Project ASTRO

November 15, 2010

Lindsey

Most teachers I know chose their profession because they want to be a positive influence in the lives of their students, and make a difference every day through education. Teachers in Baltimore City may not have realized they’d also have the opportunity to partner with Astronomers in a unique way through a program entitled Project ASTRO.

Project ASTRO is a program managed by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) to link astronomers with teachers in local schools. Towson University serves as the lead institution for the regional site, in cooperation with the Maryland Science Center and the Space Telescope Science Institute. The project focuses on elementary and middle school classrooms in Baltimore City and has produced 20 astronomer-educator partnerships over the course of the program throughout the Baltimore region.

As a Project ASTRO site institution, Towson University is responsible for recruiting educator and astronomer partners and for bringing them together for a workshop where they learn how to forge effective collaborations, how to make use of local Astronomy resources, and how to implement hands-on, inquiry-based Astronomy activities in their classrooms. The material supplied by the ASP is aligned with National Science Education Standards.

The specific goals of Project ASTRO are to bring direct benefits to both teachers and students by:

1. Promoting active learning methods in science classrooms that engage both teachers and students and improve student attitudes towards science

2. Offering role models for students by showing them working examples of who scientists are and what they do

3. Providing professional development for teachers through workshops, in-service training, and one-to-one partnerships with local content “experts”

The two contacts for this great outreach endeavor are Dr. Rommel Miranda and Dr. Jennifer Scott.  Dr. Scott was just recognized as a receipient of the  National Science Foundation’s (NSF) prestigious CAREER award.  Over the  next four years, in addition to her work with Project ASTRO, Dr. Scott will be investigating the effects of the intergalactic medium (IGM) and quasars on galaxy formation and evolution

It is clear that programs such as Project ASTRO build partnerships, enhance education, and create a fun learning environment for teachers and students alike.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Election ‘10… YOU DECIDE!

October 18, 2010

Lindsey

Every day of our lives, we make personal decisions. What are we going to wear? What’s for dinner? Who are we going to talk to? Every once in a while, the decisions we make turn into things that are not just about us, but about something much bigger. This year is one of those exciting times when Maryland citizens will be able to make important decisions during the 2010 election. Towson University is helping citizens to make their choice by bringing candidates onto campus for informative sessions, during a series of events entitled “Election ’10…You Decide!”

DEBATE on OCTOBER 20th
During this event, Candidates for the Maryland State Senate, 42nd District, will participate in a debate. Candidates James Brochin and Kevin Carney will be in attendance. The debate will take place on Wednesday, October 20, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. inside of The Minnegan Room which is connected to the Johnny Unitas Stadium. Parking will be available in Lot 20 across from Unitas Stadium off of Auburn Drive.

The Debate is a follow up to a Discussion event that took place on October 13th. During this event, Candidates for the Maryland House of Delegates, 42nd District, participated in a Candidate Forum. The following candidates were in attendance:
Susan Aumann                  Lori Albin
John Fiastro                       Oz Bengur
William Frank                    Stephen Lafferty

Towson University is hoping that providing these opportunities on campus will help Maryland citizens become informed to confidently cast their vote on November 2nd.

“Election ’10…You Decide!” is sponsored by:
Towson University
Towson University Student Government Association
Greater Towson Council of Community Associations
Towson Chamber of Commerce
The Towerlight
Towson Times

Check out the TU in the Community Events page for more events that are open to the community.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

STEM Turned into STEAM

September 27, 2010

Lindsey

By the title of this blog post, you most likely have no idea what I will be talking about. This blog will not be about plants, nor will it be about something produced from a factory. Let me explain. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and is a term used for related education. STEM becomes STEAM when you add an A for Arts into the mix. One great example of STEAM is the Methods for Teaching Dance class offered on campus.

Every semester, Towson University (TU) Dance Majors prepare and implement dance classes that are geared to teaching the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum of Baltimore City. Through a TU Service-Learning Grant obtained with help from the Office of Civic Engagement, students are able to travel to the Baltimore IT Academy (BIT) to bring STEM to life in the classroom.

