Calling All Teachers!

The Natural History Museum is looking for teachers to help create their activities and lesson plans for their brand new Dinosaur Hall.  If you are interested in helping with the creation of this new exhibit to develop lesson plans and field trips - follow this link and download the application under Calling All Teachers!  A stipend will be provided to all those who work on the project, as the museum recognizes that teachers are busy people.  

Opportunities are also available at the Page Museum.  Don't worry if you don't know too much about the museum, all teachers will be debriefed about the exhibits as well as other behind-the-scenes tours and discussions with scientists.  

California Science Center's - Ecosystems

The renovation that has been 10 years in the making at the most visited museum in Southern California finally arrived last spring at the California Science Center.  This new exhibit highlights the many thriving ecosystems of the world including but not limited to swell sharks, kelp forests, maggots and even live larvae.  This exhibit even allows for you to be put into the path (but out of harms way) of a flash floods and desert storms.

The $165 million Ecosystem Experience is completely free, but would not be possible without the donations of generous patrons (so don't forget to give anything you can).

Hope to see you there!        

2011 Teacher Recognition Award Nominations!

Is there a teacher you know who makes it possible for you to learn, study, or grow?  Is there a teacher that makes a profound difference in his/her school and goes beyond the call of duty? 

Every year ECCLA and USC-CCR partner to recognize teachers that make a difference!  Full-time teachers working in one of the designated ECCLA service area schools bounded by Olympic Blvd, Alameda Avenue, Slauson Blvd, and Crenshaw Blvds are eligible to win.  There can only be one nomination from each school per year.  All nominees will be honored at an awards ceremony at Natural History Museum on May 19, 2011.  

To nominate your favorite teacher download the Rules and Nomination form here.  The deadline is for nominations is Friday, April 1, 2011.  

Calling All High School Seniors!

Every Spring ECCLA and the California Retired Teachers Association (CRTA) award three graduating seniors - in the ECCLA service area - with Higher Education Scholarships of $1,000.00 each.  The selected winners will receive their cash scholarship in the fall of 2011 once proof of enrollment in a U.S. accredited college, university or trade school is received.

Students must submit a completed application, two original letters of recommendation, an original essay, and a copy of the applicant's senior high school transcript.

We look forward to reviewing your submissions!

To apply please click here and download the first Rules and Application form from the top of the page.  

ECCLA Spring Essay Contest!

If you could spend one day with someone from the past who would it be and why?  What would you want to learn from them or speak to them about?  

ECCLA invites you to submit entries for our Spring "Person from the Past" Essay Contest.  Both Middle and High School students can enter to win cash prizes of up to $100.  The contest is open to 6th - 12th grade students enrolled in an ECCLA target school, located in the area bounded by Olympic, Slauson, Crenshaw, and Alameda Blvds.

Winning essays are those which are personal narratives depicting what this person means to the student, using examples and other descriptive attributes.

Good luck and we hope you will join us!

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For more information regarding the essay and to download the application form - click here.  Follow the link and then click on the second contest rules link from the top.

  

Event Recap: A (First Friday) Night at the Museum

The Natural History Museum opened it's doors to the nighttime crowd yet again this past Friday, February 4, 2011 to continue their First Friday series...and I must say, it was fabulous. The mix of modern decor and intimidating stuffed animals in the animal hall, which was filled with the dance music, was a complete juxtaposition from the museum you saw as a child.

This past Friday the Nostradamus theme continued, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Johnathan Wiener discussed his thoughts about the future, and how human existence might one day be never ending.  It seemed only fitting on a night where you live out Peter Pan-like adventures in a museum.  

The museum itself was packed and better than ever, there were young hipsters, high school students, parents looking for a night out, and even a human size Tyrannosaurus Rex puppet made his way through the main foyer.   It seemed as though everyone was in search of a good time.  The music blared through the usually, quiet and stoic halls and I could not help but think that these wonderful nights will be a celebration of the past, present and (hopefully) the never ending future. 

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum

Once a month, the Natural History Museum opens its doors for the nighttime crowd and the adults come out to play!  This exciting event features live music, scientific panels and discussions, and behind the scenes curatorial tours.  First Fridays is a way to welcome back its old audience with a new adult twist.

First Fridays 2011 is called the Nostradamus Edition.  For this year the theme is the future - where are we going?  What is going to happen us?  Will be doomed to follow the ill fated path as the dinosaur?  Join the fun to discover and discuss the pathway of the future!

Save the Dates:
January 7, 2011
February 4, 2011
March 4, 2011
April 1, 2011
May 6, 2011
June 3, 2011

For more information about the event you can visit the site.  Tickets can be purchased here, or if you are a USC student or staff it is free!

Celebrating Black History Month at CAAM

Celebrate Black History Month with the California African American Museum! Celebrate the diverse influence and achievements of art, history and culture with a packed program full of performances and celebrity guests.  This very special Target Sunday starts at 1pm this Sunday, February 6, 2011.

African American Youth Leadership Program

The African-American Youth Leadership Program (AAYLP), a division of the Research and Policy Institute of California, is seeking applicants for its African-American Youth Leadership Conference. California high school students who will enter their junior or senior year this fall are invited to apply.  The conference will be held the last week of July at CSU Sacramento.


Student will be immersed in: 
- Leadership training and skills 
- Understanding of the workings of state and local government
- Financial responsibility
- Living a healthy and balance life
- Career development 


...and attend:
- Thought provoking presentations on leadership
- Participate in workshops to learn skills on leading and healthy physical and fiscal life
- Gain understanding of logistical governmental issues in mock hearings at the State Capitol


MOST importantly: housing, meals, program materials and transportation to, from and during the conference site provided at NO COST to the participants!


Deadline to apply: April 1, 2011 here