*Digitally Innovative Sci-Tech Center Offering Versatile Electronic Resources
Brenda Bleigh
1998 West Virginia Christa McAuliffe Fellow
1. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of Project DISCOVER is to enhance learning opportunities for students, teachers and parents to use technology effectively through the creation of the DISCOVER Science Center.
2. Research
During the course of this school year, the vast resources of the Internet were accessed to determine Best Practices in teaching science in the elementary classroom. Implementing the National Science Education Standards has been a major focus of this project.
3. Activities
• Creation of the DISCOVER Science Center
Technology-Multimedia PC's, Data Projector, Microscope, FlexCam, Smartboard
Science Software
PBS Scienceline and Reading Rainbow Science Videos
• RISE (Resources In Science Education) program which provided K-4 hands-on science activities presented by a real scientist
• Science Related Thematic Units for all K-4 students (First Flight, AfricaQuest, Moon Rocks, Bubbles, Bread Around the World, Chocolate)
• NEWEST Workshop at Langley Research Center (NASA Teacher Workshop-July 1998)
• GLOBE Workshop (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment)
• Staff Development for teachers in Science and Technology
4. Goals Accomplished
Rural students at our small, rural elementary school have participated in a variety of hands-on science activities this year. We have integrated the newest technology and have shared our resources with other teachers and parents in our community. Science and Technology presentations have been given at the WV Milken Workshop, Summer Technology Workshop, WV TEAMS Conference, and the Braxton County Technology Drive-In. PBS ScienceLine sessions were offered to elementary science teachers in several counties in central West Virginia.
5. Products Developed
• Elem-WV Listserve was created to share current information with elementary teachers in West Virginia
• Primarily Science Web Site http://www.rtol.net/bbleigh/index.htm
(Under construction- will include Science Lesson Plans, Classroom Recipes, Links,
Professional Development Resources, and WebQuests)
6. Number of Students: 170 Teachers: 230
