Takeda Partners With Museum Of Science And Industry On Education Initiatives

DEERFIELD, Ill., Oct. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Takeda announced it will donate $250,000 to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry mainly to support science teacher education programs offered through the Museum's Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE). Takeda's funding will be used to help train teachers who lack science credentials but teach science in high-needs areas in Lake County, Illinois, by providing lesson plans, curriculum, classroom resources and professional development credentials focused on science and health education. 

"At Takeda, our mission of striving toward better health for patients around the world extends beyond our products," said Doug Cole, president, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A, Inc. "We recognize education – at every level – plays a critical role in helping ensure a healthier future for the world's people, and part of that future is teaching and learning in classrooms in Takeda's backyard of Lake County, Illinois. Our partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry enables us to support the educators charged with inspiring the next generation of researchers, scientists, engineers and health care providers."

Museum of Science and Industry Partnership
Takeda's donation to the Museum of Science and Industry is a result of its specific interest to improve health and science education throughout the Chicago region. This interest aligns with the Museum's mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators with programs that empower teachers, engage the community and excite students.

The donation supports the Museum's effort to improve the quality of science teaching by expanding its reach to allow Lake County, Illinois teachers to participate in health science courses occurring from June 2013 through July 2014.

"Our new relationship with Takeda allows us to reach potentially thousands of students in Lake County, Illinois by working with their teachers to provide inspiring, engaging, hands-on science lessons," said Andrea Ingram, vice president of education and guest services, Museum of Science and Industry. "CASE programs empower teachers by providing classroom tools, science knowledge and teaching strategies necessary to help educate and motivate students to become tomorrow's health and science-literate citizens."

CASE teacher education courses target 4th- through 8th-grade educators with limited experience teaching science and are offered at no cost to teachers selected to participate. "The courses provide a background in the science required in our middle grades classrooms, are designed in accordance with Illinois and national science education standards, and extend the content and inspiration of the Museum exhibits and resources," said Ingram.

Takeda's partnership also provides opportunities for Takeda employees to participate in volunteer activities to inspire youth, including career days and science fairs, and to support educators by serving as a lecturer or CASE workshop volunteer. 

"As a science and evidence-based company, Takeda is committed to contributing to the health of patients worldwide and supporting our local communities," said Cole. "Not only does our new partnership with the Museum support this focus, it offers our employees a wonderful opportunity to participate in furthering our health and science education and advocacy efforts."

About the Center for Advancement of Science Education
CASE was founded by the Museum to help address the decline in science education and engagement facing U.S. students today. Science and technology are critically important to our well-being, our nation's economic growth and our environment, but U.S. students lag behind other nations in science and math skills.

About 1,000 teachers participate in CASE teacher programs each year. Most are middle-grades teachers with little or no post-secondary science coursework and a majority work in the Chicago Public Schools system and other high-needs communities. Teachers selected for the program attend six daylong sessions during the school year (or five sessions in the summer) for instruction in science and work with MSI educators to understand curricula and lesson planning in the sciences. For more information, visit www.msichicago.org/case.

About the Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) offers thousands of fun and interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind, world-class experiences to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education, MSI also aspires to a larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:30 - 4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, find MSI online at msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

About Takeda in the Chicagoland Area
As a science and evidence-based company with a strong presence in Deerfield, Ill., Takeda is committed to contributing to the health of patients worldwide and supporting the community and the environment. Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. and Takeda Global Research & Development Center, Inc. are subsidiaries of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan. The respective companies currently market metabolic, gout, gastroenterology, renal, and central nervous system treatments and seek to bring innovative products to patients. To learn more about these Takeda companies, visit www.takeda.us.

Contacts:
Elissa J. Johnsen
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A, Inc.
+1-224-554-3185
[email protected]

SOURCE Takeda