TU Dance Majors get the real world experience of designing and applying education through dance and the BIT students get a unique and fun learning opportunity mixed with physical exercise and a great social experience as they connect 1:1 with TU students. To benefit families and the community, a final performance of creative projects is shared at the end of the semester. Last year the course was able to reach 25 students and 15 dance education majors by teaching the Rock Cycle of the earth through movement.

With a Service-Learning Course such as this, the school wins by adding to their academic curriculum, the community wins by having a way to tie everyone together, and TU students win the real-world experience of applying their education.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Towson Community Night: Football and Fun for the Whole Family!

September 7, 2010

Lindsey

All week long, a buzz is on the street. The news covers the topic every day and you can feel the energy and excitement as you walk to the stadium. The crowd parts and you see the field, 100 yards of green that makes your heart smile. Fall is here and that means Football!

In the past, I have taken the football season to just mean the NFL. I went to a small undergraduate college where there was no football team, so college football didn’t exist in my world until 2008. That fall, I enrolled in Towson University as a Graduate Student and quickly learned that college football is not only a passion, it’s a way of life, and a fantastic way to bring the community and University together.

In honor of that great connection, Towson University is hosting Towson Community Night on Saturday, September 11. The Towson Tigers will be playing Coastal Carolina with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. in Johnny Unitas Stadium. Game specials that night include:

• The first 500 fans to the game will receive a FREE Towson cap

• Special rate of $8.00 per ticket for our neighbors (regular walk up rate is $15.00)

• McCormick’s “Tailgate of the Game” Contest

(Every home game Towson Athletics will be searching the tailgate areas in search of the best Tiger Tailgate.  A winner will be selected before the game and receive a great prize as well as being recognized on TIGERVISION)

• Towson University Dance Team Halftime Show Performance

• Pepsi T-shirt canon

• Spectacular post-game fireworks show

*Note that ticket special requires advance purchase. Go to www.TowsonNight.com and enter promo code TOWSON

Can’t make it on September 11? Click here for a full schedule of upcoming Football game promotions. We hope to see you at a game this season….GO TIGERS!

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Community Engagement Journals: Your Resource for Making a Difference

August 17, 2010

Lindsey

Towson University, as Maryland’s Metropolitan University, is always on the lookout for ways to reach out and better serve the community. Many Towson University faculty, and in some cases our students, are contributing regularly to journals and publications focused on engaged scholarship, these papers and articles always have something in common—they are focused on research, teaching, and service with our community partners! While it is hard to narrow down the journal selection, here are some noteworthy ones to consider:

  • Metropolitan Universities Journal is published on a quarterly basis to helping institutions stay on top of cutting-edge topics in higher education. Published by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) on behalf of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (Headquartered at Towson University). Recognized scholars and administrators who bring diverse institutional perspectives contribute articles toward each issue.
  • Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning (MJCSL) is the premiere national, peer-reviewed journal publishing articles written by faculty and service-learning educators on research, theory, pedagogy, and other issues related to academic (curriculum-based) service-learning in higher education. The MJCSL is currently reviewing articles focused on:

-  University-community partnerships

- Engaged/public scholarship (work which involves and benefits a community AND advances a faculty member’s scholarship or creative work)

- Academic (curriculum-based) service-learning

  • Journal of Higher Education Outreach & Engagement is published by the Institute of Higher Education and the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach of the University of Georgia. The Journal is a peer-reviewed publication that welcomes submissions from a broad range of scholars, practitioners, and professionals. Its editorial goals are:

- To serve as a forum to promote the continuing dialogue about the service and outreach mission of the university; and

- To foster understanding of how the service and outreach mission relates to the university’s teaching and research missions as well as the needs of the sponsoring society.

Additional Noteworthy Journals include:

Resources such as Community Engagement Journals, Funding Opportunities, and Conferences can be found on TU in the Community’s Resource page. For more information contact TUintheCommunity@towson.edu.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

“KidsCampus” Thrives at Towson University

July 20, 2010

Lindsey

Imagine being a child stepping onto a college campus for your first time. Everything, from the buildings to the people, is taller than you, and you catch yourself feeling as though you’re in a world that’s bigger than yourself.

