Westminster College's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning recently funded several projects that will impact K-12 students.

The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at Westminster through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education.

The projects include:

Science Scene, a workshop of hands-on chemistry and biology laboratory projects for middle school students. The project is organized by Westminster students Nikki Batey, a junior biochemistry major and daughter of Debra and Hollis Batey of McDonald; and Kim Worst, a senior chemistry major and daughter of Paul and Maria Worst of Butler.

Student Bridge to Teaching Excellence, a program for English pre-professional teachers coordinated by Dr. Elizabeth Ford, Westminster professor of English emerita.

Family Math Night at Campbell (Ohio) Elementary School, an evening of cooperative learning organized by Joyce Hoellein, Westminster education lecturer, and students in her pre-service teaching class.

"How to Prepare for the Model U.N. Competitions," a workshop for high school teachers conducted by Dr. Michael Aleprete, Westminster assistant professor of political science.

A photo-journalism project involving students from the Introduction to Peace Studies course taught by Dr. Sherri Pataki, Westminster assistant professor of psychology, and 12 middle school students from the Farrell School District.

Video game development, a two-day workshop for middle school students conducted by Dr. Terri Lenox, Westminster associate professor of computer science and co-director of the Drinko Center; Andy Changoway, Westminster desktop technology specialist and 2005 Westminster graduate; and Paula Vogler, a 1987 Westminster graduate and teacher in the Laurel School District.

Contact Dr. Patrick Krantz, associate professor of education and co-director of the Drinko Center, at (724) 946-7181, e-mail krantzpd@westminster.edu, or visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for more information.