January 25, 2021
Allentown School District (ASD) is excited to expand its STEM partnership between the district and the Da Vinci Science Center (DSC) to include PPL Electric Utilities (PPL) and the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC). The unique collaboration will provide all 2,574 ASD fourth and fifth grade students and their teachers with hands-on science education materials to complement their virtual classrooms.
Thanks to a generous gift from PPL, fourth grade students will each receive the book,“Everyday Energy” which features short stories that incorporates reading into the lessons of “How Can We Provide Energy to People’s Homes,” while fifth grade students will read “Water Works” which features short stories that incorporates reading into the lessons of “How Can We Get Fresh Water to Those in Need.”
Along with the books, students will receive a hands-on science kits from Da Vinci Science Center that will enable them to perform their science curriculum activities virtually.
DSC and SSEC will also provide a full day of professional development training exclusive to ASD staff, as well as five sessions of co-teaching support to help teachers launch this Science curriculum in their virtual classrooms. Hands-on materials and student and teacher programs are made possible with support from The Century Fund.
“This partnership will provide access to engaging STEM materials, helping to bridge the gap of science education in this virtual environment,” said Greg Dudkin, President of PPL Electric Utilities. “We’re proud to collaborate with SSEC and DSC on this critical initiative in our community to enhance the education of students and nurture further interest in STEM subjects.”
This collaborative effort serves various purposes, including preventing learning loss in science; providing students with hands-on STEM materials during virtual learning, thereby increasing their engagement in STEM; and supporting teacher implementation of new STEM curriculum in a virtual environment. Not only does this unique initiative provide high-quality, robust science education materials, it sets a stellar example for future partnerships among organizations with similar educational goals.
“The Allentown School District is incredibly grateful for the collaborative partnership of PPL and the Century Fund, who repeatedly show their commitment to creating a better future for the youth of our city, by investing in STEM education,” said Thomas Parker, ASD Superintendent. “STEM programming through SSEC & DSC not only enhances ASD’s high-quality virtual learning experience, but also helps advance the work outlined in the district’s Strategic Framework of personalized learning and instruction through anytime anywhere learning opportunities.”
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