Nadine McHenry, Ed.D.
216 Kirkbride Hall, Widener University
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
610-499-4259
ncmchenry@widener.edu
The Science Teaching Center (STC) was established in 1992 to offer outreach education programs to public and private schools in the Greater Delaware Valley region and online resources nationwide. Located in Kirkbride Hall at Widener University and more recently associated with the Taylor Arboretum at Widener, the STC is dedicated to generating and fostering interest in PK-16 science education with a focus on active engagement and inquiry-based teaching methods. The STC is a voluntary, collaborative organization comprised of professors who specialize in STEM teaching and learning along with expertise in various sciences, math, and engineering disciplines.
To promote and improve preK - 16 STEM teaching and learning by providing civically engaged coursework and research experiences for undergraduates, professional development for teacher candidates and in-service teachers, and enrichment for local students in preK-12 classrooms.
STC education, engineering, and science faculty along with WU undergraduate students value inquiry and collaboration. Inquiry encourages teachers and learners to engage with new ideas through curiosity and exploration. The importance of collaboration lies in the intersection of our diverse backgrounds. This intersection leads to our ability to provide inquiry-based teaching and learning experiences as they relate to STEM curricula and pedagogy. Our collaboration also allows for sharing scientific content knowledge, the use of technology, and the development and use of appropriate assessment techniques. Valuing collaboration and inquiry empowers participants to discover and create better futures through the development of scientific literacy.
To utilize our human resources, enhance STEM curriculum, and develop community engagement opportunities.
Utilize Human Resources: Further develop and use the expertise of education, engineering, and science faculty who have the requisite knowledge and skills to train educators (preK-16) and undergraduate students in inquiry-based science education, science content knowledge, and appropriate assessment.
Enhance Science Curriculum: Develop an extended set of course offerings, workshops, education materials (i.e., published lesson plans and associated field trips), and other supplements targeted to improve preK-16 educator’s understanding of STEM content, technology, inquiry-based instruction, and appropriate assessment.
Develop Community Engagement Opportunities: Work with community partners to provide professional development and enrichment opportunities in STEM education using service learning and civic engagement pedagogies for students (preK-12), undergraduate science and education majors, and educators in our region.
One of the driving forces in the STC is its focus on best practices in STEM education. Faculty in the Center for Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Engineering support certification programs for students pursuing bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Their mission is to promote and enhance Science, STEM, and STEAM teaching and learning from pre-K to grade 16, offering coursework and research experiences for undergraduates, professional development for teacher candidates and in-service teachers, and enrichment for local preK-12 students. The focus of much of this professional development is on inquiry-based teaching methods in science and other subjects, using the 5E model. This model incorporates hands-on activities, children's literature, innovative technology applications, and field trips to make science concepts engaging for young learners. Classroom experiences in local schools are essential for future educators to confirm their career choice.
The center also offers secondary education programs for teacher certification in biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, and physics. STC partners with organizations like Lankenau Hospital to provide innovative learning opportunities like “Healthy Me” to engage young people in environmental and civic activities. Additionally, the Community Engaged Teacher Education Program (CETE) integrates science methods, sustainability concepts, special education practices, and language arts to deliver effective science learning experiences to children in the local School District.