Mrs. Dawn Elchin - Planetarium Director
Hello! Let me introduce myself, my name is Dawn Elchin and I am the planetarium director for the Hollidaysburg Planetarium! To reach Hollidaysburg, my path has been windy, AND exciting. After graduating from Somerset High School class of 1995, I attended California University of PA for a bachelor's in Biology. With this degree, I worked at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in the biochemical/neuro agents division in Silver Springs, MD. While at WRAIR, I had the opportunity to engage high school students in summer research projects and found my calling. I continued to work while getting my Master's degree and was hired at Salisbury Elk-lick High School for my first job as their high school science teacher.
In my 24th year of teaching now, and having taught at Salisbury-Elk Lick, Windber Area, and now Hollidaysburg Area High School, Science continues to excite and challenge me. A trait I hope is shared with all my students.
In my spare time, I am a wife, and mother to 2 growing boys. We enjoy camping, fishing, kayaking, board games, and family time wherever it takes it.
Please consider joining us to explore the night sky with our engaging, awe-inspiring shows at the Hollidaysburg Planetarium! The 30-foot dome provides the ultimate screen for seeing planets up close, flying to distant galaxies, and even rediscovering our own Earth in ways never thought possible. The Planetarium is located in the high school. Visit our home page for a list of upcoming shows and target audience ages. All shows last approximately 50 minutes.
Experience:
Teacher, 2012-Present Hollidaysburg Area School District
Courses (Past and Present): Honors Scientific Research, Honors/College Bound Forensic Science, Astronomy, Oceanography, Honors Engineering Physics, Honors Anatomy & Physiology I, AP Biology
Teacher 2005-2012 Windber Area School DistrictCourses: Physics, Advanced (Physics II), Anatomy & Physiology, General Science, Applied Science, Chemistry, Chemistry Lab, Physics LabDual Enrollment courses: Physics II- Mt. Aloysius, Anatomy & Physiology – PHCC BIO 260
Adjunct Professor, 2009 St. Francis UniversityCourses: Master’s Level Anatomy & Physiology for Physician’s Assistants (CERMUSA)
Adjunct Professor, 2006-2016 Penn Highlands Community CollegeCourses: Anatomy & Physiology I, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology, General Biology Lab
Instructor, 2002-2005 Salisbury Elk Lick School District Course: Biology, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Advanced Science, Anatomy, Physics, Ecology
Research Assistant, 2001Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchDepartment: Biochemical Research
Education: Master of Arts in Teaching(M.A.T.), California University of PA, 2003 Concentrations: Biology Thesis: Incorporating Cooperative Learning in a High School Biology ClassroomCum Lauda
Bachelor’s of Science, Biology, California University of PA, 1999 Undergraduate Research: The Effects of Heavy Metals on Bioluminescence of Vibrio fisheriMember: Beta Beta Beta
Current Professional Development:AP Biology Summer Institute 2021 AP Biology Reader Summer 2021 Career Readiness Prep (AP Biology) NMS.org training 2020Laying the Foundations NM.org training 2018Spitz Planetarium Software: Starry Night, The Layered Earth, Zygote body 2018-presentCollins Writing Workshops/Text Dependent Analysis Workshop- Concentrations in Reading/Writing, and Math 2014-presentSTEM IU8 Technology and Lending Center Library Courses 2016-present Pennsylvania State University, Cosmology/Black Holes/Computing/Multi messenger Astronomy Graduate Courses, 2016-presentSnapology of Johnstown/Indiana, Lego Science, Video Game Design, Robotics, and more. 2015-2017Curriculum and Instruction Author, 2014-2019 Courses: Keystone Biology A/B, Honors Engineering Physics, Astronomy, Forensic ScienceState Keystone Mentor, 2010 Conference and training attended (1/20 selected from across the state)Governor’s Institute for Life Sciences, 2007, Conference and training attended (1/83 selected from across the state)Governor’s Institute for Environment and Ecology, 2007 Conference and training (1/100 selected from across the state)Continued Education Courses: Intermediate Unit 8, 2003-Present: Credit Courses: Windows to the Environment, Classroom Technologies, Mental Health in Schools, and Pennsylvania Song Birds Continued Education Courses: California University of PA, 2002-2005: Concentration: PhysicsPresentations: Elchin, Dawn (1999). Pennsylvania Academy Sciences and CPUB, The Effects of Heavy Metals on Vibrio FisheriCertifications: • Biology: 2003• Chemistry: 2004• Physics: 2005• General Science: 2006• Earth Space Science 2017
