OK, I’ve got a critical mass of STEM-related developments to catch up on, so here goes.
First, NASA recently produced more than 100 educational “eClips” intended to give students a firsthand look at projects the space agency is currently developing. The videos are hosted by top NASA scientists and mathematicians.
Second, a 10-year study finds that Project Exploration, an effort outside of school to connect urban teenagers with scientists, has had a significant and lasting effect on the students’ educational achievements and career aspirations in science. Each year, the Chicago-based organization works with 250 of the city’s middle and high schoolers, predominantly minority girls from low-income families.
Third, the March issue of The Science Teacher focuses on the theme of “Science for All.” It includes a close look at teaching science to English-language learners. Another article in the journal, published by the National Science Teachers Association, highlights a Family Science program organized by Texas A&M—Corpus Christi and co-hosted with local schools. (By the way, in an upcoming story for Education Week, I’ll be highlighting the Family Science Nights hosted by Explora, a science museum based in Albuquerque, N.M. That initiative is a partnership with the city’s public school system.)
p.s. Happy (belated) Pi Day!