Our Mission/Who We Are
The Einstein Project is a nonprofit organization partnering with schools and communities to provide leadership and support for science education in Wisconsin. We offer 42 inquiry-based science units, developed by the Smithsonian Institution and National Academy of Sciences, to schools giving children the opportunity to learn by doing. The units allow schools to provide an exemplary hands-on science curriculum for students. The six to twelve week units contain enough materials for an entire class and are leased to schools for a modest fee.
"The Einstein kits have given a greater understanding of science to our students in their daily lives. The kits encompass entire science concepts at the appropriate grade level of interest. I feel we perform better on the WKCE tests, by using the kits."
-- Jeanne Czech, Principal, Freedom Elementary School, Freedom, Wisconsin
Who We Serve
The Einstein Project serves 43 school districts in the state, primarily in Northeast Wisconsin. We serve most Brown County districts with client districts in Central and Southern Wisconsin as well. Each year, more than 85,000 student participations in hands-on science are made possible because of The Einstein Project.
The Einstein Project FY 2008-2009 Annual Report
The Einstein Project FY 2007-2008 Annual Report
The Einstein Project FY 2006-2007 Annual Report
How It Works
Schools lease the units from The Einstein Project at affordable rates so all interested schools districts can participate without having to purchase costly materials for a first-rate science education. Because The Einstein Project owns the kits, the management, maintenance and storage of the units is our responsibility, not the schools'. Teachers receive the units in a "ready-to-teach" condition. Without Einstein, many elementary schools would not have the time or materials to do quality science in the classroom.
"There's nothing better than a teacher having a prepared kit ready to go. I like teaching science and I never thought I'd say that."
-- Jill Scharf, 3rd & 4th grade teacher, Herman Elementary School, Mayville, Wisconsin (English, Social Studies)
Teachers Teaching Teachers
Prior to using an Einstein Unit in the classroom, teachers must go through their own hands-on training in the classroom. During these 4 to 8 hours of instruction, educators become comfortable with the materials and gain knowledge of the subject matter leading to confidence in the classroom. We offer training three times a year through in-services and a summer Einstein Academy. The Einstein Project has trained more than 4,650 teachers from 383 schools since 1991.
"This is my first exposure to The Einstein Project & I am sold on using all the kits!"
-- In-service participant (not identified).
Driven by Community Partnerships
The Einstein Project maintains strong partnerships with many different facets of the community. Business not only supports the organization financially, but also provides science consultants or resources for teachers. Donated scientific and technological expertise as well as monetary gifts ensures an affordable lease rate to schools.
The Einstein Project hosts a number of fundraising events that also make Brown County a nicer place to live. Butterflies & Friends on Parade is a community-wide celebration of art and science featuring creatures from the natural world decorated by artists and placed around the community. At the end of the summer these art pieces are sold at an auction benefiting The Einstein Project. The Einstein Project Science Expo each January is a kid and family-focused event features the science behind everyday events and careers. At the Expo students have the opportunity to make silly putty, hold a 20-foot snake or create a new yogurt flavor.
How We Do It
In addition to our community events, The Einstein Project must offset the reduced costs to schools with additional fundraising. A partnership with Festival Foods for an annual golf scramble, a Friends of Einstein bi-annual campaign and corporate and individual grants also help meet our financial goals. The remaining 60% of our operating income is raised through programming.
"My daughter loved the 2nd grade unit 'The Life Cycle of Butterflies'. It opened her eyes and curiosity to nature and the world around her. I would highly recommend Einstein science for schools."
-- Karmen Lemke, Kaukauna, Wisconsin
Our History
In 1991, an assessment of the state of science education in Brown County revealed the absence of a hands-on science curriculum, a lack of depth in the teacher's science knowledge, and a limited resource base. A core group of educators and business people joined together to engage in long-term efforts to effect lasting change in these areas.
The Einstein Project was incorporated in 1991 as a consortium of nine area school districts, which has since expanded to many parts of Wisconsin. The founders realized that as the environment becomes more endangered and as the technology becomes more complex, there is an increasing need for young people to become more knowledgeable in science, technology and mathematics.
