ST. LOUIS (Jan. 3, 2007) – MySci™, a program that is cultivating the region’s next generation of scientists by engaging children in kindergarten through second grade in science curriculum and interactive learning experiences on plants, animals and the earth, recently added Darlene Norfleet as a program specialist. In this position, Norfleet will travel to local elementary schools with the MySci program’s Investigation Station and provide professional development for participating teachers.

 

A teacher for 25 years, Norfleet brings hands-on classroom experience, with a focus in science education to the MySci team. Prior to joining MySci, Norfleet taught in the University City School District teaching various grades at Flynn Park Elementary School. During this time, Norfleet served as a trainer of trainers for science teachers, the Elementary New Teacher Institute facilitator, a science curriculum writer and worked as a professional development consultant for Riverview Gardens’ Renaissance in Science Education program. She served a three-year term on the National Science Academy committee, a committee on science education for kindergarten through high school, a state committee for the Primary Conference, and Conference of the Young Years. Norfleet was the local National Educators Association president for University City and served as the chief negotiator of contracts for teachers. She is currently finishing a five-year grant as science program coordinator for Washington University in St. Louis.

 

Norfleet holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from Northern Illinois University and a practicum degree in education from the University of Minnesota. She is currently working on a master’s degree in counseling at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

 

MySci, funded by Monsanto, is a collaborative effort among the following institutions: Washington University in St. Louis, the St. Louis Science Center, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Saint Louis Zoo. MySci’s mission is to enhance a sense of wonder and interest in science for children and their teachers. The MySci program gives early elementary students all over St. Louis the chance to study science through inquiry. It provides curriculum books and classroom kits in plants, animals and the earth. It also includes a visit from the newly designed Investigation Station, a roving vehicle of innovative exhibits and specimens which makes learning through climbing, crawling, seeing, hearing and smelling more exciting than ever. MySci is getting an early start on recruiting the next generation of scientists.

 

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