Educator Reception at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA
April 2, 2007 from 3:30-5 p.m.

INNOVATION STATION

Teachers and homeschool educators throughout the region are invited to learn about new programs related to the Berkshire Museum’s brand new Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, including “Innovation Station,” a program for Grades 3 – 8. “Innovation Station” will inspire students to learn about famous Berkshire innovators, and then will present students with group challenges as well as the opportunity to develop individual solutions. “Innovation Station” connects with Massachusetts Frameworks, Science, Technology & Engineering for Grades 3–5 (1.1, 2.1, 2.3) and Grades 6–8 (1.1, 2.1.).

USE YOUR NOODLE

The Berkshire Museum will also introduce the curriculum “Use Your Noodle,” which meets Science/Technology learning standards in engineering, as well as Language Arts. “Use Your Noodle” is a design challenge to be used as a flexible tool to create a culture of learning in the elementary and middle school classrooms. “Use Your Noodle” curriculum helps students, coached by their teachers, take an idea through the creation, review, and revision process, using the engineering/design model. Students will work together as a group to come up with ways to use noodles—pasta of any shape or size, raw or cooked—to ultimately design a unique project that relates to their class curriculum in a way that is adaptable to any area of study. Each and every group of students will develop its own response to the improvisational exercises, brainstorming and discussion sessions, and reflective writing practices. Students come to understand the creative process, and thus, become innovators themselves!

Enjoy refreshments and learn about our new educational programs. RSVP to (413) 443-7171, ext.18. www.berkshiremuseum.org