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Article for: The Davis Enterprise
Date: February 10, 2006
Author: Pamela Emery

EXPLORIT OFFERS SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS

Over the past three-years, due to a generous grant from Comcast Foundation, Explorit Science Center has been able to boost the quality and quantity of resources it provides to teachers.

On Feb. 18, Comcast Foundation will present Explorit a check, the final installment of their three-year grant.

One of Explorit's signature programs is the Discovery Lesson. Teachers bring their students to Explorit for inquiry-based learning on a particular topic. With Comcast's support Explorit was able to enhance the resources provided to teachers so that science education could begin before the visit and continue afterwards. 

The Teacher Enrichment Resource Packets provided to teachers are more comprehensive and include loads of background information on the science topic. They appear in an updated user-friendly look and list the California Content Standards for Public Schools. "I love the glossary at the end of the packets," said one fifth grade teacher.

An additional resource Explorit offers are professional development workshops designed to increase teachers' comfortable with facilitating the learning of science in their classrooms. The workshops emphasize inquiry-based learning, Explorit's approach to science education. 

Outreach programs coordinator Gwendolyn Casazza says, "Through our workshops, we not only show teachers the importance of teaching inquiry to students, but we also show them fun, easy and inexpensive ways that they can incorporate this effective teaching approach in their classroom."

Through Comcast's support Explorit was able to solicit feedback from teachers regarding the professional development program and then, using that feedback, improve the already-existing program. One workshop participant said that she was reminded that "students can dictate the direction in which a lesson goes and that it's okay to not know all of the answers." Casazza was pleased that their newly-refurbished program produced this type of response and that "we are better meeting the needs of the teachers throughout the region." 

The goal of Comcast Foundation is to provide financial support for organizations and programs that are working to make communities stronger primarily in the areas of education, reading literacy and volunteerism.

Explorit will recognize Comcast Foundation's support on February 18. This "Comcast Appreciation Day" will offer free Explorit admission to Comcast employees and include a check presentation of $25,000, which signifies the conclusion of their $75,000 commitment. Explorit will be open to all other visitors on this day, as usual. Admission is $3 per person ages 4 and up. Admission for teachers, of course, is always free.

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Explorit Science Center is at 3141 Fifth St. in East Davis. The current exhibition "Catch a Wave: The Science of Light and Sound" runs through Mar. 12. Public hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.explorit.org or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.