All 5,000 MPS 3rd-graders to experience part of science curriculum at Milwaukee Public Museum
Newest Learning Journey partnership to be announced Thursday morning
MILWAUKEE (February 6, 2013) – All Milwaukee Public Schools third-graders – more than 5,000 of them – will find part of their science curriculum come to life at the Milwaukee Public Museum this year and in the coming years as part of the latest exclusive MPS Learning Journey to be announced Thursday.
Learning Journeys are much more than field trips. Students engage in grade-specific learning experiences at some of southeast Wisconsin’s finest museums, cultural centers and scientific venues. Those learning experiences are specifically developed for MPS students and tie directly to classroom instruction.
For the new Planet Earth Learning Journey at the Milwaukee Public Museum, MPS curriculum specialists and MPM experts worked together to create the experiences, which are directly aligned to the rigorous Next Generation Science Framework. A grant from the Helen Bader Foundation helped make the newest Learning Journey possible. The Planet Earth Learning Journey utilizes museum assets, including The Third Planet and the Daniel M. Soref National Geographic Dome Theater and Planetarium, to take students through time from the formation of our solar system and through the following 4.6 million years.
The announcement is set for 9 a.m. February 7 atop the grand staircase at the museum, 800 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee 53233. Media are invited to attend; a group of students will be experiencing the Learning Journey following the announcement.
“This is exciting for our students. Learning Journeys help make learning engaging and vibrant; we’re bringing the curriculum to life. For many of our students, this direct connection from the classroom to real-life scientific experiences only happens through Learning Journeys. We are grateful for the support of our generous partners – the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Helen Bader Foundation – for their commitment to and support of Learning Journeys, “ MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton said.
”This program fits right with the Museum’s mission to inspire curiosity and engage students about the natural world through our exhibits and programs. This is a win-win for both institutions and we look forward to future collaborations,” MPM President and CEO Jay Williams said.
MPS’ two previously-announced Learning Journeys include a Great Lakes/freshwater learning experience for all 5th-graders at Discovery World and a financial literacy experience for all 8th-graders at the Junior Achievement Kohl’s Education Center.
This news is available online at: http://www5.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/dept/superintendent/2013/02/all-5000-mps-3rd-graders-to-experience-part-of-science-curriculum-at-milwaukee-public-museum/
Milwaukee Public Schools is Wisconsin’s largest school district, serving more than 78,000 students in more than 160 schools across the city. U.S. News and World Report named MPS’ Rufus King International School and Ronald Wilson Reagan College Preparatory High School the two best high schools in the state and among the 200 best in the country in 2012. In the past year, Milwaukee Public Schools posted a growing graduation rate 17 points higher than the rate for 2000.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.