Paper Session I-D - Internet Science and TechnologyFair
Bruce M. Furino, Joyanne L. Craft · Scholarly Commons (Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University) · 1998
"Space science can strengthen American education and enhance scientific and technological literacy by engaging people's imagination and strengthening their interest in science and exploration. The results of space science missions have literally revealed the universe through new eyes and opened up new worlds to explore and understand. The awe-inspiring missions, rich data bases, and creative talents of the space science community can have a powerful and positive effect on science, technology, and mathematics education for all students and on the public understanding and appreciation of science." This excerpt was taken from "Partners in Education: A Strategy for Integrating Education and Public Outreach into NASA's Space Science Programs". It indicates the importance and value NASA's Office of Space Science places on education and the public's understanding of science. It also represents a challenge to the space community as a whole that the quality and quantity of future space leaders is directly dependent upon their collective ability to revitalize science education. The following begins with a discussion about technology literacy, its value in the marketplace and its relationship to our K-16 educational system. It then focuses on the impact and importance of educational partnerships with the science community as a means of bringing real world science and technical resources to the K-12 classroom. And finally, It takes a look at a new partnership oriented, Internet based program, the Internet Science and Technology Fair. It is designed to nationally stimulate technology literacy in the classroom thereby encouraging students to pursue technical professions.