RALEIGH
Aug 20, 2024
Calling all educators, you’re invited to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Thursday, Sept. 26, 6–8:30 p.m., for the SciREN Triangle Networking Event and Museum Open House. This special night offers an after-hours opportunity to learn more about Museum educational programs and opportunities, as well as access to free lesson plans from local scientists.
Attending educators, from PreK to grade 12 (and beyond), can preview Museum exhibits and activities, work out the logistics of a school fieldtrip, talk directly with museum educators about on-site programs, and find out first-hand about distance learning, outreach and professional development opportunities. Partner organizations offering education and outreach programs will also be onsite to share information about other informal opportunities in the Triangle area and beyond.
Plus, through a partnership with SciREN (Scientific Research and Education Network), educators can 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, and to integrate relevant and real science into student learning.
There is no charge for the event, but registration (online at sciren.org/networking-events/sciren-triangle) is strongly encouraged. Attendees also receive free pizza with beverages.
According to Megan Davis, Museum Teacher Education Coordinator and manager of the event, “The main energy from the evening comes in the conversations that educators can have with the scientists while they explore the Museum. Despite the many challenges teachers face on a day-to-day basis, we hope this evening sparks a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity.” Davis 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.”
Attending educators, from PreK to grade 12 (and beyond), can preview Museum exhibits and activities, work out the logistics of a school fieldtrip, talk directly with museum educators about on-site programs, and find out first-hand about distance learning, outreach and professional development opportunities. Partner organizations offering education and outreach programs will also be onsite to share information about other informal opportunities in the Triangle area and beyond.
Plus, through a partnership with SciREN (Scientific Research and Education Network), educators can 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, and to integrate relevant and real science into student learning.
There is no charge for the event, but registration (online at sciren.org/networking-events/sciren-triangle) is strongly encouraged. Attendees also receive free pizza with beverages.
According to Megan Davis, Museum Teacher Education Coordinator and manager of the event, “The main energy from the evening comes in the conversations that educators can have with the scientists while they explore the Museum. Despite the many challenges teachers face on a day-to-day basis, we hope this evening sparks a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity.” Davis 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 part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Learning Happens Here initiative, which highlight DNCR’s extensive educational resources and aims to inspire a love of learning, promote unity through shared history, foster science literacy, encourage environmental responsibility, and instill a lifelong passion for reading. Learn more at https://www.dncr.nc.gov/learninghappensherelanding.
About the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. In addition to two downtown buildings showcasing seven floors of world-class exhibits, the Museum runs Prairie Ridge Ecostation, a 45-acre outdoor education and research facility in west Raleigh, as well as satellite facilities in Whiteville, Greenville and Grifton (Contentnea Creek). Our mission is to illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation. Downtown Raleigh Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, visit www.naturalsciences.org.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.