IGNITING STREAMS OF

LEARNING IN SCIENCE
SUMMIT 2010
GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

APRIL 9, 2010
www.islsohio.org

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Dear representatives of the media:

It is our pleasure to present you with a series of documents concerning the

Igniting Streams of Learning in Science Summit 2010.

These documents include the following:

ɶɶPress Release detailing the upcoming Summit

ɶɶDescription of the ISLS program

ɶɶSave-the-date card for the Summit

ɶɶContact information

ɶɶProgram FAQ

ɶɶAlumni quotes and testimonials

ɶɶList of funding sources and partnerships

ɶɶPromotional graphics

Please explore these documents to support your media communications about

the ISLS Summit 2010. If you need more information, please visit our Web site
at www.islsohio.org. For queries not available via our Web site, please send
e-mail to info@islsohio.org.

Yours sincerely,

Dennis J. Taylor Mary Louise Holly Sajit Zachariah

Hiram College Kent State University The University of Akron
Co-Director, ISLS Co-Director, ISLS Co-Director, ISLS

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PRESS RELEASE

IGNITING STREAMS OF LEARNING IN SCIENCE SUMMIT 2010

SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 9 AT GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Grant-funded program of Hiram College, Kent State University, and The

University of Akron showcases three years of student projects focused on
water conservation and inquiry-based learning

Kent, Ohio, February 19, 2010—To celebrate the success of the “Water: H20 =
Life” exhibit, which closes a 5-month run at the Great Lakes Science Center on
April 11, 2010, Igniting Streams of Learning in Science (ISLS) and partners will
host the first STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Summit
at the Center on April 9, 2010, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Attending the Summit will be the faculty and staff of ISLS, alumni (and parents)
from the three cohort years, and representatives from co-sponsors and partners.
Ten learning communities (LCs), comprising five students, one teacher, and one
near-peer mentor (college junior or senior in either science or science education),
will exhibit posters illustrating the learning community’s yearlong learning object,
which each LC began during an eight-day summer institute at Hiram College.

The goals of ISLS include increasing high-school student interest in teaching sci-
ence in high school and increasing the number of high-school students pursing
college majors in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects.
The ISLS Academy also connects students to their local environments, which is
generally accomplished through the process of curriculum development and con-
struction of the learning object. Community service and activism are a prominent
part of the ISLS educational model. Our ultimate goal is to serve as a model for
transformative science education that promotes learning in all community mem-
bers, as well as systemic change.

To date, 22 schools—rural, suburban, and urban—have participated in three

ISLS academies, which comprise the summer institute, several meetings
throughout the school year, and a trip to Columbus to present their work at a ma-
jor education conference. The 2009 cohort recently presented at the eTech Ohio
conference in February.

ISLS is funded by grants from the Ohio Board of Regents and the Martha Holden
Jennings Foundation, with additional support from the Herbert W. Hoover Foun-
dation. For more information about the ISLS Summit 2010, please contact Tim
Sisson at The University of Akron: tls48@uakron.edu, or (330) 972-2803. To
learn more about Igniting Streams of Learning in Science, please visit the pro-
gram Web page at www.islsohio.org.

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abo u t

igniting streams of
learNing in science
Ohio is a national leader in the development of ecologically-based research
using standardized protocols for assessing the health of rivers, streams and
wetlands using biological criteria. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
(OEPA) protocols used for this research can provide valuable ecological data for
improving landscape design in urban and rural environments when incorporated
into high school science curricula. Igniting Streams of Learning in Science (ISLS)
invites students and teachers from local school districts sharing a common
watershed, to a Science Academy funded by the Ohio Board of Regents (OBR).

Goals
The OBR Academies have as goals: (1) increasing high-school student interest
in teaching science in high school and (2) increasing the number of high-school
students pursing college majors in science, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) subjects.
The ISLS Academy also endeavors to connect students to local
environments. Using the OEPA Primary Headwater Habitat (PHWH) and Ohio
Rapid Assessment Method (ORAM) protocols for assessing headwater streams
and wetlands, we hope to stimulate genuine student interest in science by
assessing and potentially transforming local rural and urban landscapes on the
Cuyahoga River watershed.

