ABOUT FIRSTHAND LEARNING, INC.
Firsthand Learning, Inc. is a New
York nonprofit corporation founded in 1998 to promote inquiry-based teaching,
learning from direct experience, and closer links between cultural institutions
and schools. To this end, FHL designs and implements curriculum materials
and professional development programs that emphasize direct, firsthand experiences
with natural and cultural phenomena. The organization is an outgrowth of the
work of the former Center for Science Education at the Buffalo Museum of Science
where several of FHL's projects originated.
Mission
The mission of Firsthand Learning, Inc. is to promote the process of scientific
inquiry as a vehicle for learning. We believe that most learners acquire and
retain new knowledge most effectively when it derives from firsthand experience.
Such learning makes people think for themselves rather than relying solely
on the authority of teachers and textbooks. Our materials and programs are
designed to assist classroom teachers and informal educators to design programs
and pedagogical environments that promote learning from direct experience
and original sources. By taking part in these programs, participants learn
about the processes of scientific inquiry. Learning to think scientifically
is the primary goal of our curriculum materials and our professional development
experiences for teachers. At FHL we call this firsthand learning.
Firsthand Learning Staff
David Hartney, President
Michelle DeFrancesco, Manager of Operations
Richard Rotolo, Science Materials Center Manager
Bill Rogers, Director of Out-of-School Programs
Bonny Ryder, Manager of Volunteers and Programs
Dianne Johnson, Coordinator - Project ASK
Ni Hulme, FHL Inquiry Center Assistant
Board of Directors
Peter Dow, Chairman
Kristen Gasser
David Hartney, President
Sam Alessi, Secretary
James Magavern, Esq.
Patricia McGlashan
Richard Sherrill, Treasurer
Cara Matteliano
Karen Worth
Tom Petrocelli
Tanya Johnson
Marixsa Sanchez-Feliciano
TEAM Buffalo Science Developer/Facilitators
Adam Augustyn
Richard Baldon
Michael Barnes
Sheana Benton
Michael Biles
Danielle Blackburn
Tara Cicatello
Michael Cochran
Jackquline Fambo
Linda Garrett
Dashawn Hill
Lakia Johnson
Marriam Kiani
Kayla Lasota
Ashee Long
Malika Moses
Dement Ormond
Adam Parulski
Michael Pierson, Jr.
Tyshawn Prude
Tyus Robinson
Jasmin Rosboro
Kristoffer Singletary
Raquan Williams
Object Lessons National Advisory Committee
& Object Lessons Evaluators