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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In Pensacola, FL, we created the I LOVE Science (Increasing Local
Opportunities for Volunteers Enthusiastic about Science) program several
years ago. It is a partnership spearheaded by our former state house
representative, bringing together the Institute for Human and Machine
Cognition (a university affiliated research center), Gulf Power (our local
power company) and the two county school districts. The school districts
were ambivalent at first, not wanting another program that took time away
from "teaching to the test". But the final program was designed to partner
community volunteers (not necessarily scientists--we've have room mothers,
lawyers, city planners, etc) directly with 5th grade teachers.

Volunteers are provided activity guides (ilovescience.ihmc.us) and the
materials for the "official" activity. In addition, the activity guides
provide lots of other things they can do, so they can deviate to their
comfort level. It is the epitome of local control--once the volunteer is
put in touch with the teacher, they work it all out. We've had volunteers
who just used it as an entree to the classroom and do a variety of other
activities that the teacher agrees to.

The program has been going on for 7-8 years, and needs very little support
at this point, at least for the good volunteers who return almost every
year. Some teachers have gotten duds, and some teachers can't fit it into
their classrooms. But it has definitely increased the involvement in many
classrooms. We continue to receive positive feedback.

Megan
-------------------
Megan Pratt
Pensacola MESS Hall

On Fri, Nov 16, 2012 at 8:57 AM, Dennis Schatz <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Dear all,
> A colleague of mine at NSF is interested in knowing about efforts across
> the country that connect retired scientists to STEM education programs -
> either in the informal or formal arena.  I would appreciate any insight you
> can provide regarding:
>
> *       how your institution/organization does this, or
> *       knowledge you have of other institutions/organizations,
> professional associations, etc. that connect retired scientists to STEM
> education efforts.
>
> Thanks for your help.
> Dennis
>
>
> "Work hard to find something that fascinates you. When you find it you
> will know your lifework" -- Richard Feynman
> Dennis Schatz | PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER
> Senior Vice President for Strategic Programs | P (206) 443-2867 | F (206)
> 443-3631 | [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>  |
> www.dennisschatz.org
> Pacific Science Center is an independent, not-for-profit educational
> institution that inspires lifelong interest in science, math and technology
>
>
>
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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.

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