Sharing Science

Duke at Forest View Elementary 2006/07

In 2006/07, we are attempting a comprehensive approach to connecting Duke scientists and classes at Forest View Elementary. The goal is to enhance the learning experience for every student, in each individual science goal, by providing enrichment and extension activities delivered by Duke scientists. These activities will be designed in response to specific requests by, and in collaboration with, Forest View teachers and tailored to the science goals of the school.

By facilitating the interaction, from assisting teachers in formulating needs to finding interested and suitable scientist partners, the goal is to make it easy for many Duke scientists to become involved in outreach activities. At the same time, every student at Forest View will have the opportunity to interact with several scientists from different fields and to experience the excitement of doing science.

In the long run, the hope is that some longer-term collaborations between scientists and teachers will emerge from this initial contact. Moreover, activities developed for this purpose may be adopted by teachers in their future teaching.

The project pairs teams of scientists with teachers in a particular grade level at Forest View. In collaboration with the teachers, the teams produce science activities which they then deliver to each class in the grade level, scheduled to dovetail with science teaching in the classroom. The project originated in the Duke Physics Department but is expanding to include scientists from all over campus.

For more information or to get in on the fun, contact Ronen Plesser (plesser@cgtp.duke.edu) Please note especially the unassigned Topics at the bottom of the table – they may be yours!