Mission
The education mission of the American Astronomical Society is to optimize the contributions of both the AAS and its members to enhanced science literacy for all, provide encouragement and to broaden educational opportunities for all, with particular attention to groups under-served in the physical sciences, and ensure that undergraduate and graduate programs in astronomy prepare not only the next generation of professional astronomers but also broadly trained individuals with strong technical and scientific backgrounds. GoalsIts goals are to improve undergraduate and graduate education in astronomy and promote science literacy for all. In the Society, and more widely in the astronomical community, advocate greater attention to, encouragement of, and rewards for both excellence in astronomy education and research on teaching and learning in astronomy. Advocate astronomy and astronomy education in national and state education forums, to funding agencies, and to the scientific and education communities. News Volunteers Needed for National Lab DayNational Lab Day, billed as “a national barn-raising for hands-on learning,” is an effort to bring more high-quality, discovery-based lab experiences to U.S. middle- and high-school students. Here, a “lab” is any place where students can explore, experiment, test, and get their hands dirty and their minds engaged. The inaugural Lab Day will occur during the first week of May 2010. University students and professionals working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are needed to collaborate with local teachers to improve labs and discovery-based science experiences for students in grades K-12. Teachers will organize and coordinate Lab Day volunteers for their classrooms. Volunteers will engage in a variety of activities to strengthen laboratory experiences in their local schools and communities. Examples include conducting workshops, identifying useful Web resources, repairing equipment, implementing hands-on projects, helping with science fairs, mentoring a student, chaperoning a field trip, providing internship opportunities, helping with lesson plans, or advising an after-school program. National Lab Day is supported in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Science Teachers Association, and the AAS is a participating organization. To learn more and get involved, visit the National Lab Day website.
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