The Ocean in Our Backyard Program
Discovering the Math and Science All Around Us
TERC brings 40 years of experience in education and an attention to sound learning goals to the creation of tools, games, and programs for out-of-school learning environments. These programs support academic enrichment while engendering an enthusiasm for science and math learning that overflows into the regular classroom and into the students’ everyday lives. Our work strives to stimulate excitement about, and engagement with, the math and science all around us.
Learning in Museums and Informal Environments
Our work employs science centers, museums and other informal learning environments as important settings for science and math learning. We strive to build on the strengths of informal learning centers in translating science and math into materials and activities that are personally meaningful for learners.
Fun Games for Serious Learning
TERC’s educational computer and board games encourage exploration and the development of reasoning and problem solving skills, often using humor and familiar activities to draw families into opportunities for learning. TERC’s games emphasize strategies for solving puzzles rather than memorizing solutions. Our products appeal to children and adults, to girls as well as boys, and successfully span the home and school markets.
Supporting After School Core Values
TERC’s after school programs promote the core values that make after school so engaging, particularly for students who don’t do well in traditional classroom settings. We recognize the importance of activities that help children develop confidence in their abilities and awareness of their surroundings, in and out of the classroom. Our expertise provides ongoing support for experiential learning after school.
Establishing Partnerships
TERC’s partnerships with museums and informal learning institutions reflect our national leadership in the field. Our partners include:
- Boston Harbor Islands National Park
- East Boston YMCA
- Hyde Park (MA) YMCA
- Mass 2020
- Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
- Mellon Academy
- Museum of Science, Boston
- National Park Service
- New England Aquarium
- Northeastern University Marine Science Center
- Paraclete Center
- Roxbury Boys and Girls Club
- Somerville Community Schools
- South Boston Boys and Girls Club
- United Way-sponsored After Schools
