Ms. Debra Homeier, Director
Northwoods Mathematics Science Center
2525 Third Avenue South
Escanaba, Michigan 49829
Phone: (906)786-9300
Fax: (906)786-9318
E-mail: dhomeier@dsisd.k12.mi.us Back to Home Page
Northwoods
Mathematics, Science and Technology Center
Ms. Debra Homeier, Director
The Northwoods Mathematics, Science and Technology Center (NMSTC) serves eight public school districts and four non-public schools in Delta and Schoolcraft Counties. The Center provides services to thirty-two school sites, located across 2,409 square miles in the central part of the Upper Peninsula. Delta and Schoolcraft counties have a population of 46,000, with a significant Native American population. Forest products and tourism are the two major industries in this rural region.
NMSTC's mission is to generate lifelong learners- creative, critical thinkers who are capable of problem solving; who possess positive, confident attitudes; and who will use their scientific, mathematical, and technological skills to become valuable leaders in the 21st century community. NMSTC's commitment will empower learners to pursue excellence.
NMSTC's staff includes a director, co-director, Clear Lake Education Director, science/technology consultant, and two mathematics /science consultants, three clericals, and one budget secretary. NMSTC will carry out its mission by forming partnerships for education, and by providing learners a positive environment for cooperative learning experiences that encourage and promote the acquisition of mastery learning, encompassing all aspects of the communities that NMSTC reaches.
NMSTC's purpose is to be a connection between mathematics, science, and a dynamic society, linking students to real-world applications of mathematics/science knowledge and concepts. A partnership between the U. S. Forest Service and the Northwoods Mathematics, Science and Technology Center has resulted in the use of an outdoor facility, the Clear Lake Education Center (CLEC), located in the Hiawatha Forest, for student programs. CLEC's main purpose is to offer hands-on, real-world science and mathematics experiences in the outdoors. Annually, the NMSTC holds a residential, accelerated program for Delta-Schoolcraft high school students at CLEC. NMSTC's annual Girls' Mathematics/ Science Conference provides participants with hands-on activities, and presenters stress career opportunities and the importance of taking mathematics/science/technology electives in high school. NMSTC's Resource Community Directory Program coordinates professional presentations in classrooms throughout the service area. Through the Center's Science Fair program, students receive in-classroom scientific methods instruction, participate in local fairs, and receive recognition for using sound scientific research methodology. Other student programs offered include mentorships, conferences, and contests.
NMSTC's efforts in curriculum reform focus on I ) helping school districts align and articulate district curricula in accordance with Michigan Goals and Objectives in Science and Mathematics and 2) helping teachers design and implement quality classroom curricula reflecting national and state standards. Staff personnel work with local school improvement teams and educators to develop science/mathematics curricula that utilize the resources of the Upper Peninsula.
The Center has established partnerships with the U. S. Forest Service, Mead Corporation, Bay de Noc Community College, Northern Michigan University, and the Delta-Menominee Groundwater Education Center. An important component of NMSTC's community involvement is the inclusion of community resource people working directly with educators and students. NMSTC provides mathematics/science programs to the community, such as Science and Mathematics Fun Nights.
NMSTC's goal is to provide opportunities for educator growth in the areas of mathematics and science. Using research to guide the delivery of meaningful professional development, NMSTC provides programs designed to increase educators' positive attitudes, knowledge, and skills in mathematics and science. Newsletters, educator networks, brochures and presentations communicate NMSTC's professional development programs to local educators.
NMSTC's efforts make human, material, and natural resources accessible to the community and schools through its various programs. Field opportunities and classroom presentations are delivered through the Center's Community Resource Directory and at CLEC. Coordination of resources through the Center results in schools' receiving additional funds, equipment, volunteer help, and resource contacts. An Educator/Community Resource Room is available for current information, hands-on materials, and technology resources.
The Northwoods Mathematics, Science and Technology Center is part of the Delta-Schoolcraft ISD's General Education Department. The Center is governed by the Board of Education of the Delta-Schoolcraft ISD. An advisory committee composed of representatives from the local schools, colleges and universities, community, governmental agencies, and businesses and industries guide planning and programming of the Center.
A brochure of CLEC and NMSTC programs and other information are available.
Contact:
Ms. Debra Homeier, Director
Northwoods Mathematics Science Center
2525 Third Avenue South
Escanaba, Michigan 49829
Phone: (906)786-9300
Fax: (906)786-9318
E-mail: dhomeier@dsisd.k12.mi.us
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