ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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The Edgerton Explorit Center is trying to make some connections with new
programs that we call Enrichment Experiences.  These are 90 minute long
sessions where we use experiential techiniques, science concepts and a pile
of imagination to address specific Nebraska State Academic standards.  We
set up "priority checklists" that give the teachers a quick way to observe
their students in action and record progress towards meeting the standards.
These checklists provide us feedback on the effectiveness of the program and
provide the teachers with necessary documentation of student outcomes.

Many of our visitors are struggling to prepare for the upcoming requirements
to actually document and meet the science standards.  This is our attempt to
provide assistance in that area.  We maintain a hands-on approach and stay
consistant with our mission.  We also make more money!  We charge $3.00 per
student for a normal visit and $5.00 per student for an enrichment.  As of
right now we do not promote this program, we are just trying to get it
established and let us get the kinks worked out.  All of the feedback has
been great and we are looking forward to full implementation this fall.

I know that this doesn't directly address the science center's role in
standardized testing achievement, but it bridges the gap between the
classroom requirements and the benefits of a science museum.  The teachers
still do the assessment but we develop the environment, the learning
opportunities, and the method of assessment.

Chad Johnson
Experiential Educator
The Edgerton Explorit Center
http://www.edgerton.org
1.877.694.4032

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