Grant:• Hollidaysburg Foundation Grant (2018): $3000 Maker Space Lab• Hollidaysburg Foundation Grant (2015): $500 Anatomical Models• Target Field Grant (2009): $800 Awards and Honors: * Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region Director 2020• Hollidaysburg Planetarium Director 2020• Pennsylvania State University Graduate Courses in Astronomy and Computer Science 2016-Present• Governor’s Challenge STEM team advisor, 2nd awards, 2015-present• Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 8 Judging Committee, 2014-present• Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Nominee, 2011 • State Keystone Mentor, 2010• MIT Inspirational Teacher Award, 2009• District Keystone Mentor, 2010• District Keystone Technology Integrator, 2009• Classrooms for the Future Teacher, 2008-Present• Nanotechnology Certification, 2008• Governor’s Institute-Life Science, 2007• Governor’s Institute-Environment & Ecology, 2007• Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Institute Participant, 2005• 2nd place in the 1st annual undergraduate research day, 1999• Biological Honor Society (Beta Beta Beta) Member, 1999- Present
Leadership and Advising:• Laying the Foundations, National Math and Science Institute Year 1: 2018-present• Blair County Wide In-service Presenter 2018• High School Innovation Lab Leader 2018-present• High School STEM committee 2017-present• Quantum Quest Fest High School Coordinator 2016-2017• Save the Planetarium Fund Raising Committee 2016-present• IU8 Atoms Instructor, 2015-present• Windber Pre-K Science Day Coordinator/Educator 2010-present• Westmont Science Day Educator 2011-Present• Science/STEM Days at HASD Elementary(es) 2012-present• Math and Science Saturday Volunteer and Advisor 2012-2017• YMCA Camp Spencer Science Educator 2014• STEM Club Volunteer 2012- present• National Honor Society Advisor: 2010-2012• Envirothon Volunteer Advisor: 2003-Present• Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Volunteer Advisor: 2003-Present• Science Olympiad Co-advisor: 2006-2008• Science Olympiad Volunteer Advisor: 2008-Present• Student Assistant Team member: 2004-Present • Remediation and Assessment Committee 2002-2005• Co-advise sophomore and freshmen classes 2002-2005
Skills and Qualifications: • Schoology trained user, smore creator, dash and dot, little bits, and breakout edu• Blackboard, Edmodo, remind, , infinite campus, e-schoolbook, and other web based educational classroom management software• Makey-Makeys, adruino software, 3D printing software (Simplify 3D and onshape)• Mental Health In Schools Training (PSTD, Coping with Change, Suicide Prevention, Mandated Reporter)• School Wide Positive Behavior Team Member• Google user: Classroom/Docs/Slides/Drive/calendar/forms/sites• Microsoft Office, Web 2.0 tools, Skype, Delicious, Wikis, • Voicethreads, Movie Maker, Audacity, Responder systems, Photostory, Scratch, Comic Life, Blended Learning Models• Tissue Engineering, Cell culturing, genomic screening, SPSS software• Rodent Handling Certificate• Aseptic Technique Certificate• Primate Handling Certificate• Human BuCHE purification from human plasma techniques• Genetic Isolation of Bovine BuCHE• Student Assistant Program Trained (2004)
Adjunct Professor, 2009 St. Francis UniversityCourses: Master’s Level Anatomy & Physiology for Physician’s Assistants (CERMUSA)
Adjunct Professor, 2006-2016 Penn Highlands Community CollegeCourses: Anatomy & Physiology I, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology, General Biology Lab
Instructor, 2002-2005 Salisbury Elk Lick School District Course: Biology, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Advanced Science, Anatomy, Physics, Ecology
Research Assistant, 2001Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchDepartment: Biochemical Research
Education: Master of Arts in Teaching(M.A.T.), California University of PA, 2003 Concentrations: Biology Thesis: Incorporating Cooperative Learning in a High School Biology ClassroomCum Lauda
Bachelor’s of Science, Biology, California University of PA, 1999 Undergraduate Research: The Effects of Heavy Metals on Bioluminescence of Vibrio fisheriMember: Beta Beta Beta
