ORANGE, CT – (August 24, 2005) – Thanks to a $1 million grant from the GE Foundation, the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration today announced its first statewide education program, an intensive science teacher development initiative. Through the program, which is serving educators from several school districts around the state, teachers are immersed in innovative learning techniques that enhance their effectiveness in teaching science and related subjects to students. The GE Foundation grant covers a four year period from 2005 thru 2008.

Educators are introduced to the “inquiry-based” learning approach to science during five-day workshops, which will help them practice these techniques, and prepare them to incorporate these strategies into their lesson plans and school curricula for the coming year. During each workshop, teachers use hands-on investigations to manipulate and test objects to see how they react to certain elements, such as salt and vinegar. These exercises help prepare them to draw upon intrinsic human curiosity, a vital ingredient to successful classroom teaching.

The project will provide ongoing support, by fostering continued collaboration and support among the program’s participants throughout the school year. Additionally, the Center will help facilitate the participation of Connecticut subject-matter-experts, such as local scientists, educators and engineers, who will contribute to exciting classroom activities.

The program is the first educational program offered by the new Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, which begins construction later this year.

“With the educational commitment of this institution and our leaders, there is no reason to wait for completion of the Center when we can help right now,” said Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, president & CEO of the Center. “Thanks to the GE Foundation, representing the science and learning commitment of one of the most important technology firms in the world, we are able to help Connecticut teachers bring the newest and most exciting science instruction to our children starting this fall".

Bob Corcoran, president of the GE Foundation, and GE’s chief learning officer said, “The Center’s inquiry-based approach will help hundreds of teachers engage in hands-on science projects that fire the imagination and curiosity of their students. This program will help to strengthen science education in Connecticut and ultimately increase the pipeline of students pursuing degrees in science".

Teachers and school administrators from school districts including Branford, East Hartford, Glastonbury, Groton, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Waterford, Westport, and Windham are returning to the classroom for the Center’s five-day teacher development workshops, which began in late June and continue through to September. As part of the workshop series, 17 teachers from Norwalk, Branford, and Milford are participating this week at the Courtyard by Marriott in Orange, the 5th workshop in the project. The program will serve additional districts as it continues.

“With these new skills, we’ll be able to get our students more deeply engaged in the process of discovery, and inspire the quest for solutions through experimentation and fact-finding,” said Laurelle Texidor, principal of Winthrop Elementary School in New London.“ Our firsthand experience in this technique is preparing us to go back to the classroom with more excitement and more tools that will help our students achieve in this critical field".

Program attendance has surpassed expectations. The program, which initially expected to serve 60 teachers in its inaugural year, will end up serving over 120 during 2005.

“Especially with the advent of science achievement standards in our schools, educators and parents are looking for ways to make sure Connecticut students can achieve,” said Dr. Sergi. “As part of our mission, it’s very important for the Center to respond to needs like this so that we can help strengthen the larger learning power of our communities.”

Progress
The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, which will be built between the new Connecticut Convention Center/Marriott Hotel complex and Downtown Hartford’s Riverfront Promenade, is nearing its construction phase. Groundbreaking is planned for this Fall.

The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration will spark creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, interactive experiences. The Center, which is planning a state-of-the-art science center facility as part of Hartford’s downtown and riverfront development initiative, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of the Connecticut, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration.

GE Foundation
The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, works to strengthen educational access, equity, and quality for disadvantaged youth globally; and supports GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in GE communities around the world. In 2004, the GE Family contributed more than $150 million to community and educational programs, including $52 million from the GE Foundation. For information, visit www.gefoundation.com.

Contacts:
CT Center for Science & Exploration
Michelle Morales – 860.727-0457 X116

GE Foundation
Amaya Gorostiaga – 203.373-3223