (Cost: $25 members; $30 non-members)
Pea Patch Island Heronry : Saturday, May 3 - A rare chance to visit this large and long-established heron rookery on an island in the Delaware River. You'll see common and snowy egrets, great blue, little blue and tri-colored herons, and glossy ibis. The outing will include a tour of historic Fort Delaware, built in 1859. Leader: Lee Jennings, Refuge Manager. (Cost: $50 members; $60 non-members)
Warblers of the Wissahickon : Saturday, May 17- Visit the University of Pennsylvania's Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill which features many of the nesting habitats for local breeding birds. You'll witness nesting and mating behavior of thrushes, finches, corvids, hawks and warblers. Leader: Bill Murphy, Naturalist. (Cost: $20 members; $25 non-members)
Mr. Wister's Garden at Swarthmore: Saturday, May 31 - Dr. Alfred E. Schuyler, Academy botanist and Swarthmore visiting professor, will lead the tour through a portion of the Swarthmore campus and Scott Arboretum. The focus will be on the outstanding Wister Garden, remarkable for its diverse assemblage of native and exotic plants. A large number of late spring species will be in bloom. (Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members)
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Junior Expeditions
This summer the Academy of Natural Sciences will offer six one-week camp sessions. Each week focuses on one aspect of natural history and includes a three-day camping excursion with Academy Naturalists. Ages 9-12. For more information call 215-299-1060.
June 23-27: Animals & Their Homes
July 7-11: Paleontology
July 21-25: Insects & Creepy Crawlers
August 4-8: Streams & Oceans
August 11-15: Discovering Nature
August 25-29: Animals
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John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Events
Teacher Workshops
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is offering a couple of workshops this spring that will allow you to get out, have fun and discover the outdoor classroom. Each workshop has three sessions - 2 Saturdays from 9:00 am - 4:15 pm, and 1 Wednesday from 5:00 pm - 8:15 pm. Participants are required to attend all three sessions.
May 3,7 & 10 - Further Studies in Environmental Education: discover the issues and concerns surrounding the development of wetlands. You can brush up on your bird and plant identification skills and visit the wetland restoration project in progress. Workshop materials will provide you with activities you may do with your students as well as resource material to increase your knowledge of wetlands and other habitats on the refuge.
June 14, 18 & 21 - Project Wet: look at the wonderful world of water in this program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Project Wet focuses on the properties of water and how water works within ecological systems. Participants will receive both the Project Wet activity guide and WOW! The Wonder of Wetlands guide.
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Refuge Trip Orientations
Concerned about leading student trips on the refuge? Feel unprepared for such an excursion? The John Heinz Wildlife Refuge is offering pre-trip orientations on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of each month, March - November. These orientations last approximately 2 hours. Pre-registration is required. Saturday orientations begin at 1:00 pm and Wednesday orientations at 5:00 pm.
During the orientation, the refuge staff will review responsibilities of the teachers and what the staff will provide. During a short walk along the trails, the orientation leader will provide information about the refuge, identify some of the more common plants and animals on the refuge, answer questions and begin to discuss each teacher's field trip ideas and how they can be realized at the refuge.
Upon returning to the visitor center, the leader will review the refuge's field equipment policy and provide some instruction on the use and care of the equipment. During this time, teachers can review the refuge's library and borrow books and videos to prepare students for the trip or activities they can use during the field trip.
Teachers will receive a refuge orientation packet at the end of the meeting. To register, call 215-365-3118.
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The Penn-Merck News
The Penn-Merck News is published occasionally with the hopes of maintaining contact with the 200+ teachers in the program. We wish to make this publication a useable resource for classroom science teachers. Let us know of what you would like to see included. Help us keep posted by sending us news of your science experiences. Deadline for submissions for the next issue is July 1.
Senior Editor, Designer, Researcher, Writer - Bruce Evans
Publisher, Proof Reader - Jane Horwitz
Circulation - Gail Jaglin and Noriko Ochiai
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