Friday, January 17, 2003

Smithsonian brings educational presentation to Fulton County

The Smithsonian is coming to Fulton County. On January 28- 30, the Smithsonian Institution, Fulton County School District, Spelman College, Agnes Scott College and Fernbank Museum of Natural History will jointly host a series of public and private educational presentations.

Through lectures and presentations, three Smithsonian scholars will share their expertise in African American studies, Latin cultures, and marine biology.

Atlanta is part of a 15-city, three-year "tour" entitled "Ford Smithsonian Scholars in the Schools," a program made possible by a generous gift from the Ford Motor Company Fund.

"We are delighted with the generous gift received from the Ford Motor Company Fund," said Sheila Burke, undersecretary for American Museums and National Programs at the Smithsonian Institution.

"This support enables us to increase our national outreach program offerings, which focus on expanding how the Smithsonian engages the interest and involvement of the American public in the places where they live. Scholars in the Schools is an integral part of that focus."

The Fulton County School System was selected to host the Atlanta tour based on recommendations from education departments at local museums and the success of past collaboratives.

"The selection of our school system by the Smithsonian and our recommendation by local agencies is yet another recognition of the excellence in education we offer students," said Associate Superintendent for Instructional Services, Dr. Barbara Hill. "The schedule we have developed with the Smithsonian holds the promise of exciting educational opportunities for our students."

Three Smithsonian Scholars will participate in three days of teaching and lectures. Dr. David Pawson is a senior research scientist for the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Dr. Pawson specializes in marine biology, specifically the ecology and systematics of echinoderms. He has published over 200 scientific papers and co-authored several books. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Masters of Science and PhD degrees at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Evelyn Figueroa is a Project Director for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

She has organized collaborative partnerships between the Smithsonian Institution and many Latino organizations to develop outreach programs and initiatives for diverse Latino audiences. Figueroa holds degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, The Washington Sate University, and George Washington University.

Gwendolyn Everett is former collections research coordinator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She has authored numerous educational materials and publications. Dr. Everett holds degrees from Spelman College, Howard University and George Mason University.

The three Smithsonian Scholars will share their expertise with students and faculty members at seven schools in Fulton CountyRiverwood High, Milton High, Tri-Cities High, Westlake High, Sandy Springs Middle, Taylor Road Middle, and Bear Creek Middle.

Presentations also will be given to students at Spelman College and Agnes Scott College, as well as a public lecture at Fernbank Museum of Natural History where Dr. Pawson will present "The Most Prickly Animals in the Sea" on Tuesday, January 28, 7 p.m. His lecture will focus on echinoderms, such as sea stars, sea urchins, and sand dollars.

Fulton County high school students will learn from Dr. Pawson's presentation, "The great ocean depths: what do we know about them, and what do they mean to us." Students in the middle schools will enjoy "The Most Prickly Animals in the SeaSea Stars, Sea Urchins, and Their Allies."

Gwendolyn Everett will conduct presentations on "Art and Artists of the Harlem Renaissance," while Evelyn Figueroa addresses "Diversity within Diversity" and "Latino Cultures in the United States: Assimilation Versus Acculturation"

The presentations and lectures are part of the "Smithsonian Scholars in the Schools" program coordinated by the Regional Programs department of

The Smithsonian Associates. Regional Programs presents educational and cultural events that highlight and complement the work of the Smithsonian Institution to audiences outside the Washington, DC area.

For more information, call 202-786-3286 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.