HR: 13:40h
AN: ED32D-01    [PDF]
TI: The National Center for Atmospheric Research Education and Outreach Program: Successes, Lessons Learned, and the Role of Research Institutions
AU: * Johnson, R M
EM: rmjohnsn@ucar.edu
AF: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307
AU: Foster, S
EM: susanf@ucar.edu
AF: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307
AU: Carbone, L
EM: lcarbone@ucar.edu
AF: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307
AU: Henderson, S
EM: sandrah@ucar.edu
AF: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307
AU: Munoz, R
EM: munoz@ucar.edu
AF: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307
AB: The growing consensus that improving science education and public science literacy requires the focused efforts of a wide spectrum of specialists, including scientists, provides the opportunity for national research centers to develop programs that seek to bring their unique science perspectives to educators and the public. At the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, we have developed a multifaceted program for science education and outreach designed to bring our science to these audiences in ways that build on our specialized expertise. Collaboration with scientists internal to NCAR, as well as in the broader University Corporation for Atmospheric Research community, has lead to numerous education and outreach projects that bring the results of funded research projects to the public. Education and outreach activities at NCAR include opportunities to engage with the public in informal as well as more formal settings. Our exhibit and tour program offers topically focused exhibits, interactive activities, and opportunities to learn about the science underway at the laboratory. We hold annual events, providing high-energy science demonstrations and lectures for the public. Our web sites disseminate extensive resources enabling students (K-12 and undergraduate), educators, and the public to learn on their own about our science, supplemented by interactives and hands-on activities. Our professional development programs engage middle and high school educators in standards-based activities and cutting-edge science content that highlights global and climate change topics and modeling in the geosciences. Central to all of these activities is the active participation of lab scientists and staff, whose personal enthusiasm and science expertise enriches the program for our audiences.
UR: http://www.ncar.ucar.edu/eo/
DE: 6319 Institutions
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting