ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

I agree with and would like to add to what others have already replied to Michelle: Classroom teachers in the elementary grades--pre-K-5 or 6--typically are not certified to teach science and often have no formal education background in science. As Beryl notes, they are intimidated by science and unavoidably pass that on to their students. Museums can inspire and arouse or revive teachers' innate interest in science--in a program I was involved in evaluating, a teacher commented, "[The PD program] reminded me how much I loved science." Inspiring curiosity and reaching students' affective realm is what museums are uniquely qualified to do.

Ellen Giusti
Exhibit and Program Evaluation
1125 Park Avenue
New York NY 10128-1243

T: 212 876-1425
C: 917 885-2614
F:  212 427-7142
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> 
> Date:    Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:09:27 -0600
> From:    Michelle Nichols <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Why do museums do teacher PD?
> 
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> So, a question was posed to me today that I thought would be interesting to pose to the list-serv because I would be fascinated to see your replies, even if it's just from a few folks or many of you: Why do museums do teacher professional development? 
> We can't reach every teacher everywhere, so why do we do it at all?
> 
> I am not looking for a particular answer. I just want to experience the breadth of answers that I suspect would come out of posing such a question.  Hope you enjoy noodling on that one for a bit. :>)
> 
> Michelle
> 
> Michelle Nichols, Master Educator - NASA Forum Programs
> The Adler Planetarium
> 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
> Chicago, IL  60605
> 312-322-0520 
> 312-322-2257 (fax)
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.adlerplanetarium.org
> 
> 
> Visit our website: http://www.adlerplanetarium.org
> 


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