Special Programs

Overview

The Science Education Academy’s Community Science Carnival, for students K-6, includes a day of fun, hands-on science experiments covering a range of topics. Parents aren’t left out either! We have community science workshops, local university research presentations, and hands-on science demonstrations for parents too! The Carnival is FREE and open to the public, and includes lunch and treats. Join us for some science fun for the whole family!

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Overview

SEA organizes several outings to showcase STEM activities in and around Philadelphia. Each year we feature guests and visits to various locations including:

• Academy of the Sciences-Philadelphia
• Cobbs Creek Park Environmental Education Center
• Dr. Kings Heart Dissections
• Local Musicians
• Johnson Farms
• NBC 10 Studio
• Tyler Arboretum
• University of Pennsylvania Laboratory Visits

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Overview

At the first SEA Women in Science day, we invited 9 women scientists (medical doctor, research scientists, engineer, veterinarian scientist, science policy analyst, professor) to talk to middle and high school girls about science careers.

The program format was engaging and interactive. Each woman scientist led a table through an experiment, discussion or activity related to their profession or career path. The participants rotated to different tables to experience the many careers available to scientists.

Many of the girls were surprised by the many options available in the sciences and were shocked that science could be fun. The program was an enriching and inspiring experience for all involved and we will be planning similar events in the future.

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Science Education Academy offers a traveling program which performs demonstrations and simple hands-on experiments with elementary school children. Our program provides volunteers and all materials.

We provide programs in the Philadelphia and DC/Maryland areas for community organizations, school programs, and libraries. Our current traveling programs are Eye Dissections, Zebra Fish Development, and Lifeforms Dissections. We also exhibit a community STEM days and fairs. For more information and to discuss availability and pricing, please contact: sea.philly2008@gmail.com.

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Overview

SEA’s students have participated in the citywide George Washington Carver Science Fair since 2010. The fair is open to students in the local schools (public, private, parochial, and cyber systems) as well as area afterschool and out-of-time school programs. SEA falls into the last category. The fair is open to youth between grades 4th and 12th and averages 800 to 1,000 entries each year. For us, participation in the science fair is something undertaken by our older students (4th and 5th graders) and alumni; making fair participation a nice “next step” in SEA participation. SEA has had an excellent track record at the George Washington Carver Science Fair. We first entered the fair in 2010 with 3 projects. Since that time our students have consistently placed within program divisions. In preparation for the fair, each of our students work with a UPenn graduate student or post-doctoral fellow to undertake their projects. From the initial critical thinking phases to the construction of their science fair boards our volunteers are there each step of the way. Along with the great support we receive from our volunteers, our program parents are also fully committed to their children’s projects!

Overview

In 2013, Dr. Danielle Haney (SEA Executive Director) and Dr. Tishina Okegbe  (Former SEA volunteer) conducted a program with students in Lesotho, Southern Africa.

The purpose of the International Connections program was twofold. First, primary students from Philadelphia and secondary students from Moyeni HS engage in an online scientific curriculum designed to challenge students academically and to encourage them to make observations about their daily life and surroundings. Secondly, the program sought to elicit cultural exchange on both sides, so that Philadelphia students learn about Basotho culture and so that Basotho students learn about American culture. In this way, students grow not only as scientists and critical thinkers, but also develop an international perspective. Additionally, the program provided an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on experiments, a rarity in present day Lesotho.