Opening minds to the wonders of science through integration with the arts
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Theater,
Science
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Magic
Opening minds to the wonders of science through integration with the arts |
Fourteen young scholars, ages 12-17 came together for two weeks (June 20- July 1, 2005) to create a School of Magic for younger children (the apprentices) that visited Villanova during the second week of the program.
Here is a link to the announcement for the Summer Program 2005.
The scholars attended science, theater, Native American culture and magical illusion classes during the first week.
They worked extremely well as a group and created a truly magical experience for the children that visited as part of our outreach component.
The result of their efforts was an all-day adventure/theatrical/educational experience for younger children. We had over 100 inner-city kids that visited (in 3 groups) and "enrolled" in the magic school.
This picture appeared in the Suburban and Wayne Times article (9/1/05) about our program (here is a link to the online version).
The scholars produced a concept for an "American School of Magic," complete with characters for the teachers,
...lessons (here they integrated their science classes), and various side adventures that the Villanova campus naturally provides ....
A walk through the giant "whomping willow" tree on the Lancaster avenue green.
The apprentices came to Villanova by train - they boarded the Magic School Express at track 3 1/2 (aka the 10:49 SEPTA R5 train at 30th St Station Philadelphia). First they had to get their school supplies and magical money from the bank at the magical mall that was hidden in the station.... You needed the magical money to buy magical treats and toys during the train ride - some difficult choices there!
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The welcome crew included a bagpiper who led the apprentices to the welcome banquet.
Faculty, staff, and students from many departments across campus collaborated to create, oversee, and teach in the pilot program. The program was sponsored by the department of Computing Sciences at Villanova University in partnership with SCIENCE Resources (a non-profit organization that disseminates science activities and resources for home-schooled children) and the Department of Recreation of the City of Philadelphia. Several other departments at Villanova contributed substantial resources and/or expertise: Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Theater, Part-time Studies, University Information Technologies, Multicultural Affairs, Astronomy, History, and the University Bookstore. Cornerstone Academy (a church organization) and CONGRESO (a non-profit organization that helps Hispanic families) also helped organize our outreach, bringing groups on June 29 and July 1, respectively. Representatives from SEPTA and Amtrak assisted us with our transportation plans and logistics at 30th Street Station. Both SEPTA and Amtrak were very supportive of our program, helping us set up and giving us free use of the station on the mornings of our outreach. Logistics support and donations from many individuals and organizations is gratefully acknowledged.
The program assessment plan was developed by Dr. Debbie Kossman (from National Analysts, a Philadelphia research consulting firm). She designed and conducted interviews in focus groups with the older participants during the second week of the program and with some of the younger participants 4 weeks after their attendance of the magic school. The results of these studies will be crucial in assessing our progress in attaining our educational objectives and planning the future of our program.
