Delaware Museum of Natural History and PNC Grow Up Great
collaborate to boost science skills of area preschoolers

Local preschool children will have more opportunities to learn science basics and experience related activities that are educational and fun through a two-year, $248,000 grant to the Delaware Museum of Natural History from the PNC Foundation.

The funding supports Grow Up Great with Science, PNC’s new initiative to help foster a foundation in science for area preschoolers, at a time when many educators have sought increased emphasis on the discipline. A study by the National Research Council recognized that providing young children with research-based mathematics and science learning is likely to pay off with increased achievement, literacy, and work skills in these critical areas.

“We understand the critical need for students to develop a strong base in science in today’s society,” said DMNH Executive Director Halsey Spruance. “The PNC Foundation grant greatly enhances the programming we have for young children. By working with our local teachers, schools, and Head Start centers, we are creating a curriculum to teach age-appropriate science and share best practices to benefit others in this region.”

The investment by the PNC Foundation, which receives its principle funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE: PNC), was among 15 grants in seven states and the District of Columbia announced today in celebration of the fifth anniversary of PNC Grow Up Great, the 10-year, $100 million investment in early childhood education. The PNC Foundation has pledged up to $6 million in grants to fund regional science centers over three years and to conduct an independent evaluation of the program’s success. The second- and third-year funding is contingent upon successful completion of the prior year’s project goals.

“Our support of the Delaware Museum of Natural History is another strategic investment to help our non-profit partners, preschools, and caregivers develop stronger, smarter, and healthier families and communities,” said Connie Bond Stuart, president for PNC Bank, Delaware. “Through these grants, we expect children will have experiences that would not otherwise be possible.”

The Delaware Museum of Natural History and the other grant recipients will use the funding to train local preschool teachers and introduce families of preschool children to science through visits to interactive exhibits. In addition, experts from the Delaware Museum of Natural History will travel to classrooms to help teachers create children’s activities that enable them to explore science with their senses and use simple tools to test their ideas. Many of the activities will receive assistance from PNC employees as volunteers.

Program highlights at the Delaware Museum of Natural History include:

· Seeing Science Everywhere Teacher Training will train preschool teachers to incorporate simple scientific observation and learning skills into the following curriculum areas: language, mathematics, creative arts, physical health, and emotional and social development. 

· Teachers who complete the training sessions will receive materials and activities to create classroom science centers. They will also receive science theme boxes that support the curriculum they are currently using.

· Participating Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centers are The Ministry of Caring Inc., Newark Day Nursery, New Castle County Head Start, and Latin Community Center.

· Supervisory staff and materials will be provided to create an outdoor learning environment at each participating ECE Center that is suitable for use year round.

· The Delaware Museum of Natural History will hold three Family Nights for the participating ECE Centers.

· The museum will introduce three Free Sunday Mornings each year from 9:30 a.m. to noon to encourage families to visit the museum during their own free time.