Veteran Science Educator Joins Lab as Teacher in Residence

February 22, 2007

Media Contact:
Pat Dixon, (850) 644-4707
pdixon@magnet.fsu.edu

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Magnet Lab's science education efforts recently received a major boost with the addition of Richard McHenry as a Teacher in Residence.

McHenry is a chemistry teacher on special assignment from Leon County Schools. McHenry will work with the lab's Center for Integrating Research & Learning to develop physical science workshops for elementary, middle and high school teachers. He also plans to design a "Science Coach" model to provide support for elementary educators teaching science.

"McHenry's vast knowledge of science education and ability to design inquiry-based materials for teachers will add a new dimension to educational programs at the lab," said Pat Dixon, director of the Center.

McHenry is no stranger to the Magnet Lab. He has worked with the Center during the summer since 2001 developing workshops and curriculum for secondary teachers, and is an ambassador for at the Magnet Lab at national and international conferences, most recently presenting a poster at the American Geophysical Union annual conference.

A North Florida science teacher since 1973 and a National Board Certified teacher, McHenry said his personal goal during his residency is to move science instruction in the schools he works with away from rote memorization and toward problem solving and applied skills. He hopes to do that by providing teachers with lessons and strategies for teaching.

"I want to help teachers connect science to the social and political world around students," said McHenry. "The basis for making decisions about things like the environment or global warming starts as soon as people are in school," he said.

During his Mag Lab residency, McHenry will continue to teach AP chemistry at Leon High School, as he has for more than 30 years.

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory develops and operates state-of-the-art, high-magnetic-field facilities that faculty and visiting scientists and engineers use for research. The laboratory is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the state of Florida. To learn more, visit www.magnet.fsu.edu.