New Pathways Partner for Informal Learning
http://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=0735007
The National Science Foundation has announced a grant that will establish a new NSDL Pathways partner. The Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE) Pathway is focused on “rich, inquiry-driven learning experiences developed outside of the formal K-12 education system,” says principal investigator Darrell Porcello. He is the Creative Director of the Center for Technology Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science. The project combines some of the best institutions dedicated to the growing field of informal education, including San Francisco’s Exploratorium, the New York Hall of Science, Science Museum of Minnesota, Children’s Museum of Houston, and the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC). Additionally, Co-PIs Sherry Hsi at the Exploratorium, and Eric Marshall at the New York Hall of Science, have previously led efforts to establish online resource hubs that include some of NSDL’s most popular resources. “SMILE is a particularly strong addition to NSDL’s array of Pathways,” says Kaye Howe, co-PI of NSDL. “We know how important, even critical, informal education is when it comes to attracting children to science and math. We also know that these wonderful and effective materials enter the classroom through the extensive use teachers make of them. We could not have a more talented group to work with. When we add to that their culture of collaboration, we can see a significant enhancement for all of NSDL.”
http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org
http://www.exploratorium.edu
http://www.nyhallsci.org
http://www.smm.org
http://www.cmhouston.org
http://www.astc.org

Pathways Present at Black College Conference
http://ehrweb.aaas.org/HBCU/about.php
Three NSDL Pathways are on the agenda at this week’s National Research Conference of the NSF’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program, held in Washington, DC. Presentations are scheduled by Bruce Mason, PI of the physics and astronomy Pathway ComPADRE; Michael Smith of the Engineering Pathway; and John Jungck, a collaborator with the BioSciences Ed Net (BEN) Pathway. In addition, BEN Scholar Terry McGuire will discuss his involvement with the public service group Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER). Over 300 students and more than 200 faculty from historically black colleges and universities are expected to attend.
http://www.sencer.net