The Institute goes beyond professional development to offer another layer of support to classroom teachers. This support comes through supporting materials — books, periodicals and videotapes focused on the teaching and learning of science — available in our Resource Centers, and by connecting teachers with Merck employee volunteers who provide support both inside and outside the classroom.

Resource Centers

Teachers, administrators, school board members and Merck employees access exemplary K-8 science education materials at the Institute's Resource Centers. Located in Rahway, New Jersey, and West Point, Pennsylvania, the Resource Centers house hundreds of curriculum modules, books, periodicals and videotapes focused on the teaching and learning of science. Teachers use these resources to expand their teaching repertoire. School districts preview these materials before selecting new curricula. Merck employee volunteers research activities and borrow materials to support grade-level science curricula. Institute staff members help educators and volunteers identify materials that best meet their needs.

To search Resource Center holdings, go to http://miseorg.merck.com/catalog.

Merck Employee Volunteers

Merck employees contribute to the Institute's efforts to engage students in science investigations by:

• introducing activities in the classroom that extend the science curriculum
• serving as a science resource for teachers or students
• mentoring students on projects via email as part of a telementoring program
• presenting astronomy programs using STARLAB, the Institute's portable planetarium

In addition, volunteers excite students with a glimpse into the real-world applications of science. A view into the world of pharmaceutical research is given by Merck Research Laboratory employees to top science students who receive awards at Merck State Science Day.

The Merck Institute for Science Education supports volunteers through its collection of science and technology related educational materials available at its Resource Centers. Training sessions are also provided to volunteers in order to support their science education efforts inside and outside the classroom.