When I was in grade school, my class took a field trip to see a play at a college campus. I remember being awe struck by the environment, but most of all, I remember how much I greatly admired the college students who took the time to speak to us after their performance. That day was the first time I knew I wanted to go to college.

Towson University fosters that same positive experience by offering “KidsCampus”, a chance for young students to learn while experiencing the higher education environment. Highlights of “KidsCampus” include:

  • Dance Classes are offered throughout the year, and are taught by Towson University’s nationally recognized Dance Faculty
  • Doc’s Junior Tigers Club is a fun and interactive all-sports group for young Towson Tiger fans. It offers kids the opportunity to attend TU Athletic events as well as meet Tiger student athletes
  • Planetarium Programs allow children to learn about outer space in an interactive and engaging setting

With such great learning opportunities, it is clear that the word “University” implies learning for all ages.

For more information on TU in the Community, visit www.towson.edu/tuinthecommunity, email TUintheCommunity@towson.edu or call 410-704-2678.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Happy 1st Birthday TUintheCommunity!

June 22, 2010

Lindsey

What did you do the 1st year of your life? Chances are, if you remember anything,  it’s a bit foggy. You probably slept a lot. Maybe you drove your parents crazy by crying in the middle of the night. A lot of positive happened even if you don’t recall, such as the first time you smiled. If you’re lucky, someone kept pictures or a scrapbook so that you can see what your life was like in that first year.

TUintheCommunity, Towson University’s interactive community engagement database, just turned one and we wanted to share all the great things that happened in its first year live. Consider this post to be a part of the TU in the Community scrapbook.

As a result of TU in the Community’s launch:

  • Community & Families now have one ‘go to’ place to find all of the resources Towson University has to offer. The Community Projects Database allows users to search by location, category, department, and name. A unique contact form and toll free number guarantee a response within 24 hours.
  • Students have access to a searchable database of Service Learning Courses as well as information on finding internships and volunteer opportunities.
  • Faculty & Staff have an easy method of finding and collaborating with colleagues. TU in the Community provides a resource page to find grants, journals, and upcoming conferences. In addition, the website exposes professional research and projects to the outside community including potential partners.
  • Business, Nonprofit & Government Agencies use TU in the Community for BRAC resources and to access consolidated information on recruiting interns and hiring employees from TU.

In its first year, TU in the Community has resulted in:

  • Multiple daily contacts with community members, non-profits, businesses, prospective students, and parents through website. Contacts have resulted in sponsorship opportunities for Athletics, internships and volunteer opportuni­ties for students, business partnership opportunities, faculty research partner­ship opportunities, and relationship building with the greater community.
  • Recognition as a best practice from other higher education institutions both locally and globally.

Key Statistics for TU in the Community’s first year:

  • Over 19,000 unique visits since site launch in April 2009
  • 150 active faculty and staff profiles

With such a great first year, it’s clear that TU in the Community’s second year will only be bigger and better. For more information on TU in the Community, visit www.towson.edu/tuinthecommunity, email TUintheCommunity@towson.edu or call 410-704-2678.

Annual Report

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Scripps National Spelling Bee here we come!

May 18, 2010
Lindsey

Lindsey

Did you hear the buzz on campus? On March 13, 2010, Towson University, in partnership with Learn It Systems, hosted the annual Baltimore Bee, a regional competition for local students looking to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Robbie Palmisano, a student at Hereford Middle School, won the Baltimore Bee and has been studying for Nationals with help from Towson University’s Nadia Nasr. Nadia, the University Archivist & Digital Projects Librarian for the Albert S. Cook Library, has been meeting with Robbie every week to train for Nationals. During sessions, Nadia reads Robbie words from the list provided by Scripps National, and has him spell them out using Scrabble tiles.  She feels that this helps him visualize the word; therefore giving him a better chance of memorizing it.

