Why A Time for Science?
A Case for the Support of an Environmental Education and Science Learning Center to be Focused on a “Learn-by-Doing” Approach
“He who learns by finding out has sevenfold the skill of him who learns by being told.”
– Arthur Guiterman, 1871 – 1943
An excerpt from the document:
A Time for Science is a one-of-a-kind endeavor within Pitt County and its immediately surrounding counties in that its primary purpose is on the “doing of science.” It is dedicated to advancing science literacy and competency as well as environmental awareness and appreciation by focusing on active participation in the scientific process, and by encouraging and supporting student participation in science, engineering, and math competitions. In addition to its primary objective and signature program of providing a supportive environment for the conduct of student research projects through sponsorship of age related Science/Math Clubs, A Time for Science also develops and presents other appropriate programs and activities that foster these objectives.
It should be pointed out that at annual State and national science competitions for middle and high school participants there is over $10,000,000 worth of prizes in cash awards, scholarships, internships, international travel, assistance, etc. available to students. But it should likewise be pointed out that local and regional competitions are required qualifiers for entry at the State level and for that several years prior to 2008 there were either very few or no high school entries to the State competitions from this region.
Programs and activities at A Time for Science are developed and directed by scientists and award winning science educators who, each with decades of experience, are well versed in nationally and internationally recognized, hands-on, inquiry-based programs such as FAST (Foundational Approaches to Science Teaching), GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment), NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), Sci-Link (Linking Scientists, Teachers & Students), ENVIROTHON, and others. In order to adapt to frequent changes in the goals and objectives of state and local course requirements, these educators likewise have experience with and facility for curriculum development, and the creation of activities and programs that fit the pattern and aims of these acclaimed techniques. Over the years these educators, collectively, have supervised, advised and/or directed hundreds of successful student research projects. Together the founders and advisors to this endeavor also have an established and considerable network of colleagues, associates, and friends suitably qualified to act as advisors for student science, math, and technology projects and as volunteers for other Center activities.
Located adjacent to the County’s facilities in southern Pitt County, the Bray Hollow Conservation Easement is an integral part of and partner with the Pitt County Environmental Education Center. Together their contiguous lands offer a variety of ecological habitats for study, research and enjoyment. A Time for Science works in close association with the Pitt County Environmental Education Center and the Bray Hollow Conservation Easement in its presentation of environmental, ecological and earth science programs and activities. To see a video clip of what is available proceed to the following website and click on the image, here.
The full Case for Support, in it’s entirety, can be viewed and/or saved as a Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file: Case for Support