Current Professional Development:AP Biology Summer Institute 2021 AP Biology Reader Summer 2021 Career Readiness Prep (AP Biology) NMS.org training 2020Laying the Foundations NM.org training 2018Spitz Planetarium Software: Starry Night, The Layered Earth, Zygote body 2018-presentCollins Writing Workshops/Text Dependent Analysis Workshop- Concentrations in Reading/Writing, and Math 2014-presentSTEM IU8 Technology and Lending Center Library Courses 2016-present Pennsylvania State University, Cosmology/Black Holes/Computing/Multi messenger Astronomy Graduate Courses, 2016-presentSnapology of Johnstown/Indiana, Lego Science, Video Game Design, Robotics, and more. 2015-2017Curriculum and Instruction Author, 2014-2019 Courses: Keystone Biology A/B, Honors Engineering Physics, Astronomy, Forensic ScienceState Keystone Mentor, 2010 Conference and training attended (1/20 selected from across the state)Governor’s Institute for Life Sciences, 2007, Conference and training attended (1/83 selected from across the state)Governor’s Institute for Environment and Ecology, 2007 Conference and training (1/100 selected from across the state)Continued Education Courses: Intermediate Unit 8, 2003-Present: Credit Courses: Windows to the Environment, Classroom Technologies, Mental Health in Schools, and Pennsylvania Song Birds Continued Education Courses: California University of PA, 2002-2005: Concentration: PhysicsPresentations: Elchin, Dawn (1999). Pennsylvania Academy Sciences and CPUB, The Effects of Heavy Metals on Vibrio FisheriCertifications: • Biology: 2003• Chemistry: 2004• Physics: 2005• General Science: 2006• Earth Space Science 2017
Grant:• Hollidaysburg Foundation Grant (2018): $3000 Maker Space Lab• Hollidaysburg Foundation Grant (2015): $500 Anatomical Models• Target Field Grant (2009): $800 Awards and Honors: * Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region Director 2020• Hollidaysburg Planetarium Director 2020• Pennsylvania State University Graduate Courses in Astronomy and Computer Science 2016-Present• Governor’s Challenge STEM team advisor, 2nd awards, 2015-present• Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 8 Judging Committee, 2014-present• Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Nominee, 2011 • State Keystone Mentor, 2010• MIT Inspirational Teacher Award, 2009• District Keystone Mentor, 2010• District Keystone Technology Integrator, 2009• Classrooms for the Future Teacher, 2008-Present• Nanotechnology Certification, 2008• Governor’s Institute-Life Science, 2007• Governor’s Institute-Environment & Ecology, 2007• Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Institute Participant, 2005• 2nd place in the 1st annual undergraduate research day, 1999• Biological Honor Society (Beta Beta Beta) Member, 1999- Present
Leadership and Advising:• Laying the Foundations, National Math and Science Institute Year 1: 2018-present• Blair County Wide In-service Presenter 2018• High School Innovation Lab Leader 2018-present• High School STEM committee 2017-present• Quantum Quest Fest High School Coordinator 2016-2017• Save the Planetarium Fund Raising Committee 2016-present• IU8 Atoms Instructor, 2015-present• Windber Pre-K Science Day Coordinator/Educator 2010-present• Westmont Science Day Educator 2011-Present• Science/STEM Days at HASD Elementary(es) 2012-present• Math and Science Saturday Volunteer and Advisor 2012-2017• YMCA Camp Spencer Science Educator 2014• STEM Club Volunteer 2012- present• National Honor Society Advisor: 2010-2012• Envirothon Volunteer Advisor: 2003-Present• Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Volunteer Advisor: 2003-Present• Science Olympiad Co-advisor: 2006-2008• Science Olympiad Volunteer Advisor: 2008-Present• Student Assistant Team member: 2004-Present • Remediation and Assessment Committee 2002-2005• Co-advise sophomore and freshmen classes 2002-2005
Skills and Qualifications: • Schoology trained user, smore creator, dash and dot, little bits, and breakout edu• Blackboard, Edmodo, remind, , infinite campus, e-schoolbook, and other web based educational classroom management software• Makey-Makeys, adruino software, 3D printing software (Simplify 3D and onshape)• Mental Health In Schools Training (PSTD, Coping with Change, Suicide Prevention, Mandated Reporter)• School Wide Positive Behavior Team Member• Google user: Classroom/Docs/Slides/Drive/calendar/forms/sites• Microsoft Office, Web 2.0 tools, Skype, Delicious, Wikis, • Voicethreads, Movie Maker, Audacity, Responder systems, Photostory, Scratch, Comic Life, Blended Learning Models• Tissue Engineering, Cell culturing, genomic screening, SPSS software• Rodent Handling Certificate• Aseptic Technique Certificate• Primate Handling Certificate• Human BuCHE purification from human plasma techniques• Genetic Isolation of Bovine BuCHE• Student Assistant Program Trained (2004)
