Learn more about EiE in Ohio! Listen to Norma Howell, MCESC, and Virginia McClain, ACESC, discuss EiE in Ohio on The Education Report. Upcoming Summer Teacher Training EiE in Ohio will be busy with K-5 teacher training workshops this summer. Join us! Join the EiE in Ohio Listserv If you are an EiE Ohio teacher who wishes to communicate with other teachers, join the Ohio Teachers Listserv.

News & Media

Listen to Norma Howell, STEM Resource Center Curriculum Coordinator for Montgomery County ESC, & Virginia McClain, Director of Curriculum for Auglaize County ESC, discuss EiE in Ohio on The Education Report (Clear Channel, Dayton, OH). Audio begins automatically in approx. 8 seconds.

The EiE curriculum is drawing national attention, and was recently recognized in the Wall Street Journal (March 13, 2008):

Methods Are 'Liberating'

Christine Cunningham, a Museum of Science vice president who created and directs the program, was driven by the notion of including more girls and minorities to the profession before middle school. "I always had an interest in how we're teaching science and why people drop out," she says, arguing that the subject is often taught too rigidly and without much in creativity. Teaching through problem-solving storybooks that feature characters from around the globe "becomes a lot richer and is liberating for many kids and many teachers," she says.

The curriculum can cost as little as $40—the price of a teacher's binder, including lesson plans and one storybook. For about $6,000, a school could furnish materials, refills and a storybook for each student in every grade.

Locally, in the Celina (Ohio) Daily Standard of May 16, 2008 William Kincaid reports:

FORT RECOVERY — Science and math teaching is changing from textbooks to more hands-on activities at some area schools.  

Fort Recovery, New Bremen and St. Henry schools were awarded a collective $500,000 grant this year from The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition.

Fort Recovery teachers Crystal Guggenbiller [Fullenkamp] and Carrie Kahlig — who traveled to Boston last month for STEM related professional development — told their school board members this week they will use new inquiry-based techniques in various classes to teach math, science, technology and engineering.

For instance, Guggenbiller [Fullenkamp], a middle school science teacher, said she will separate students in groups.  The groups will work together to solve problems and complete projects, such as the creation of a miniature wind mill.  The skills will be applicable not only to engineering, but future jobs as well, she said.

This summer, a STEM camp will be held for students entering the sixth grade.  Also, next year there will be a STEM lab for seventh-graders.  The students will learn about laser engravers and CNC machines white working with leather, plastic and aluminum.

School officials want to change prevailing student perceptions about engineering — particularly, the notion of engineering as an exclusively male vocation.

When Guggenbiller [Fullenkamp] recently asked her students their thoughts about engineering, she said one boy innocently said only men can be engineers.  Many in the class said their, fathers, grandfathers or uncles were engineers, but few mentioned female relatives.

By employing two young female teachers to coordinate and teach STEM issues, some school officials hope girls may be less intimidated and more willing to engage engineering.

So far, the school has spent $130,000 of its grant money on technology equipment, Superintendent David Riel said.

Elementary Principal Shelly Vaughn said Fort Recovery is now collaborating and networking with New Bremen and St. Henry school officials like never before.  “We've (gained) so much from this partnership,” Vaughn said.

When asked by board President Dan Kahlig where she sees Fort Recovery in five years, Vaughn said a school of elementary students with a good understanding of engineering concepts.