For Immediate Release: June 10, 2009
Media Contacts:

Philadelphia "Bridge to the Future" Student Presentation

WHO                         

Fifteen 6-8th graders from Joseph C. Ferguson Elementary Enrichment Class, National Building Museum, Turner Construction Company, Invited government and school officials, including:

• Alan Greenberger, AIA, Executive Director, Philadelphia City Planning Commission
• Philadelphia Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown

WHAT 

Students will present their "Bridge to the Future" design based on the National Building Museum's Bridge Basics Program Kit to Principal Sheila Drapiewski, Ferguson teachers, parents, representatives from the National Building Museum and Turner Construction Company (Philadelphia sponsor of the Bridge Basics Program Kit), and invited government officials.

WHERE 

Joseph C. Ferguson Elementary
2000 North 7th Street (North 7th Street and West Norris Street)
Philadelphia, PA

WHEN                       

Thursday, June 11, 2009
3:30 – 5:00 pm

MEDIA CONTACT                         

Sara Kabakoff, skabakoff@nbm.org, 202.272.2448, ext. 3201

BACKGROUND 

Data on Joseph C. Ferguson Elementary School may not paint the prettiest picture, but the school is improving: reading and math proficiency scores are up, attendance is up, and the principal and teachers continue to work to make the school better. Ms. Erika Saunders's spring enrichment program at Ferguson is an excellent example of how the school is improving. Ms. Saunders and her enrichment students used the National Building Museum's Bridge Basics Program Kit, which teaches problem solving and critical math and science skills through bridge engineering and design, as part of a semester-long urban planning, design, and model construction project to create a new bridge entrance to the City of Philadelphia.

Turner provides building services to institutions that recognize the value of a partner that works diligently and creatively to find the best possible solution for each particular project. With construction volume of $10.7 billion in 2008, Turner ranks first or second in major segmen1ts of the construction industry. Turner maintains a nationwide network of offices and a staff of more than 5,500 employees, performing work on over 1,600 projects each year. Turner's nationwide presence offers clients the accessibility and support of a local firm with the strength, stability and resources of a national corporation.

The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and planning. Chartered by Congress in 1980 and open to the public since 1985, the Museum has become a vital forum for exchanging ideas and information about the built environment through its exhibitions, education programs, and publications. The Museum is located at 401 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. Museum Shop. Café. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448 or visit www.www.nbm.org.