Museum hosts Educator Open House, September 9
For immediate release ‐ September 01, 2016
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919.707.8083. Images available upon request
RALEIGH — Educators, have you ever wondered how estuaries breathe, and why fish sometimes can’t? Or wanted to learn what lives on your skin, and the cool adaptations that enable them to do so? Then you’re invited to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Friday, September 9 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., for the SciREN Triangle Networking Event and Open House. This special night showcases the wide array of Museum educational programs and opportunities as well as lesson plans from local scientists.
Attending educators, from preK to grade 12, can preview Museum exhibits and activities while working out the logistics of a school fieldtrip, talk directly with museum educators and research staff about on site programs, and find out first-hand about distance learning, outreach and professional development opportunities.
Through a partnership with SciREN (Scientific Research and Education Network), educators can also meet more than 60 local scientists ready to distribute curriculum-centered lessons based on their research. This is an excellent way to rejuvenate teaching methods, integrate relevant and real science to student learning, and reach out into the community.
According to Megan Chesser, Museum Curator of Teacher Education and a coordinator for the event, “The main energy from the evening comes in the conversations that educators can have with the scientists while they explore the Museum. In spite of the many challenges teachers face on a day-to-day basis, we hope this evening sparks a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity.” Chesser adds that it’s not just an event for science educators, “any educator can come and make new connections to enhance their instruction or share with their students.”
The event is held in partnership with SciREN (Scientific Research and Education Network. There is no charge for the event, but registration (online at thesciren.org) is recommended.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (11 W. Jones St. and 121 W. Jones St.) in downtown Raleigh is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world, drawing them into the intriguing fields of study that are critical to the future of North Carolina. Hours: Mon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. Visit the Museum online at www.naturalsciences.org. Emlyn Koster, PhD, Museum Director; Susan Kluttz, Secretary, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Pat McCrory, Governor.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development. NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation’s first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.