Inspiring Future Scientists

Saturday, March 1, 2003

Inspiring Future Scientists (NAPSA)—Here, for a change, is good news about science education: budding scientists may soon know more and enjoy learning more, thanksto the efforts of many famous ones. Nobel Prize winners and other award-winning scientists from across the country are helping NEC Foundation of America and Science Service celebrate science education through NEC Extreme Science, a program to encourage young people to explore careers in science. The centerpiece of the program is NEC Give a Day, Make a Difference, which brings together middle-school students and teachers with some of the nation’s most accomplished scientists, engineers and astronauts. Among them are recipients of U.S. Nobel, PECASE, CAREER, National Medal of Science, Fermi, Lawrence, and National Medal of Technology awards. Participating scientists com- mit a portion of their day to work one-on-onewith a class as a means to introduce them to the importance of science and technology. Studies have found that personal interaction with role models can significantly bolster students’ performance in school, increase their interest in learning, and per- me 4 — NEC Extreme Science inspires students nationwide. haps more importantly, build selfconfidence in their own abilities. The program also includes NEC Perfect Classroom Competition, a national contest for middle- school science teachers. Research indicates that teachers personally spend an average of $400 per year on classroom supplies. Designed to supplement teachers’ efforts to provide the best classroom experience for their students, the competition will award a total of $9,000 to the winningteachers. To enter, teachers are asked to submit their vision of the perfect classroom through a video essay. To learn more about the competition and hands-on activities you can conduct with a young person you know,visit www.sciserv.org/nec foundation.asp.

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