Thursday, October 10, 2002

To: Area Media

From: Phillip Brown

Date: Oct. 10, 2002

Re: Real-world exercise for education students aboard the

USS North Carolina

5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14

Dennis Kubasko, a visiting assistant professor in the UNCW Watson School of Education, is using the USS North Carolina for an authentic problem-based learning experience. Students enrolled in his secondary science methods class (EDN 406) will assume the role of engineers. As a team, they must consider the problem of how to move the USS North Carolina from Wilmington to Norfolk, Va., for refurbishment.

“In order to address the problem correctly, students will be on-site. They will use their content knowledge and experience in physics, biology, chemistry and environmental science to identify the many variables to be considered in undertaking this project,” said Kubasko

.

“These prospective teachers will learn how to adapt such an authentic problem-based experience for high school science students. The goal is to prepare them to develop lessons that pique their students’ curiosity and that will require their students to use and develop inquiry-based skills and strategies,” he said.

Various experts will be on hand to assist the student interns with their task. From the battleship, there will be museum services director Kim Sincox and Kristen Quinn, program director. Renee Griffin, secondary math and science specialist with New Hanover County Schools, will also be present.

Members of the media are welcome to cover this event. For more information, contact Kubasko at 910/962-3367.