CONTRIBUTORS' PAGE

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:

• The point of your example should be simple, and should be distilled to its essence. Remember that this may be new material for some users.
  • Aim for a one-page writeup, including any figures or diagrams.
  • Try to identify one or two Curriculum Topic Benchmarks as the educational focus (the "lesson") of your Example.
  • Formulate the example so few, if any, caveats are needed to reach the main point.
  • Use parenthetical remarks sparingly.
  • If background material is important to the example, consider giving a brief overview in the example itself, and then mentioning encyclopedia headings where more details may be found.

• Topics often recur at several grade levels. Target your example at students who have adequate math and reasoning skills:
  • Review the Brief Table of Math Skills by Grade Group.
  • Review the Table of Thinking and Learning Characteristics by Grade Group.
  • Check the Curriculum Topic Benchmarks. They summarize the math and science topics usually covered at each level.

• Here are other suggestions that may help you develop your PUMAS Example:
  • Look at examples already in the PUMAS Collection, and any associated Comments/Lesson Plans from users.
  • Scan the PUMAS "Examples Wanted" bulletin board.
  • View the questions in the "Teachers' On-line Assessment of PUMAS".
  • Try your example out on a teacher or student.
  • Find a teacher or student at the appropriate grade level with whom to collaborate.

Please prepare your example in one of the standard word processor Document Formats we can accept. You will also need to select:

1. One or more Curriculum Topic Benchmarks for your example.
2. One or more Subject Keywords.

You may:

• Write your example in a style that is comfortable for you.
• Organize it in any way you find effective.
• Mention how your work or personal interests led to the example.

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!

Back to PUMAS Home Page 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