ST. LOUIS (Oct. 5, 2006) – 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 Steven Kessel as a program specialist. In this position, Kessel will travel to local elementary schools with the MySci program’s Investigation Station and provide professional development for teachers participating in the program.

 

With 25 years spent in the fields of parks and recreation as well as education, Kessel brings experience from a broad spectrum of science-related fields. Prior to joining MySci, Kessel taught at Lemasters Elementary School and served as a leader/teacher in the Riverview Gardens School District’s science education program called Renaissance in Science Education (RISE). In that role, Kessel collaborated with science educators from Washington University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, the Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center and Missouri Botanical Gardens to develop the inquiry-based, hands-on science curriculum for Riverview Gardens. Many of these organizations contribute to the MySci program.

 

Kessel holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation and parks management from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and an elementary teaching certificate from McKendree College. He also earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Lindenwood University.

 

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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