PRESS KIT: Story Ideas for Gould's McLaughlin Science Center

Potential story ideas for the media include:

Raising the bar on science education in Maine

The brand new $4.4 million McLaughlin Science Center at Gould Academy features a celestial sphere, a greenhouse, expansive labs with prep rooms, computer labs, a technology center, and a student-made robot that will cut the ribbon at the Sept. 28 dedication event.

This exciting, hands-on, state-of-the-art facility raises the bar on science education in Maine and throughout New England at the secondary level by enhancing traditional science studies to include a greater opportunity for program individualization, student presentation and technological integration. Students who enter the building can't help but get excited about science and learning, which, in turn, will lead to a greater understanding and a greater appreciation.

The teacher who inspires

Dr. Harry H. "Dutch" Dresser, Jr. (the younger McLaughlin's computer teacher and mentor in the late 1980s at Gould and director of studies) helps students finds their passions. A nationally known secondary school computer technology expert, Dr. Dresser has inspired his students for decades by enabling them to participate in cutting-edge technology development and discovery. He is one of those teachers whom students credit with life-changing influence.

The shy boy who found his passion and self-confidence in Maine

The center was made possible by the grateful parents of a former student who went to Gould and blossomed. Glen W. McLaughlin, the son of "venture philanthropist" Glen McLaughlin, is now an accomplished inventor who counts among his medical breakthroughs a catheter device that is used to go inside a damaged heart, locate the area that is causing irregularities, destroy the tissue and restore the heart to normalcy. His father and mother, grateful to Gould for its influence on their son, gave a $2 million challenge gift to the school toward the construction of the science center.

A one-of-a-kind science building

The arrestingly beautiful and fascinating 6-foot celestial sphere interactive sculpture that greets visitors who step into McLaughlin Science Center lobby (featuring a 29-foot ceiling) is the first of many wonders in a facility that is truly unique among New England secondary schools. From the greenhouse and the aquarium to the technology center and prep-room-enhanced laboratories, students returning this month will be awed by its beauty and state-of-the-art facilities. It's a building that must be seen to be appreciated. On Sept. 28, a major dedication event will take place during alumni weekend, featuring a student-built robot to cut the ribbon, tours, a science education symposium and more. The keynote is author and former New York Times science writer Dava Sobel. The McLaughlins will also attend. Members of the media are welcome.

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