Did you know that the Needham Public Schools (NPS) district has its own Elementary School Science Center? CNS recently met with Science Center Director Elise Morgan to learn more about this unique and special program.
“Since 1964 our Center has worked with well over 100,000 Needham students and 1200 Needham teachers, providing Natural History, Biology, Physical Science, Earth & Space Science and Applied Science education of the highest caliber. We remain committed to making science “Come Alive” in the Needham Public Schools.” – Needham Science Center website.
What is the Needham Science Center?
The Needham Science Center was created in 1964 by then NPS superintendent William Powers who sought to bring the excitement of science back to students. He recruited Norman Harris from the Boston Museum of Science to create a “museum approach” to education in Needham. The Science Center began as a small museum with rotating exhibits but has expanded into providing extensive science education in all of Needham’s elementary classrooms. This unique idea gained national recognition over the next 30 years. Locally, only Norwood and Burlington have developed similar programs. The Science Center is housed within Newman Elementary School and its mission is to support teachers in making science accessible to all elementary school students.
The Science Center has an extensive specimen collection, library, animal center, discovery classroom and kit preparation space. The Science Center utilizes the Eastman Conservation Area (directly behind Newman) to provide outdoor learning and exploration through various programs all year long. The Science Center also contains a rich collection of taxidermied animals (including a 6 ft polar bear that is decorated with the seasons) many of which were created on site by former director Dan DeWolf.
The science library has an inclusive set of books to show students that everyone can be a scientist. These books are checked out by teachers and used throughout curriculum units.
Additionally, the science center houses a rabbit, chinchilla, hedgehogs, turtle, gecko, bearded dragon, 10 water frogs, and countless fish/insects/worms. These animals are used for learning at all the elementary schools.
Students can utilize the Discovery Classroom, a space that allows for learning and exploring for those visiting the science center from other elementary schools. The Science Center also makes hundreds of science kits that are used in all elementary classrooms to provide additional hands-on learning. Science Center staff also provide professional development for teachers.
Who runs the Science Center?
The Science Center is run by Elise Morgan, in her 13th year as director, and employs 6 additional people, including a science coach, program specialists, animal caregivers, and administrative help. The science coach role, filled by Julie Perillo, was created last year and she provides teachers extra support when teaching science in or out of the classroom.
Science Curriculum K-5
The Science Center serves all elementary schools within the district offering students a robust, hands-on integrated experience in science that aligns with state curriculum guidelines. Kindergarten explores 4 different programs (earth, animals, construction, community) through a “centers” model, which promotes student autonomy and collaboration through learning. These themes are then integrated with literacy and play. First through fifth graders have a 45 minute science lesson usually 3 times a week with various subjects and themes. Each grade typically covers life science, earth science, and physical science units and the Science Center provides educational materials and kits for all units. A more detailed curriculum map can be found on the Science Center Website.
The Science Center aims to provide outdoor educational opportunities as much as possible. Many students take field trips to the Science Center at Newman, including all 5th graders to experience a pond unit. They come to learn in the discovery classroom and then head out to Eastman pond to explore. Other field trips explore oak trees and visit the Town Forest.
How can the Needham Community get involved and learn more?
NPS Families have the opportunity to help feed the animals over the weekend and over the summer break. This work requires training and background check. If you have expertise in taxidermy and an interest in helping repair/maintain specimens please reach out. The Science Center will gladly accept volunteers or donations to support their mission of bringing unique hands-on science education to students. Please contact sciencecenter@needham.ma.k12.us to learn more about available opportunities.
Check out the Needham Science Center website here. You can also follow the Science Center (@needhamsciencecenter) on Instagram to keep up with all the wonderful things they do throughout the school year.