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STEP Foundation (Science, Technology Education Partnership) was founded in December 2002 in Plymouth, MA. STEP was created to support science, technology and education programs within the Plymouth Public School system. STEP is joined by nearly a dozen educators in the Plymouth Schools who serve as staff advisers to the Board of Directors. The STEP Foundation works in collaboration with Faculty members at Bridgewater State College to plan and develop long term strategy in the areas of science and technology education. STEP supports and intends to maintain the Blake Planetarium facilities and programs for use by school districts throughout the south shore. The Plymouth population served is approximately 6,000 5th thru 12th grade students from low and moderate income families. The planetarium also supports and additional 3,000 students from surrounding towns, all from low and moderate income families. The planetarium serves communites from Hanover to Raynham to Cape Cod. The planetarium conducts evening education programs for the entire community. The attendees range from preschoolers to senior citizens interested in earth science and astronomy. It incorporates audio-visual technology tools to stimulate casual learning. The planetarium programs along with the summer science camp which also uses the planetarium, serves as an important youth development intervention tool within the community.

Description:
We intend to build an observatory to compliment our existing programs. Last year we hosted the Content Institute Grant Program (a summer course study sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Education) to instruct (for college credit) earth-science educators on the south shore. The previous year we hosted the NSELA (National Science Educators Leadership Association) Institute which brought science educators from around the nation to Plymouth, MA for a week long workshop on science and technology tools for education.

(*Plymouth Public Schools Web Page)
"This year we are pleased to send Brittany Thomas, a junior at Plymouth South High School, as a national delegate to the American Junior Academy of Science meeting. The American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) is the only national honor society for pre-college scientists. Each year students who apply to become members of AJAS undergo a rigorous application process. This year, Brittany will be one of only 130 students who attend this meeting, selected from high schools all across the nation. Her project deals with the environment and degrading oil. Her PSHS chemistry teacher, Ann Wolf, will accompany Brittany. The Science, Technology Education Partnership Foundation headed by David Buckman and Carl Fletcher, funds their travel."

STEP Foundation has also put telescopes in every Plymouth School campus. STEP Foundation is has on its next agenda a vote to provide several new computers for the Plymouth Technology Program, as a recent result of equipment failures, resulting in reduced technology program assets.

History:
The STEP Foundation consists of educators, former educators, and involved citizens from around the south shore. All Personnel Involved with the STEP Foundation are volunteers. STEP Foundation has no rented or owned facilities. The Board of Directors meets monthly in the Plymouth Planetarium or Classrooms.

Carl Fletcher is a co-founder and current President; he is a member of the AIA, BSA, AIA Historic Resources Committee, AIA Education Committee, judge at the Southeast Regional Science Fair held at Bridgewater State College, and a member of NASA JPL's Saturn Observation Campaign.

David Buckman is a co-founder and current Treasurer; David owns and operates Golden Gull studio in Plymouth, he is a member of the July Fourth Committee and a former educator.

Dr. Martina Arndt is a co-founder and current secretary; Martina is an astro-physics professor at Bridgewater State College and a judge at the Southeast Regional Science Fair held at Bridgewater State College.

Paul Grueter is a member of the Board of Directors; Paul is a middle school principal in Raynham, MA, a member of the south shore astronomical society and a member of NASA JPL's Saturn Observation Campaign.

Ken Groppi is a member of the Board of Directors; Ken is an advertising executive from Plymouth, MA.

Dr. Sandra Thomas is a member of the Board of Directors; Sandy is a faculty member at Simmons College and a Plymouth Resident.

Mr. Robert Higgins is a member of the Board of Directors; Bob is a former corporate executive from Dunkin Donuts, and a town meeting representative.

Staff advisors-
Mr. Nicola Micozzi, Science Coordinator for the Plymouth Public Schools.
Judy Bradley, 8th grade science teacher.
Karen Runyon, 8th grade science teacher.
Bill Luzader, Planetarium Director, and Physics teacher.
Lyman Goding, Plymouth Middle School Principal (National Middle School Principal of the Year)
Bruce Riseborough, high school science teacher.
Warren Phillips, Middle School Science Teacher (National Science Teacher of the Year)
In addition, several other school educators.

Contact person: Carl Fletcher, Assoc. AIA, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (508) 224-6845

Address:

P.O. Box 1516 Plymouth, MA 02361