The Einstein Project is the only entity of its kind in the state of Wisconsin and is a national model for systemic change in Science Education.
- In 2007, a study from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay indicates The Einstein Project's hands-on science curriculum results in higher state standardized science test scores among 4th grade students, including those with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, females, and minority students.
- In 2003, chosen as host site for the Next Step Institute by the Association of Science Materials Centers (ASMC) and the National Science Resources Center (NSRC).
- In 2001, selected by the NSRC as a field-test site for STC/MS Organisms: Macro to Micro middle school unit.
- In 2000, member of the National Science Foundation's Middle School Professional Development Advisory Board.
- In 1999, recognized as a National Model by the National Science Teachers Association in NSTA Reports!.
- In 1998, selected by the NSRC as a field-test site for STC/MS Human Body Systems middle school unit.
- In 1997, selected as a regional training site for seven new science units developed by the NSRC.
- In 1997, featured as a national model for a successful science program in the book, Science for all Children.
- In 1993, honored as a model Business-Education Partnership by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters.
- In 1992, honored as the best School-Business Partnership in Wisconsin by the Manufacturers and Commerce Association.
Former Green Bay CEO Honored With Science Education Fund
The family, friends and colleagues of Steven Van Dyke have spearheaded an effort to see his memory live on through improving science education for young children. The Steven Van Dyke Science Education Fund benefitting The Einstein Project has been established with donations made in Steven's memory. Steven, a gifted engineer, scientist and former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Foth & Van Dyke, died October 2008 at the age of 63, following a lengthy illness. Van Dyke, along with colleague and scientist David Turiff, were key founders of The Einstein Project when it was established in 1991.
"Steven believed that business and our communities in general would be successful in the long run only if there was a significant investment in education." notes Tim Weyenberg, CEO of Foth. "The human capital that drives business success comes primarily from our academic institutions. And the collaboration between education and business could only succeed if there was a legitimate and material link between the two. The Einstein Project became his expression of that belief."
Weyenberg, Ellen Ney Van Dyke, widow of Steven K. Van Dyke, Steven's brother Neil and his wife Lee Prange, and many others contributed financial support for this initiative announced at the 2009 Foth Einstein Project Science Expo, February 14 at Shopko Hall.
The Einstein Project used a portion of the funds to enhance literacy materials for its science units, while the majority has established the Steven Van Dyke Science Education Fund at The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation benefitting The Einstein Project. The Einstein Project will use the funds as a financial incentive for new school districts to begin using the Einstein science units, thus spreading the reach of hands-on science, as was Steven's original intention.
"The Einstein Project is honored to be chosen by the Van Dyke family and Foth to receive this funding," says Julie Paavola, Executive Director of The Einstein Project. "Steven was a unique and forward-thinking man and we plan to continue doing all that we can to inspire kids at an early age to love and understand science."
Established as a partnership of schools, businesses and the community in 1991, Van Dyke, Turiff and key community members realized that a scientifically literate workforce originated at the elementary level.
The Einstein Project provides public and private schools with fun, hands-on science units developed by the Smithsonian Institution and National Academy of Sciences. Each year more than 85,000 students in Kindergarten through 8th grade learn about science with Einstein's educational units. Einstein courses are offered in 41 different subject areas and arrive to teachers in efficient, ready to use packages. Teachers are required to be trained before using our kits, which offer an entire semester of engaging hands-on materials.
"In my opinion Steven would be pleased to see this fund established in his name because it furthers his belief in supporting education, and is a tangible expression of something he personally invested in." Weyenberg continues. "I encourage members of the New North community to financially support this fund for the same reason Steven would have been pleased with its creation in the first place."
Contributions to the Steven Van Dyke Science Education Fund can be made through the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation or The Einstein Project, 1255 Einstein Way, Green Bay, WI 54311 or through our Donate Now option:
For more information on The Einstein Project, please also see GuideStar.org, a resource that gathers and publicizes information about nonprofit organizations for use by donors, funders, researchers, educators, professional service providers, governing agencies, and the media.
Bringing the WONDERS of the world to the fingertips of children . . .
The Einstein Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