Fred Marschak - Planetarium Volunteer
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Fred's Photo Gallery:
.png)
.png)
Fred's Accomplishments
Education * B.S in Earth & Space Sciences Education from the Pennsylvania State University. * M.A. in Education (Astronomy emphasis) from University of California, Santa Barbara. * M.A. in Geography (Impact Cratering) from University of California, Santa Barbara Teaching Experience
* 48 total years of teaching over 50,000 students* A decade of teaching experience at the elementary/secondary level Earth and Space Sciences including:
astronomy, geology, geography, oceanography, and meteorology mainly at Hollidaysburg School District.* 38 years of experience teaching college-level Earth Sciences: astronomy, space exploration, geography,
planetary geology, and meteorology. * Other teaching experience includes preschool, elementary, middle school, and graduate school.
Honors* Named in "Outstanding Secondary Educators in America" in 1975. * Received the SBCC Faculty Excellence Award in 2007 * Named Research Associate at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History* Honored by having the new 20" telescope named the 'Marschak Telescope' in the Palmer Observatory
at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in October 2015.* Honored as a Hollidaysburg Area School District Distinguished Alumni in 2019. Educational Program Development and Presentations * Developed and implemented the entire curriculum for:… the Earth Sciences/Astronomy at Hollidaysburg Area Schools … the Planetarium portion of K-12 in Hollidaysburg Area Schools … the Laboratory Teaching Assistant position at SBCC* Designed and implemented new programs in:… Planetary Geology at SBCC with Dr. Robert Gray… the S.B. Museum of Natural History's Astronomy Programs… Astronomy for adults and teachers through SBCC. * Designed and presented workshops for: ...teachers at all levels in Santa Barbara County (with NASA) …State Park Rangers as part of their Environmental Interpretation Program in PA. * Hosted educational events and professional conferences for: …a county-wide Earth and Space Resources presentation for Blair County including
NASA Specialists and a Moon Rock …the five-state Pacific Planetarium Association meeting.* Coordinating with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in remodeling the Gladwin Planetarium
and the Observatory in the 1980's * Conducted several Astrofests through SBCC and the Museum including a touchable Moon Rock &
a full scale Lunar Rover.* Coordinating with the author of several children's space science books.* Created a club from 1984 through 1995, the Astronomical Unit, cosponsored by SBCC and the Santa
Barbara Museum of Natural History which: … conducted the public astronomy programs in the area … provided a number of field trips throughout the southwest … provided over $300,000 for astronomy education … encouraged students to participate in public events. ...This club continues in Santa Barbara.* Cooperated with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in the selection and supervision of a new person to coordinate the astronomy programs at the museum and
assist SBCC with the evening labs. Participation in Astronomy Education * Presented more than 500 classroom astronomy programs to local schools 1995-1997.* Participated in selecting National Science Foundation grant proposals in Washington, D.C.
in 1978 and 1979.* Joined professional organizations such as the Pacific Planetarium. .Association and the International
Society of Planetarium Educators. * Attended scores of workshops sponsored by NASA, Caltech and JPL. * Assisted the 'Save the Planetarium at Hollidaysburg' committee to raise over $200,000 from 2016/2017
to purchase a new planetarium instrument.* Assisted the team at Hollidaysburg Area Schools to implement the new Spitz 2400 digital planetarium
instrument into the curriculum. Goals* To provide astronomy programs for teachers either as workshops or as a resource within the classroom. * To provide scholarships for students who wish to continue in Astronomy through the Marschak
Astronomy Scholarship at Santa Barbara City College. * To provide ways to raise money to fund new shows for the Hollidaysburg Planetarium.