Roche Summer Science Project
Roche Summer Science Project

Roche Summer Science Project

Paterson Lessons Go to Brazil

Sarah Laldee, lead teacher for PEF's Roche Summer Science project, will represent Paterson at the American Geophysical Union's Meeting of the America's in Brazil in August. Laldee will make a presentation about using the local urban environment to teach earth science. The presentation is based on two summers of work with middle school students at the Paterson YMCA.

Laldee, Teacher of the Year for Paterson's School 2, leads a team of 8 teachers and 8 interns as they develop lessons on watershed ecology to enhance their teaching skills. The team presents lessons to middle school aged students at the Paterson YMCA. Together the teachers and students explore the question, "Would you swim in the Passaic River?" During the program, teachers will explore the use of new teaching technologies as students test water, indentify pollutants and devise projects to help clean up the river.

"I'm so excited and honored to be chosen," says Laldee. "I'll be working with teachers from across the Americas to model how to take advantage of local habitat for engaging adolescents." It won't be Laldee's first venture abroad. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and an Earthwatch Teacher Fellow.

The PEF/Roche Summer Science initiative is designed to provide professional development opportunities for Paterson teachers. "We asked some of our small grants winners what would be the best way of enhancing their science skills," explains Irene Sterling , PEF's president. "They wanted more quality time with students and more time to work together on analyzing the lessons and student learning."

"There's just not enough time in the school day," says fellow teacher Lynn Tarrent. "We thought if we partnered with community summer enrichment programs, we'd help them strengthen their offerings and we'd work with regular kids, not just science nerds. It's been great!"




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