ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions. ***************************************************************************** Kathy: Hi! I would encourage you to listen to GirlTalk Radio (www.BrainCake.org/girltalk) podcasts and produce programs around those. You could also have your students interview their own scientist and use software like Audacity (free) to have the students create podcasts for their website. jen jennifer stancil executive director girls, math & science partnership carnegie science center one allegheny avenue pittsburgh, pa 15212 p: 412.237.3356 f: 412.237.3375 www.girlsmathscience.org -----Original Message----- From: Informal Science Education Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Fournier, Kathy Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 5:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: famous scientists programming Hello: I am putting together a camp on famous scientists for 3rd/4th graders and 5th/6th graders. I thought rather than reinvent the wheel I would see if anyone had any resources for hands on activities that highlights 3 or 4 scientists. They don't have to be old school types.... Thanks, Kathy Kathy Fournier Director of Science Education McWane Science Center 200 19th Street North Birmingham, AL 35209 205-714-8254 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Informal Science Education Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Megan Gray Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 5:35 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Training Volunteers to be effective exhibit facilitators Our institution has an all volunteer exhibit floor staff (exhibit explaining and general information). We recognize the special needs, benefits, and challenges volunteers (vs. paid staff) bring to this role. Without regular, trained, experienced, floor staff available to train, model, and evaluate volunteers in this role, volunteers have relied on mostly content information resources and other volunteers (many of whom have scientific backgrounds and experience versus educational background, especially in the area of pedagogy). While we have lots of formal expertise in the community, we feel this sort of didactic/information-focused approach is not as effective with our young learners in our informal environment. Therefore, we have developed and implemented a new training approach for exhibit volunteers that focuses on: 1) Building rapport with visitors and tuning into their needs 2) Creating a safe and inviting environment for exploration and inquiry 3) Using effective questioning strategies and unique "hooks" to engage and inspire I am looking to collaborate with fellow Volunteer and/or Program Managers who lead their institution's volunteer explainers. I'd love to share our new training outline with others and discuss best practices and strategies for training our volunteers to be successful with our visitors. Megan Gray Manager of Volunteer Services Chabot Space & Science Center ph: (510) 336-7414 fax: (510) 336-7491 www.chabotspace.org<http://www.chabotspace.org/> Stay Close, Go Far! P Please consider the environment before deciding to print this e-mail. *********************************************************************** For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org. Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org. The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html. To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to [log in to unmask]