Science Lessons for Stamford Middle School Teachers

Stamford’s middle school science teachers recently came together for a day of Professional Development and team-building at SoundWaters’ Coastal Education Center at Cove Island Park.

A total of 36 science teachers from Rippowam, Dolan, Cloonan, Rogers International School, Turn of River and Scofield Magnet Middle Schools worked and learned together on a beautiful day on Long Island Sound.

In addition to team-building and collaboration, the teachers participated in the same hands-on learning activities every 6th grade student in Stamford experiences through SoundWaters environmental science programs. The teachers learned to sail and canoe, tested water quality and donned waders and life-vests to capture animals for study using seine nets, just like many of their students do every year. The student programs are designed to reinforce and amplify classroom lessons and are aligned with state education standards.

“We collaborate throughout the year with the team at Stamford Public Schools to support and amplify their science curricula through field study programs, so professional development for the middle school science teachers is a natural growth in our partnership,” says SoundWaters President Leigh Shemitz, Ph.D. “This is year 3 of the collaboration, and we expanded to include all middle school science teachers. The focus and energy of the day is centered on collaboration, team-based learning and hands-on learning. The teachers were fabulous—they jumped into the activities, took risks, and worked together. It’s clearly going to be a great year for these teachers and their students.”

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The highlight of the day was watching each teacher take to the water and navigate a small sailboat to a floating marker and back to shore. Only a handful had any experience with sailing and the activity required the teachers to challenge themselves and each other to overcome any apprehension and build their confidence.

“This is, by far, the best professional development ever,” one sixth-grade teacher said.

Contributed photos: Stamford middle school science teachers participate in a learning session with SoundWaters.