Letter to Polar Researchers
National Lab Day
National Science Foundation
Tuesday - Thursday, 11-13 May 2010
Dear Polar Researcher:
The National Science Foundation (NSF) would like to encourage you and
your students to become involved in National Lab Day (NLD). Forget the
name, it's not about labs as we normally think of them - bugs and
beakers - and it's not just a day. While the NLD concept will kick off
with activities May 11-13, it's mostly an ongoing way of connecting K-12
teachers with scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. The teachers
set the agenda by posting a project on the NLD site. Through the NLD
website, they are matched with researchers and volunteer science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals who can help.
There are 1300 projects already underway. Many projects are simple:
lunch with a scientist or Skype with a scientist. Others are more
involved: assist with a specific experiment; mentor a student through a
science fair entry; or help a teacher with subject matter for lesson
plans.
This a great time for you and your students to make a contribution.
Through this national call to action, we each have the chance to
demonstrate the essence of what we do - discovery at edges of knowledge
- and encourage youth to explore the frontiers with us while bringing
their own innovative thoughts to solving the questions of our time. Many
teachers are looking for engaging end-of-the-year activities and many
are looking to build the relationships now or over the summer that will
lead to terrific projects in the fall.
Check out the NLD website: www.NationalLabDay.org. Register and
volunteer for projects in your area. Help improve science learning for a
child.
Thanks,
Jan Cuny (jcuny [at] nsf.gov)
Jim Hamos (jhamos [at] nsf.gov)
NSF National Lab Day Committee