April 21, 2009
Outside the Box – Kate Estes
Yesterday, a group of Italian business professionals visited the Panama City Renaissance School. After observing the children in the classrooms and teaching the children some simple Italian, the visitors discussed education in Italy. Chinese immersion program are still rare in their country, but children are exposed to many European languages early. All the visitors spoke excellent English. Also, it was interesting to compare and contrast academic expectations and common practice in Italy and the US. In Italy subject matter expertise is critical for teaching. They were surprised subject matter degrees were not required for instructors at the middle and high school levels. For example, it would be unheard of for physics to be taught by someone without a degree in physics or engineering.
April 15, 2009
Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington
A few weeks ago a group of students from the Panama City Renaissance School visited the FAMU Panama City Research Center. The visit was organized by the students’ teacher, Sonia Song, as a complement to what the children are learning in the classroom. As part of the curriculum, the children learn how to measure a wide variety of things using everything from micrometers to graduated cylinders. They also learn about pH and separation including chromatography. During the visit, Dr. Zhong, Dr. Petersen and Dr. Sun showed the children their laboratories and demonstrated how to use the equipment — a real world view to what they have been learning at school. Even though the visit was focused on laboratory equipment and procedures, the children also managed to sneak in a number of questions about the mosquito research.
April 12, 2009
I am so glad to have such an amazing school here in Panama City. Our daughter is in Pre K-3 and we are amazed with every wonderful aspect of the school!
Submitted by a parent
