The 2000 Pennsylvania Governor’s Institute offered a wide range of learning objectives and opportunities, as well as the chance to interact with representatives from over 30 agencies, organizations, associations, and resource individuals.

Participants learned they must help their colleagues integrate the Academic Standards into “non-science” subjects such as social studies, mathematics, and art. Guided by Institute staff, the science teachers carefully examined the new standards as well as other state standards across a range of traditional disciplines. They planned strategies for creative, effective curriculum implementation.

Ecosystem:

A community of living organisms and their interrelated physical and chemical environment.

As a break from classroom-centered activities, educators experienced firsthand the breathtaking array of Eastern Pennsylvania’s natural treasures. In this context, teachers better understood the need to confront complex, real-world environmental challenges within the classroom and beyond.

From a guided tour of the massive Bethlehem Works brownfields redevelopment project to a canoe trip down the historic Lehigh River, field trips introduced the scope of the region’s ecological complexity, and some of the political, social, and economic issues that affect official decision-making in the area of environmental resource management.

Below is an agenda highlighting the week’s events and activities:

A warm welcome

Fruit platter at The Holiday Inn

Sharing ideas

Teachers recreate colors from nature

Tour of Air Products Corporation

Small group session