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Western Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental
Education A partnership of Copper Country &
Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School Districts and Michigan Technological
University Serving schools and
communities in Houghton, Baraga, Gogebic, Ontonagon and Keweenaw Counties |
For Immediate Release: March 6, 2003 For More
Information:
Joan Chadde
487-3341
Loret Roberts
482-0331
Science Discovery
Assembly Programs at Area Schools
~ Monday-Friday, March 4-10, 2003 ~
Imagine a python
wrapped around your neck! Maybe if you are in the Amazon rainforest, but not in
the Upper Peninsula where its 0 degrees outside!! However, 2200 area school
children will get the opportunity to touch a live 45-pound python, millipede,
and lizard this week, as part of the assembly programs being conducted by
Science Discovery, Inc. of downstate Columbus, MI. Mike Roberts, owner of
Science Discovery, will be visiting nine schools in Houghton, Baraga and
Gogebic counties from March 4 through March 10 to conduct a variety of programs
for grades K-6 students. The Western
Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education is
hosting the Science Discovery Assembly Programs at schools in the Copper
Country and Gogebic-Ontonagon ISDs.
“The interest from schools has been overwhelming! We have
scheduled the assembly programs for every morning and afternoon this week, plus
evening shows. I know we’ll have to invite them back next year so he can visit
the schools that missed out this year,” explained Joan Chadde, assembly
coordinator for Western Upper Peninsula Center. “Students have been super
enthusiastic!”
Science Discovery assembly programs are 45 minutes long.
Five different shows are available to choose from: Creepy Critters Can be
Cool, Tropical Rainforest, Back to Bones, Homeward Bound, and Animal Tales.
Each show allows students the opportunity to pet at least one animal. Mike
Roberts, owner of Science Discovery, Inc., established the business in
1989. Science Discovery staff include
an animal trainer and professional entertainer. Animals are housed in a USDA
licensed facility. Programs are designed to make learning come alive.
Three different Science Discovery Programs are being
offered at area schools this week:
Animal Tales (Pre-school & Gr. 1) uses live animals to illustrate four stories that
are read aloud to the students. After each story, a live animal featured in the
story is shown and questions about
that animal are
answered. The stories include: The
Boastful Bullfrog, There Is An Alligator Under My Bed, and The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate The Wash.
Creepy
Critters Can Be Cool (K-6) presents
the differences between insects and arachnids, as well as the differences
between amphibians and reptiles. Both live insects (large!) and a
few models of insects will be shown to students. Typically, a giant
hissing cockroach, a millipede, and a rose haired tarantula are used. Common
student misconceptions are addressed and misleading information is
explained. In the second half of the show, a large species of frog is
used to discuss the unique characteristics of amphibians. In addition to
the frog, a lizard, an American alligator and a large python are shown to
illustrate the similarities and differences between amphibians and reptiles. As
students leave the room they will be able to pet a python!
Tropical
Rainforest: A Circle of Life (K-6) uses live rainforest animals to explain food
chains, photosynthesis and how animals and plants interact for the
long-term benefit of all. A giant hissing cockroach, a frog, a tarantula,
and a giant millipede are used to illustrate the carnivores, herbivores and
decomposers that comprise the food chain typical of rainforests. Students will
also learn about the most famous type of rainforest animal¾a macaw, which is the largest of the
parrots. A large python is displayed at the end of the show which
students can pet as they leave the room!
To request an assembly
program for next year, contact: Joan
Chadde, Assembly Coordinator
Western Upper Peninsula
Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education at Michigan
Technological University. Email: jchadde@mtu.edu ; Tel: 906-487-3341; Website: wupcenter.mtu.edu
OR to learn more about Science Discovery: www.sciencediscoveryshows.com
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Science Discovery Assembly Program Schedule
for March 4-10, 2003 is attached.