MU Graduate Student, Brittany Christian, Creates Chemistry Exhibit

 

 

It is not often that one can walk into a museum and find interactive chemistry exhibits. However, Brittany Christian, a master’s student in Chemistry Education Research at Miami University, has completed such an endeavor. Brittany’s research focuses on informal chemistry education. Informal learning includes, but is not limited to, the knowledge, skills, attitudes and insights we gain from our everyday experiences. She developed her display, “Take a Closer Look at Our Natural World,” to promote a deeper understanding of chemistry at a 6th grade level in a fun, interactive way. Tallawanda 6th graders will view her exhibit during a field trip to the museum. Christian plans to measure the exhibit’s interaction quality, student’s content gains, as well as, changes in students’ attitudes about chemistry as part of her research assignment. We are sure when you stop by to see the exhibit, you will become completely engaged in the activities…and learn a thing or two about chemistry! The Hefner Zoology Museum is hosting Ms. Christian’s project through February 24.

 

 

Mollusc Gallery

 

 

You are invited to peruse our newest addition to the museum, the Mollusc Gallery. Created by Miami University undergraduates, assisted by the faculty of the English department and the museum, the gallery showcases collections from all over the world. We appreciate the students' incredible efforts in researching and drafting the interpretive signs and in creating the graphics and artwork that accompany the exhibits.

 

 

 

 

 

We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the following individuals:

Students in English 415,
Capstone in Technical and Scientific Communication:

Katy Glaccum
John W. Gould
Gabriel P. Grollmus
Vanessa R. Moore
William B. O'Brien
Molly E. Williams

Independent Study in Zoology:

Elaina M. Wahl

Dr. Jean Lutz, English 415, Instructor
Dr. Hugh Morgan, Emeritus, Photographer

 

 

Classes Offered at The Hefner Zoology Museum

In addition to the opening of our Mollusc Gallery, the Hefner Zoololgy Museum is offering two classes for the academic year 2011-12.

ZOO 477 Undergraduate Environmental Fellows, offered for Honor Students, is a project sponsored by Miami University's Center for Environmental Education. This course is team-taught by Drs. Donald Kaufman ad Michael Secrest. Undergraduate Environmental Fellows will accomplish the following in this two semester class:

* Identify a local ecological site for future restoration by MU students

*Develop a plan for environmental education at the site

*Establish the site as a service learning project for future honors students, undergraduate fellows, and students interested in certification in natural history and environmental education

 

Botany/Zoology 351 Environmental Education: Focus on Natural History is a four-credit course designed for students interested in learning more about natural history and to prepare students for teaching about the environment in non-traditional settings, such as nature centers, zoos, arboreta, and museums. The goals of this course include: 1) to present a comprehensive overview of the region's natural history, 2) to encourage a greater respect for and understanding of our natural world and our place in it, and 3) to provide the background information, presentation skills, and creative activities necessary to teach natural history in informal settings.

The class will emphasize knowledge about natural history and the environment, as well as, methods to convey that information to the public. The course consists of inquiry labs, group discussions, and field trips. Students will receive an instructional overview of an aspect of the region's natural history and develop the skills necessary to teach natural history in informal settings. Field trips will be used as "hands-on" experience in observing and teaching about nature.

For more information on these courses, you may contact:

Dr. Donald G. Kaufman 513.529.4617 kaufmadg@muohio.edu
Dr. Michael Secrest 513.529.6085 secresma@muohio.edu