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Visit the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center.

Student Comments about the ISS experience.

J. Wise: "After working at ECHO during the past semester I am excited  to teach science in my classroom next year.  I know that I will spend time looking for ways for the students to experience place-based hands-on science". 

J. Relyea: "I have really begun to understand how to teach science in a way that allows children to discover it for themselves, and though I never would have expected this to be the case, I look forward to teaching science more than any other subject!"

J.  Pastina, a student at SMC, made a short video about his ISS experience.
 

ED 423D and 423E – Inquiry Science in Schools
(A 2 or 3 credit practicum experience)

                      Inquiry Science in Schools (ISS) is a partnership between
                      ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Saint
                      Michael’s College, and the Burlington School District. The
                      intent of ISS is to deepen student understanding of
                      observable environmental science concepts, provide
                      opportunities to practice science inquiry skills, and to
                      foster the value of environmental stewardship in our local
                      community. The ISS program currently collaborates with
                      Champlain Elementary School, Flynn Elementary School,
                      and CP Smith  Elementary School in Burlington, Vermont.
                      Pre-service teachers from Saint Michael's College teach at
                      ECHO in informal education settings with the general
                      public, school field trips and with target audiences as well
                      as in elementary classrooms participating in the ISS
                      program.

           ECHO Practicum Application Form and Instructions for
           Spring 2011 semester.

 

 

INQUIRY SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS
(ISS)

A partnership between ECHO Lake Aquarium and
Science Center, Saint Michael’s College,
and the Burlington School District

A Brief History

In September, 2007, ECHO initiated a pilot science literacy program for 225 K – 5 grade students at Wheeler Community School in Burlington. The program was in response to teachers reporting uneasiness with teaching science content, classroom time constraints, and marked student limitations in science knowledge. The intent of Inquiry Science in Schools (ISS) was to deepen student understanding of observable environmental science concepts, provide opportunities to practice science inquiry skills, and to foster the value of environmental stewardship in their local community. In fall 2008, ECHO expanded the program to include several other elementary schools, and invited Saint Michael’s College pre-service teachers to lead classroom outreach.

Elementary Student Program Components

The ISS program currently collaborates with Wheeler Community School, Flynn Elementary School, and CP Smith Elementary School - all in Burlington. Programs are designed for a multi-year progression in focused science learning. Expansion of the ISS program to all Burlington School District elementary schools in 2009 – 2010 is pending grant funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Notification will be in summer, 2009.

GRADE 2
Big Ideas Presentation and Field Trip – Large group experience at the school and then a field trip that introduces students to:

  1. What is a science center and aquarium? What is ECHO all about?

  2. How do scientists ask questions and make predictions?

  3. Where is the Lake Champlain Basin and what is a watershed?

GRADES 3 and 5
Pre- and Post-Field Trip Outreach Lessons and an ECHO Staff-led Field Trip – One hour experiences in the classroom introducing and concluding, a four hour science field trip to ECHO on a particular topic.

TOPICS FOR 2009 - 2010

Grade 3 - Classification  Grade 5 - Properties of Water

ALL GRADES participate in:
ECHO Earth Weeks – In late April prior to school vacation, participating students become “exhibit interpreters” at ECHO’s annual spring festival by returning for a final field trip where they share new science knowledge with the public through a classroom-designed interactive exhibit or performance. A fantastic student performance assessment for science!

Pre-Service Teacher Program Components

2 or 3 credit practicum experience (80 – 120 hours)

  •  Orientation to ECHO and informal teaching methods in a science center

  •  Training to teach science outreach lessons in one or more grade 3 or 5 elementary school classrooms

  •   ECHO Practicum Opportunities including:

    • Create lesson plans and props for field trips

    • Lead on-floor science experiences for the public

    • Assist in the planning and delivery of science programs for target audiences preschool, teens, low income families, etc. 

    • Opportunities to participate in ECHO’s teacher professional development

For more information and a 2009 – 2010 Inquiry Science in the Schools Program, please contact Tracy Truzansky at ECHO at ttruzansky@echovermont.org   802-864-1848 x120. Saint Michael’s College students interested in registering for the ISS Practicum should contact Karen Donovan at kdonovan@smcvt.edu

Last updated October 26 2010