We scientists can make an immense contribution to pre-college education. We know how the math and science topics taught in K-12 classrooms can actually be used. Teachers and students can share the benefits of our experience by working through the innovative examples we write. [Although the Contributors' process is aimed at scientists, anyone may contribute examples to PUMAS. The selection procedure is the same for all submissions.]
Examples may be anecdotes, activities, demonstrations, descriptions of "neat ideas," formal exercises, or puzzles. They may be written in any style that serves the material well.
Each example is peer-reviewed by at least one scientist with a relevant background, and at least one teacher at an appropriate grade level. Review criteria include: originality, accuracy of content, clarity of presentation, and grade-level appropriateness. [You might wish to see the full set of questions on the Reviewers' Form.] I'd stress originality. Teachers already have textbooks with all the "standard" problems. For PUMAS, we aim to offer examples with the extra 'spark' that comes from having really used the material in some interesting way.
Once accepted, an example is a citable reference, in a refereed journal for pre-college science education, which you can include in your curriculum vita. [For example: Parkinson, C.L., "Ice Sheets and Sea Level Rise," 02_10_97_1, The PUMAS Collection, http://pumas.jpl.nasa.gov, 1997.]
Pre-college classrooms are unfamiliar settings to most scientists. Here are a few suggestions that may help you tailor your contribution to the intended audience:
Please prepare your example in one of the standard word processor Document Formats we can accept. You will also need to select:
You may:
Students and teachers are usually thrilled to hear ideas that
were presented by working scientists. They will often work harder
and learn more, provided the material is within their ability to grasp.
So we are in a position to make a real difference.
To view the guided steps for the interactive submission process, turn to
the SUBMISSION PAGE.
Thanks again!
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![]() Last update: Friday April 5, 2002 PUMAS Editor: Ralph Kahn WebCurator: Cecelia Lawshe URL: http://pumas.jpl.nasa.gov/ particpants/Nts_fr_Frst-Tme_Contrib.html Copyright: © 1996, California Institute of Technology Privacy Statement ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Based on U.S. Government sponsored research |