Milton O. Pella

Madison -- Milton O. Pella, age 96, died on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at the University Hospital in Madison. Milton, a retired Science Educator, was born on February 13, 1914 to Ida and Charles Pella in Wilmot, Wisconsin. The family moved to Burlington in 1915 where he attended school graduating from High School in 1932. He furthered his education and graduated with a BE from Milwaukee State Teachers College in 1936, a MS from the University of Wisconsin in 1940, and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1948. Milton married Germaine Marie Reich on December 9, 1944. He served in the military from 1942 -- 1946, receiving Army Commendation Ribbon Teacher of Science and Mathematics. Milton was an educator at Wyler Military Academy from 1937 -- 1938, Delavan Elementary School from 1938 -- 1939, a science teacher at the University of Wisconsin High School 1939-1942, 1946 -- 1948, a professor of science education University of Wisconsin 1948 -- 1980, and Professor Emeritis since 1980. The improvement of Science Education K-16 has been his prime concern throughout his professional career. Milton served as Science Education Consultant to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Mexico, and India. He served as Major Professor to 12 PhD students in Science Education from India, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Botswana as well as 49 from the US. Of the 49 from the US, upon completion of the degree, 38 were employed in 17 states other than Wisconsin and 11 remain in Wisconsin. Milton served as Major Professor to more than 125 MS students in Science Education from many parts of the US and the world. He participated in the planning of the teaching in the first NSF Science Teacher Program. He planned and supervised a program for training science supervisors K-12 NSF funded. Milton was active in the promotion of Science Education K-12 as well as Environmental Studies. He worked with the Wisconsin State Department of Public Instruction in developing the position of Science Supervisor in the department and then provided the first civil service examination of the position. Milton initiated the formation of the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers Association in 1954. He was the author of several secondary and middle school science textbooks, and published more than 16 science education research studies. Milton was an honorary member of AETS. He was a member of Central Association of Science and Mathematics Teachers, serving as president in 1955. He was a member of the National Association of Research in Science Teaching, serving as president in 1966. He was a member of National Science Teachers Association, acting as director from 1950-1960, and a member of the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers Association and Fello-American Association for the Advancement of Science. Milton is survived by two sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; many nieces and nephews; friends and former students. He was preceded in death by his wife, Germaine; his parents; sister, Selma; brothers, Orville and Kenneth; a niece and nephew. Milton was a member of the First Congregational Church in Madison. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at OAKWOOD VILLAGE WEST, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison. Memorials can be made payable to the UW Foundation-Pella Science Education Fund, US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee WI 53278. The Fund will support graduate students in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction working toward a PhD with a concentration in Science Education.