McLean Teacher Brings History of Science to Life

By Donna Peterson, Special to McLean Patch

Classroom 201 at McLean High School looks like any physics class, with constellation charts and Newton's photograph on the walls, and students carefully gluing spaghetti into bridges. But walk into the storage room, tucked in the far back corner, and you enter a time warp. 

A woman's 18th century empire-waist gown hangs gracefully down over boxes, its shiny details accented by the rim of a nearby bicycle tire. Replicas of old muskets lean in a corner. A modified umbrella has a chain to act as a lightening rod. Pale yellow mammoth fur is kept in a corked glass vial.

These are the artifacts of Project Enlightenment, the brainchild of Dean Howarth, a physics teacher at McLean High School for 19 years. Howarth, a history buff, believes that students best understand science if they live its history. Therefore, he has his junior and senior students research important early scientists and bring their lives to life by donning their clothes.

Beginning in the 2011-12 school year, Project Enlightenment will be a year-long course offered through the performing arts department that will allow students to learn the history of other courses ranging from music to art to botany by becoming a character who played an important early role in the development of that field.     

"The kids come up with new characters. The kids find the person, on their own," says Howarth, his enthusiasm overflowing. "It's an avenue for creativity ... and involves topics from AP History to music. It's like a master's dissertation."       

Field trips are an important part of Project Enlightenment. In 1992, a one-time visit at the Corcoran Gallery evolved into an outreach trip to Mount Vernon that's lasted 16 years.  In 2010-11 alone, they've visited Montpelier, Historic Alexandria's Apothecary, Gadsby's Tavern and the Carlyle House, as well as area elementary schools. 

The males are outfitted in colonial tri-cornered hats, and the females wear gowns of thick brocade fabrics. The students authentically demonstrate in character and must be well-informed and mentally agile to handle whatever questions come their way.

"They have to know their audience. They have the responsibility of getting themselves somewhere.These are undeniably important skills not given their due," Howarth says.   

College entrance officials have taken notice. Eleven of the 13 students from last year's graduating class accepted at William & Mary were in Project Enlightenment. Howarth credits the support of McLean High Principal Deborah Jackson "to give it its due," transforming Project Enlightenment from club to class.