A LOOK AT THE WEEK AHEAD June 22 - June 29, 2001 OFFICE OF NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS (215) 204-7476 Fax: (215) 204-4403
RAIN, RAIN WON'T GO AWAY; EXPECT MORE FLOODS ANOTHER DAY--Localized deluges, like the ones that recently flooded parts of Bucks and Montgomery Counties, may well be a harbinger of things to come, says Dr. Robert Mason, director of Temple's environmental studies program. "Increased suburban development and associated increases in impermeable surfaces--or, for that matter, grassy areas that permit rapid runoff--mean that we are in store for more flooding and higher flood peaks," he says.
To combat this, Pennsylvania is encouraging multi-municipal land-planning, and legislation is now under consideration that would promote watershed-based planning, says Mason, who is also an associate professor of geography and urban studies. "But, until we begin to rise above our parochial local-level concerns and see the bigger ecosystem-based picture, we are left to deal with the consequences of extreme climatic events in a piecemeal, band-aid sort of way," he warns. "We could accomplish much more, at lower cost, if we were to take seriously planning-based solutions, rather than costly and often ineffective engineering projects."
Reach Mason through the Office of News and Media Relations, 215/204-7476.
KIDS IN SUMMER: GOING OUTSIDE VS. GOING ONLINE -- What do you do if all your kid wants to do this summer is sit at the computer? Temple educational psychologist Glenn Snelbecker, who specializes in technology, says parents need to encourage kids to strike a good balance between online and outside fun. "Things done in excess, even good things, can be a problem," says Snelbecker. "And there are many ways to combine computer activities and more active things."
If your child is checking out a nature-related web site, he says, encourage a nature walk. Conversely, if he's learning a new sport, have him go online to learn more about it, Snelbecker says. Summer is also a good time for parents to learn more about their children's interests--and computer skills, he says. "Parents often don't know as much as their children do about computers. This is a great time to let the kids show you something. And it's good, too, for kids to pair up and work together at the computer. It doesn't have to be a totally solitary experience. "One great way to team up at the computer? Plan a trip, says Snelbecker. "Gathering travel information is something fun that parents and kids can work on together."
Reach Dr. Snelbecker through the Office of News & Media Relations.
HOUSE RULING ON TEACHER-RESIDENCY WON'T IMPACT TEACHER SHORTAGE IN PHILLY - Don't expect student teachers to flood City Hall with resumes following the state House's ruling against teacher-residency requirements in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, says Joseph DuCette, associate dean of Temple's College of Education. "Some people might be willing to teach in Philadelphia, but I don't see a huge impact on teacher vacancies in the city," says DuCette. "We have had sessions here at Temple with student teachers, and of the many reasons why people teach and don't teach in Philadelphia, the teacher-residency issue never came up at the top of the list. I don't think it will make a difference--at least not with our students."
Reach Dr. DuCette at his office, 215/204-7962, or contact him through the Office of News and Media Relations. Cheryl Afonso Temple University Office of News and Media Relations 215.204.7476 [email protected]
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