Science Educator in Residence

Idaho EPSCoR has engaged Dr. Richard Hermens, a very successful science educator and recent recipient of the Chemical Manufacturing Association (now American Chemical Council) Educator of the Year Award, to establish multiple residencies in rural Idaho school districts engaging 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade teachers and their students in grade-appropriate science.  This pilot project is now operational in northern Idaho and Idaho EPSCoR plans to establish similar programs, along with lessons learned, in other rural school districts across Idaho within the next two years.  The students have been enthusiastic, and their teachers state:  

• “I would say the [presentation] level was right on target.”  

• “My students were very engaged.” 

• “I teach in a small rural school and this kind of enrichment is wonderful.” 

• “My students just came alive when they participated in these experiments.”  

• “It was wonderful ... my students were totally engaged.” 

• “100% of my class was on task ... wow!!”  

Dr. Hermens is assisted in his teacher/student training by an education graduate student, specializing in science education at the University of Idaho’s College of Education.  During wrap-up sessions, students are encouraged to prepare written reports of their own scientific observations, and to apply what they have learned.  As a result, the project team receives numerous student-prepared reports, and one class, for example, constructed several LED-based science question-answer boards for use by their entire school.  Electronic and personal follow-ups to the team’s visits are offered as a continuing resource for the teachers.

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Science Educators

Prof. Emeritus Richard Hermens taught chemistry at Eastern Oregon University for 35 years. In addition, Dr. Hermens initiated a summer science camp for 4th through 7th grade students and taught within the camp for 10 years. He was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to aid elementary teachers so they could provide discovery-based experiments for their students. In 2000, he was recognized for his many contributions to teaching and exciting students in science at all levels from elementary through university by the American Chemical Council's National Outstanding Teacher award.

Ms. Alexa Davis has a M.Ed. in Science Education and a BS in Biology and Entomology from the University of Idaho.  She holds an Idaho teaching certificate in Biological, Physical and Natural Science.  Alexa has been involved in the McCall Outdoor Science School in which fourth through sixth grade students attend a week long science camp in McCall.   She has also conducted many professional development workshops for teachers in the areas of inquiry, space science and science standards.

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