POTSDAM – Clarkson University's Dana Barry is leading the science component of a special project that encourages the integration of science and literacy as normal practice in both library and school programs.

Barry is the senior technical writer and editor for Clarkson's Center for Advanced Materials Processing.

She serves as a consultant and gives science workshops to Head Start teachers and college students majoring in early childhood education. She provides them with ideas and activities to obtain the Head Start Science curriculum goals.

Barry was a featured speaker at the Early Childhood Conference held in August at SUNY Canton. The workshop was titled Science, Literacy, and Libraries.

She has teamed with Sarah Sachs of the Potsdam Public Library and Carolyn Stone of the SUNY Potsdam Department of Literacy to present Science, Literacy and Libraries, a series of collaborative workshops for Head Start staff in St. Lawrence, Lewis, Jefferson and Oswego counties.

“We have been thrilled to add Dr. Barry and her knowledge of science for preschoolers to our partnership,” said Sachs. “It is an exceptional opportunity to be able to look no further than our local universities for experts in both science and literacy.”

The workshops are funded as part of Science in the Library, a Family Literacy grant from the NYSED Division of Library Development. Over a two-year period, local librarians and preschool teachers will be trained to further integrate science and literacy into their daily practice.

The two leading libraries involved with this grant are the Potsdam Public Library with Youth Services Librarian Sarah Sachs and the Ogdensburg Public Library with Children's Librarian Bonnie Wright. Librarian Emily Owen, Youth Services Consultant for the North Country Library System, is also assisting with the program.

“These grant activities will culminate in a series of 'Make and Take' science fairs for parents of preschoolers, presented by Dr. Barry and the grant team next year,” said Sachs.

Barry is scientific board president for Ansted University, an officer for the northern New York section of the American Chemical Society, and the author of many science education materials and books for parents, teachers, and children.