Learning Communities
The ISLS Learning Communities (LCs) are composed of high school teachers
and students; college undergraduates working with OEPA and other local, state,
and federal agency professionals; university faculty and graduate students from
Kent State University, Hiram College, and the University of Akron; and citizens
from private corporations. Each LC develops learning objects (LOs) (elements of
a curriculum) that (1) are aligned with Ohio science standards, (2) use modern
technology embraced already by students, and (3) incorporate ecosystem
approaches for solving issues of local landscapes identified by local citizens—in
this case, students and teachers.

Changing Science Teaching
The Academy provides a model for augmenting or offering an alternative to
traditional science proficiency tests with assessments of science proficiency
that integrate research designed by students and teachers into a curriculum
to improve local landscapes. This active learning approach enables a higher
level of proficiency in science by doing science to understand science, while
fostering environmental stewardship and creation of curricula based on
student-recognized environmental problems.
igniting streams of In May 2010, ISLS will complete its third cohort year.
learning in science
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I S L S

F A
Q. Why do you call it “Igniting Streams” of Learning in Science?
Q
A. As you may remember, the Cuyahoga River infamously burned in June 1969.
While the story barely made the local news the next day (after all, the river had
burned at least a dozen times before, the worst in 1952), it has been kept alive
by environmentalists determined to ensure that the river’s miraculous recovery,
and the work that went into it, are never forgotten. The name “Igniting Streams”
is a reference both to the fires on the polluted Cuyahoga River which is our
inspiring water source for this program, and also to the “igniting” of student
passion for learning and for science.

Q. When is your next ISLS institute?

A. Pending funding, we plan to go forward with our next summer institute in June
2011.

Q. I teach Elementary/Middle school, but really like your approach. How

can I get involved with your group, or would someone be willing to do a
workshop with my students?
A. We welcome interest from teachers at all levels! While we do not currently
have plans for academies for elementary or middle school students, the future of
ISLS is wide open. In fact, several of our ISLS learning communities have taught
environmental science modules to elementary and middle school students—they
would be happy to share their work with you.
Opportunities exist for helping with grant writing, so if you’re interested in
being part of making ISLS a long-term part of Ohio education, please let us
know. If you would like someone to create a workshop for your students, please
get in touch to discuss your ideas and needs.

Q. Are the materials available on your Web site free for classroom use?
A. Yes! These lesson plans and other documents have withstood the test of
three cohort years of ISLS and have ignited a passion for science in many high
school students each summer. Please use them as you see fit; we ask only that
you do not claim ownership of them.

Q. Science camps are so nerdy. How do I get my students/children

interested in taking part, especially when they are involved in so many
different things?
A. Perhaps the best response to this oft-asked question is to direct you to the
ISLS Quotes page (page 7 in this document). Quotes from our alumni make
clear: if this is nerdy, then bring it on!
Some students were concerned that they weren’t “brainy” enough for a
igniting streams of
science camp; however, ISLS maintains the attitude that all students can learn
learning in science and succeed at science, given an inquiry-based setting with hands-on projects
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that bring scientific content and principles to life.
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I S L S
C O N T A C T
INFORMATION
Co-Directors
Dennis J. Taylor, Ph.D., Professor of Biology
Hiram College
PO Box 67
Hiram, OH 44234
Phone: 330 569 5267
E-mail: taylordj@hiram.edu

Mary Louise Holly, Ph.D., Director, Faculty Professional Development Center

Kent State University
PO Box 5190
Kent, OH 44242
Phone: 330 672 1919
E-mail: mholly@kent.edu

Sajit Zachariah, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Administration and Strategic Initiatives in the
College of Education
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330 972 6662
E-mail: zac@uakron.edu

Staff
Tim Sisson, Coordinator of STEM Projects, Education Dean’s Office
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330 972 8203
E-mail: tsisson@uakron.edu

Holly Wells, Documentation & Research Specialist, ISLS

Kent State University
PO Box 5190
Kent, OH 44242
Phone: 330 672 1904
E-mail: hmwells@kent.edu

Web
www.islsohio.org

igniting streams of Conference Registration

learning in science http://tinyurl.com/isls-summit
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ISLS ALUMNI QUOTES

“Denny [Taylor] has inspired everyone in our group in one way or another.”
“None of us knew that together we would embark on such an
influential mission to learn understanding and agreement.”
“The program has broken my view that class must take place in the classroom.”

