Published: August 27, 2009 11:04 pm      

Teaching is child's play

Districts sign up for Marathon's popular science/toys program

Ashland — Kids love toys and it turns out teachers do too.

Several area school districts that have used science instruction techniques based on toys are signing on again this year even though it will cost some money.

The Ashland, Raceland and Greenup districts, along with districts in Ohio and West Virginia, plan to send faculty to the “Teaching Our Youth Science” program presented by Marathon Petroleum Co. in October.

They will be learning to use toys and household items to teach chemistry and physics in elementary school, said Marathon spokeswoman Dianne Clement.

The teachers get curricular materials and toys to take back to their classrooms, and also two hours of college credit for the workshop, Clement said.

Marathon picks up the tab for the course and the supplies; the only cost to the schools is for substitutes to fill in for the teachers who attend.

Previously Marathon had the course during the summer. Moving it into the school year makes it more convenient for teachers to attend but adds the expense of subs.

It’s an expense that’s worth it, said Frank Melvin, superintendent of the Raceland-Worthington district. He is sending three teachers and one of his teachers, Jo Biehle, is a big cheerleader for the program and has helped teach it in previous years.

“Whenever you have hands-on activities and can learn through those, it’s a positive,” Melvin said.

Greenup County is sending 11 teachers and Ashland signed up for seven.

In Ashland’s case, the district won’t have the expense of substitutes because it is sending instructional coaches, faculty members who work more with teachers than with students, said assessment coordinator Patsy Lindsey.

The key to the program is that children discover science through play, Clement said. For instance, rolling a toy car down a plastic track demonstrates principles of linear motion.

It takes complex subjects and puts them in forms suitable for children, Biehle said. The activities can be tailored for use at different grade levels, she said.

MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2652.