Laboratory is co-sponsor
Improving science education is critical to the Laboratory’s future ability to work on cutting-edge science. To that end, the Laboratory and the National Science Resources Center (NSRC) are co-sponsoring a national science education conference this spring in Santa Fe.
The "National Symposium for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Program to Develop Informed Leadership for Changing the Course of K-16 Science Education," is scheduled for April 10-13 at the Courtyard by Marriot Hotel in Santa Fe.
This conference is part of the national discussion about math and science education reform, which was initiated in the October 2005 National Academies report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm.
The major goals of the symposium include understanding the current state of science education in the United States, examining research and examples of effective science teaching and learning approaches, highlighting innovative best practice programs in New Mexico and nationally, and exploring the critical role that scientists and engineers can play in facilitating the enhancement of science education in the nation.
"The conference will provide a national forum to highlight best practices in science and math education sponsored by the Laboratory, other Department of Energy laboratories, academic institutions, foundations, and the private business sector,” said Dave Foster of Los Alamos’ Education and Post-Doc Office (STB-EPDO). "Defining effective ways to engage more practicing scientists and engineers in addressing this national education challenge is a primary objective of the meeting.
"Over the last year, we have enjoyed working closely with the NSRC and other partners in planning and organizing this important national conference,” Foster added.
John Winn, director of advanced placement and training and incentives for the National Math and Science Initiative, is the keynote speaker. The non-profit institute was created this year to focus on stimulating improved K-12 math and science student and teacher performance. Other conference speakers include Terry Wallace, principal associate director for Science, Technology, and Engineering (PADSTE)
Scientists and engineers from the public and private sectors, directors of research, directors of human resources, science educators, and deans and department chairs in science, engineering, and education are all invited to the symposium. A $500 registration fee is required for this DOE-sanctioned conference.
The National Science Resources Center is a non-profit organization and is a subsidiary of the National Academies and the Smithsonian Institution.
For more information, see the NSRC symposium brochure, the NSRC Web site, or contact Foster at 7-8680 or dfost@lanl.gov by electronic mail.