I asked Nadia what made her want to coach Robbie and she responded, “I was in a couple of spelling bees myself back in Houston, when I was in middle school and possibly also elementary school. So for me, working with Robbie was part nostalgia and part interest in participating in his preparations… I have really enjoyed working with Robbie, and he has indicated that he also feels it’s a good working relationship.”

Towson University will be rooting for Robbie Palmisano as he heads to the Scripps National Spelling Bee this June. We hope the BUZZ will increase by having a Maryland student as the National winner! For more information about the Baltimore Bee, contact Learn It Systems at 410-769-0000 or info@learn-itsystems.com.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

TU in the Community is ‘Out of this World’

April 19, 2010

Lindsey

Lindsey

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.” This Lee Brown quote is one of my all time favorites and was the first thing I thought of when viewing the amazing community outreach initiatives that occur each week at Towson University’s Hackerman Academy.

Each week, the Hackerman Academy provides a popular Saturday Morning Science series for the community. The series is so engaging that students want to come learn on their day off from school! Through these sessions, the Hackerman Academy meets its goals of attracting more students into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors while preparing teachers for area schools in these much needed discipline areas. TU students volunteer each week to help make the series possible.

What makes the Hackerman Academy such a success? One answer is by having excellent staff on board.  TU is fortunate to have its own ‘Astronaut in Residence’, Dr. Don Thomas. Following his experience as a NASA Astronaut, Don came to TU to help future students get excited and engaged in the field that he loves. Despite his remarkable background, Don is surprisingly humble and ‘down to earth’. His pure love of STEM related fields and genuine interest in helping students achieve is hard not to admire.

In addition to the Saturday Morning Science series, the Hackerman Academy often invites schools from the community in for special trips and STEM related class sessions. Dr. James Saunders, Director of the Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Bio-Informatics Program, collaborates with Don to strengthen these school and community partnerships.

It is through outreach initiatives like the Hackerman Academy that students, teachers, schools, and communities connect and learn together. Want to have fun and learn at the same time? Check out the Hackerman Academy’s Calendar of Events.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

TU in the Community Promotes a ‘Great’ Cause

March 29, 2010
Lindsey

Lindsey

Each semester, Dr. David Reiss teaches an Electronic Media & Film Course entitled: “Non-Profit Corporate HD Video”. Within the course, students create a 5-7 minute video to benefit a local non-profit organization.  This gives the students firsthand experience at making an effective public relations tool for a worthy cause. The experience captures what a service learning course is all about: learning that benefits students and work that benefits the community.

But what happens to the videos at the end of the semester? I recently had the chance to find out by interviewing Joan Schramm who works as the Publicity Coordinator for MD/DC and Newsletter Editor for the Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League.

Tell me a little about the Mid Atlantic Great Dance Rescue League.

“The [Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League] is an organization for Great Danes located in nine states. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for abandoned great danes throughout the region.”

How did the organization get connected with Dr. Reiss’ EMF class?

“I saw a notice on Craigslist that this class was looking for local nonprofit organizations to do a video about, so I contacted them. They were very excited about it.”

What role did your staff play in developing video content?

“I was in the video. We had several people in the video. Towson students came out to meet and greet at PetSmart and went to a few people’s houses.”

How have you used the video to benefit your organization?

“We have the video on our website and it’s also on Youtube. We have made copies for the Coordinators in different regions to show at events. “

What are your thoughts on working with Towson University students?

“They were absolutely wonderful!”

Additional comments:

“We were really pleased at how the video came out and all the different areas that they were able to cover. They talked to a Board member, they talked to and filmed one of our foster homes…they talked to the people at the meet and greet and showed their dogs. They did a nice all-around perspective of everything that we do. It was nice that, even though everything was local, the video is not geographically specific so we can use it anywhere.”

As evident from Joan Schramm’s testimony, service-learning courses are mutually beneficial and a great experience for everyone involved. Check out the TU in the Community database for a listing of service-learning courses.

Student produced video for the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

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