A RURAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION

Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY

Dr. Estelle M. Goodell, Dr. Ron Visco, Dr. Peter D. Pollock
Phone (607) 547-3678/ Fax (607) 547-4904
sepa@juno.com

The rural partnership for science education is an alliance of scientists and educators from the Research Institute of Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, ten public school districts, Hartwick College, State University of New York college at Oneonta, the Science Discovery Center, Corning Science Product Division, the Clark Scholarship Foundation, and the New York Academy of Sciences. The shared vision of collaborating scientists and educators is to build interest and understanding of the biomedical issues of our time.

The program embraces the view of the National Science Standards that all students should achieve science literacy. Strategies include: summer science training programs for middle and high school teachers, purchase and transportation of state-of the-art scientific laboratory equipment for use in rural schools, summer science camp for students in grades 3-8, and field trips and career counseling programs to interest students in science and/or health care. Over the past six years the program has had a record of success in inspiring students to meet high levels of achievement in science.

The program evaluation data indicate that participating students have become more interested in learning science and participating teachers have become more confident and innovative in their approaches to teaching sciences. Furthermore, the program effectively pooled resources from the community and partner organizations to provide much need support for teachers and students.

The Rural Partnership for Science Education is currently assisting others in establishing programs in other rural districts. For further information contact Dr. Estelle M. Goodell or Dr. Peter D. Pollock, Research Institute, Bassett Healthcare, One Atwell road, Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-3678/ Fax (607) 547-4904. E-mail: sepa@juno.com