Media Advisory 12-005
Experts Come Together at Pacific Science Center to Transform Mathematics and Science Education

National Science Foundation sponsors workshop to share best practices for reforming science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in districts and schools

Recommendations include devoting adequate instructional time and resources for K-5th grade science. Credit and Larger Version

February 21, 2012

At the National Science Fair earlier this month, President Obama invited winners of student science fairs to the White House to recognize the importance of their work.

"When you work and study and excel at what you're doing in math and science," he told the honorees, "when you compete in something like this, you're not just trying to win a prize today. You're getting America in shape to win the future. You're making sure we have the best, smartest, most skilled workers in the world, so that the jobs and industries of tomorrow take root right here."

Making the connection between students' early experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the country's future innovation and competitiveness is increasingly important. As reported in the National Science Board's Science and Engineering Indicators, there is increasing competition around the world in producing and employing scientists and engineers. Meanwhile, international assessments show many foreign students outperforming American students in mathematics and science.

Improving STEM education in K-12 classrooms is the topic of an NSF-funded report and the focus of a series of regional meetings to bring its recommendations to states, districts and schools. Seattle will be the site of the first regional meeting, where research scientists, education researchers and educators will share best practices; highlighted programs are supported by NSF. Details on the event follow:

Media interested in attending and/or interviewing the educators in attendance should contact Maria Zacharias at mzachari@nsf.gov or (703) 292-8454

A list of presenters , an agenda and further details are on the Successful STEM Education Web site.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Maria C. Zacharias, NSF (703) 292-8454 mzachari@nsf.gov
Wendy Malloy, Pacific Science Center (206) 443-2879 wmalloy@pacsci.org

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, its budget was $7.0 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 50,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes about 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards about $593 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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