“We can really do something

about science education.”
“Biology has become my passion—I cannot get enough of it. I
want to become a biologist and study environmental science.”
“I hope that we can encourage other students to go for the
ISLS program not [just] for the awesome knowledge you gain,
but for the eye-opening experience and making new friends.”
“Sure, our group was a little immature at times, but when it came
down to get things done, we were there working harder than
ever to make sure our work was the best we could produce.”

“We were of course always laughing about

everything, which I believe made our
learning process and experience amazing.”
“Probably the best part of the camp [was seeing that] there are
places other than where someone lives that are very interesting.”
“I definitely liked ISLS a lot, because I don’t like to be considered the student,
and quite frankly, the fact that we were all learning together was refreshing.”
“The tables are round, as no one can take precedence over any
others, promoting equality. The arrangement of tables shows
each learning community’s affiliation with those around it.”

“The only thing that can

change your outlook on the
world is an angle change.”

“Learning communities is how

ALL education should be.”
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I S L S
CO-SPONSORS
AND PARTNERS
PARTNER FUNDING SPONSORS
HIGH SCHOOLS The Ohio Board of Regents
The OBR has provided major funding for the ISLS program since its
2007: inception in 2007.
Berkshire
Crestwood
The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
Cuyahoga Falls
The Jennings Foundation has provided funding for documentation of the
Independence ISLS program, as well as other operating costs.
Kenston
Newbury
Ravenna The Herbert W. Hoover Foundation
Roosevelt (Kent) The Hoover Foundation is a new partnership for ISLS. The Foundation will
Streetsboro assist in funding the upcoming Summit 2010.

2008:
Champion
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Great Lakes Science Center
Crestwood
John Marshall Turning Technologies/Turning Foundation
North (Akron)
Roosevelt (Kent) PARTNERS
Rootstown Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Cleveland Metroparks
2009: Cleveland Botanical Gardens
Barberton
EnviroScience
Berea
Ohio Learning Network
Canton Early College
Ohio STEM Learning Network
Canton McKinley
Ohio Department of Education
Green
Portage Soil & Water Conservation District
Kenmore (Akron)
Midpark Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District
Shaker Heights Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Stow Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program
The Holden Arboretum
MC2STEM High School
StarkParks
igniting streams of National Inventors Hall of Fame School, Center for STEM Learning
learning in science
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Western Reserve Land Conservancy
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© R. MAKAR | H. M. WELLS | KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

Wh a t if... FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
PLACE
t h e E a r th c o u ld b e y o u r C u r r iculum KENT, OH 44242-00
STAMP
t h e E n v ir o n m e n t, y o u r T e a c her
HERE
an d S c ie n c e , y o u r F u tu r e .. . http://islsohio.org

IGNITING STREAMS OF LEARNING IN SCIENCE

SUMMIT 2010
April 9, 2010, 6–9 p.m.
Great Lakes Science Center
Cleveland, OH

Save the date.

Find out how Igniting Streams of Learning in Science and other
community partners are changing the way we think about—
and learn—science in Ohio.

Find out how teachers and faculty, college and high school
students, and science and business professionals, are working
to bring about deep learning in science and the environment
-- especially water resources.

More information to come HIRAM COLLEGE | KENT STATE UNIVERSITY | THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
FUNDED BY THE OHIO BOARD OF REGENTS AND
THE MARTHA HOLDEN JENNINGS FOUNDATION
HERBERT W HOOVER FOUNDATION
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FIELD
W O R K

TEACHING
O T H E R S

LEARNING—THE ISLS VISION

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S I T E
V I S I T S

CONFERENCE
PRESENTATIONS

LEARNING—THE ISLS VISION