What is Science Sleuths?
HISTORIC GERMANTOWN, a partnership of 20 historic sites in Northwest Philadelphia, now offers Science Sleuths, a hands-on, STEM-focused, immersive program for Philadelphia public and parochial schools.
SCIENCE SLEUTHS brings together five Historic Germantown partner sites to offer hands-on field studies for middle school learners. Driven by the desire to serve our community through our sites and offer educational opportunities for youth, and initially funded by grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Connelly Foundation, Historic Germantown has created a comprehensive, STEM-focused academic experience. Science Sleuths provides high-quality, immersive, standards-based science to schools in Philadelphia. Pairing hands-on science with visits to significant historic sites leverages the power of place-based learning and our city’s rich cultural heritage.
What we believe
We believe the future health of both our planet and our communities depends on excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math. Science Sleuths opens doors to deeper curiosity about scientific studies and pursuits. All students deserve the opportunity to envision and explore future STEM careers. Philadelphia youth have much to contribute to engineering for a better future for all. Science Sleuths is dedicated to helping make this happen.
100% of students attend Science Sleuths lessons for free
100% of Science Sleuths students attend local Philadelphia schools
100% of transportation to and from sites is covered by the program
100% of lessons are aligned to state standards
100% of lesson materials and supplies are provided
In their own words…
Students and teachers reflect on Science Sleuths
“The Science Sleuths trip to the Historic Rittenhouse opened my eyes to many new things. I loved the experience because it was very hands-on…I would love to go back to learn even more.”
Monae, 7th Grade Student
John F. McCloskey School
From the moment our students stepped off the bus, they were engaged, excited, and fully immersed in hands-on learning. The opportunity to explore real-world scientific concepts through inquiry and discovery gave them a sense of ownership over their learning that can’t be replicated in a classroom.
Tasha Blakeney
7th Grade Math & Science Teacher
Five Historic Germantown Sites, One Comprehensive Curriculum
Awbury
Arboretum
Hydrology & Ecology
Students visit the daylighted portion of the Wingohocking Creek and explore watersheds, run off, pollution, the water cycle, and biomes. They test water for pH, nitrates, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen. They learn about food webs and how toxins affect the food chain and health of flora and fauna.
Historic RittenhouseTown
Physics & Hydraulics
Students learn about six simple machines, overshot and undershot water wheels, and potential and kinetic energy. They learn about flax plants and the historic process of paper making and then they experiment in making their own handmade paper at the site of America’s first paper mill.
Grumblethorpe
Epidemiology
Students visit this site where a family quarantined during the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. They take part in a simulation conducting blood testing of family members for the virus and play a game that mimics the spread of infectious diseases. They learn to read maps and charts showing how an epidemic can move across a population.
Historic Fair Hill
Climatology & Agriculture
Students test the soil for texture, water percolation, and pH levels. They record data in three different microclimates measuring wind speed, humidity, and temperature and examine the effects of green spaces and the tree canopy in urban areas. Lastly, they take part in a bioblitz exploring biodiversity and its connection to climate.
Stenton
Genetics
Students learn about James Logan and his studies of plant genetics; they play a game the teaches the basic laws of heredity, and they extract strands of DNA from plant material. They tour three distinct biomes on the property and discuss how the environment may affect genetics over time.
In their own words…
Students and teachers reflect on Science Sleuths
“From the moment our students stepped off the bus, they were engaged, excited, and fully immersed in hands-on learning. The opportunity to explore real-world scientific concepts through inquiry and discovery gave them a sense of ownership over their learning that can’t be replicated in a classroom. Whether they were conducting experiments, observing natural phenomena, or solving problems as a group, it was clear they were learning in the most powerful way—by doing.”
“What struck me most was how every student, regardless of background or ability, found a way to connect with the material. The program sparked conversations, curiosity, and even a few exclamations of interest in a career in STEM—which, to me, is the highest praise possible. Science Sleuths is a meaningful and enriching experience for our students. It has made science feel relevant, exciting, and real, and I know the impact will stay with them long after these experiences are over.”
Tasha Blakeney
7th Grade Math & Science Teacher
2024-25 Pilot Program Evaluation Results
To assess Science Sleuths implementation and outcomes, Historic Germantown engaged an outside consultant to create a program logic model and evaluation instruments, and conduct research during the pilot year. Data collected and analyzed for this evaluation includes a teacher survey (4 of 5 teachers), student survey (66 students from 3 of 7 classes from 3 of 4 schools) and a focus group with program guides (5 of 6 guides). Note: All students surveyed answered all of the multiple choice questions.
All teachers and most students (83%) reported that Science Sleuths helped students understand more about how humans affect the environment.
82% of students said that Science Sleuths helped them learn more about science.
Most teachers and students (80%) agreed that it helped students see that they can take action to positivelyaffect the environment.
All teachers agreed that Science Sleuths increased students’ knowledge of program units’ science content and topics.
All teachers surveyed agreed that Science Sleuths met key goals:
Support for instructional and student learning goals
Increased access to hands-on learning
Increased awareness of Historic Germantown resources for teaching and learning science
Support innovative science education for Philadelphia school students:
$400
Covers the bus fee for one field trip. Since transportation is often an impediment to student participation, Science Sleuths covers the cost of all bus trips to and from lessons.
$1,800
Funds one field study session for up to 30-40 students.
$2,500
Covers Science Sleuths lesson supplies for one year (pH strips, water testing supplies, test tubes, printed materials, climate monitoring tools, and much more).
$9,000
Funds the entire program for one class of up to 40 students for one academic year.
$15,000
Covers the cost of training for eight guides for one school year. Our guides are thoughtfully coached by credentialed educators to deliver three distinct, hands-on science lessons at each cultural site