The Museum Experience
The Franklin Institute, SLA's founding partner, is more than just a resource; it's an extension of the school, and central to the lives of our students. While many schools have partnerships with local organizations, few are as close or deep as SLA's partnership with The Franklin. Through the Wednesdays at The Franklin program, memberships, ILP internships, special visitors, collaborative events, volunteer opportunities, capstone projects, graduation, and the FIBOT Scholarship, The Franklin Institute leaves an indelible mark on every student during his or her time at SLA.
Wednesdays at The Franklin
Every Wednesday, SLA's 9th grade walks to The Franklin Institute, three blocks away, to engage in informal science learning. Their afternoon consists of visiting exhibits like Body Worlds or Design Zone, watching IMAX films like Coral Reef or Flying Monsters, and participating in "Mini-Courses." Mini-Courses are short, one-to-two month long, once-a-week courses in a variety of topics from medicine and immunology to engineering and astronomy to computer programming and product design. Students choose which course they would like to take out of up to 8 different options. Mini-Courses are typically linked to exhibits and other resources in the museum, which serve as a pedagogical tool to enhance the students' level of understanding. These courses, in combination with the other Wednesdays at The Franklin curricula, lay the foundation for an engaged and exciting 4 years at SLA.
Memberships
Every student (and staff member) at SLA is provided with a year-round family membership to The Franklin Institute. This means free access to all permanent exhibits, the Sky Bike, and the planetarium, and reduced prices on IMAX and 3D films and travelling exhibits. These and other exclusive offers can be used 7 days a week all year long.
Memberships
Every student (and staff member) at SLA is provided with a year-round family membership to The Franklin Institute. This means free access to all permanent exhibits, the Sky Bike, and the planetarium, and reduced prices on IMAX and 3D films and travelling exhibits. These and other exclusive offers can be used 7 days a week all year long.
Many SLA families take advantage of their memberships in the evening or on the weekend.
ILP Internships
As sophomores and juniors disperse into the city to work as interns in the Individualized Learning Program, many of them choose to fulfill their requirement at The Franklin Institute. Interns have the opportunity to work with Dr. Derrick Pitts, The Franklin Institute's Chief Astronomer, or they can assist the Vice President of Operations, learning the best practices of non-profit management. Still others work in exhibit design and assessment, graphic design, communications, marketing, and research.
ILP Internships
As sophomores and juniors disperse into the city to work as interns in the Individualized Learning Program, many of them choose to fulfill their requirement at The Franklin Institute. Interns have the opportunity to work with Dr. Derrick Pitts, The Franklin Institute's Chief Astronomer, or they can assist the Vice President of Operations, learning the best practices of non-profit management. Still others work in exhibit design and assessment, graphic design, communications, marketing, and research.
Distinguished Visitors
Through The Franklin Institute, SLA students get to meet some of those people who have had the biggest influence on the world today. On a regular basis, these Franklin Institute guests pay SLA a visit to talk with our students. Examples of visitors include: Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft; Waleed Abdalati, NASA's Chief Scientist; and Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway.
Distinguished Visitors
Through The Franklin Institute, SLA students get to meet some of those people who have had the biggest influence on the world today. On a regular basis, these Franklin Institute guests pay SLA a visit to talk with our students. Examples of visitors include: Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft; Waleed Abdalati, NASA's Chief Scientist; and Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway.
Bill Gates, founder and Chairman of Microsoft, visited SLA after receiving the Franklin Institute's Bower Award in 2010.
Waleed Abdalati, NASA's Chief Scientist, presented to SLA students after his visit to The Franklin Institute in 2011.
Capstone Projects
Seniors may choose to complete their capstone projects under the guidance of The Franklin Institute. In the past, there have been capstone mentors at nearly all levels of the Museum providing wisdom, funding, and other resources.
Capstone Projects
Seniors may choose to complete their capstone projects under the guidance of The Franklin Institute. In the past, there have been capstone mentors at nearly all levels of the Museum providing wisdom, funding, and other resources.
Graduation
Just as the Science Leadership Academy started with The Franklin Institute, SLA's seniors finish with it. Every year our graduation ceremony takes place in Franklin Hall, the only National Memorial outside of Washington, DC.
Graduation
Just as the Science Leadership Academy started with The Franklin Institute, SLA's seniors finish with it. Every year our graduation ceremony takes place in Franklin Hall, the only National Memorial outside of Washington, DC.
SLA's first graduating class on the steps of The Franklin Institute
FIBOT Scholarship
The Franklin Institute Board of Trustees (FIBOT) generously gives $50,000 to SLA seniors every year as they graduate to attend colleges and universities around the country. This makes up 5 scholarships of $10,000 each toward their college tuition. The students selected each year are some of SLA's finest, who intend to pursue a major in a STEM field (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math).
Contact:
If you have questions or would like to learn more about SLA's partnership with The Franklin Institute, please don't hesitate to contact the SLA-TFI Liaison, Luke Van Meter.
Email: lvanmeter@fi.edu or lvanmeter@scienceleadership.org
Office: 215-448-1342
Cell: 609-744-6701
