Science of the Eye

Assisted by Prof Jonathan King serving as principal investigator, and Lisa Guisbond in outreach and public relations, Dr MIlls-Henry leads an initiative to "increase access to active, inquiry-based science education in Massachusetts public schools." Science of the Eye looks for ways to do this by supporting biology teachers through providing engaging material which can be performed in a hands-on way using active inquiry.

The curriculum areas of Science of the Eye focus on knowledge and understanding about the human eye, as well as on the demonstration of possibilities for careers related to the science of the eye. In addition, the SOE curriculum endeavors to educate all students in order to create a scientifically literate citizenry. This educated citizenry will, in turn, increase the 'pipeline' of interest in science scholarship and careers.

Dr Mills-Henry also shared Science of the Eye's engagement in professional development programs for high school teachers. SOE has reached over 200 teachers  throughout the state through professional development workshops. This past summer, SOE held a two week program at MIT for biology teachers with lectures, labs and hands-on activities, in partnership with MIT and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr Mills-Henry hopes to increase the presence of SOE in the professional development realm through further outreach to teacher unions and through careful understanding of the challenges and economic difficulties of the profession.

 -- Molly Ruggles

 -- photographs courtesy Jeff Merriman