Involvement in Education Activities
Fermilab science education programs serve students at all levels, giving
special emphasis to underrepresented groups. The Laboratory's precollege
programs seek to enhance teaching and learning in mathematics and science,
while university-level objectives deal with particle and accelerator physics
and related fields. On the undergraduate level, summer employment and internships
are available. The Laboratory also sponsors graduate and post-graduate
fellowships, participates in a joint University-Fermilab Doctoral program
in Accelerator Physics, and, in collaboration with other laboratories and
U.S. universities, helps sponsor the U.S. particle Accelerator School.
Fermilab offers and supports many precollege programs for teachers, students
and families. The comprehensive program of K-12 teacher development opportunities,
along with the materials and services available through the Teacher Resource
Center, effect change throughout departments, schools, districts, states,
regions and the nation. In some programs, Fermilab collaborates with a
school district to provide in-service opportunities for teachers and science
experiences for students. Over 5.000 precollege teachers nationwide have
participated in Fermilab institutes and workshops to enhance their skills
to teach physical science and physics, particularly modern physics.
The Numbers
Although statistics don't tell the whole story, they do give a glimpse of
the number of students and teachers who benefit from Fermilab's education
efforts. A look at some precollege education statistics for fiscal year
2007:
- Over 2,800 teachers and 31,000 students participated in Fermilab-sponsored
educational activities.
- Over 40 educators gave presentation for or helped design our programs, and 250 scientists, engineers and
technicians from Fermilab also volunteered thier time for education actiities.
Beyond the Numbers
Individual success stories and comments from participants in education programs
illustrate the impact of Fermilab's support:
This past week I had the pleasure of bringing twenty-two school administrators
to the Science Education Center for Internet staff development. This workshop
was one part of our district-wide staff development plan to train all 303
staff members in the use of this wonderful resource called the Internet.
The plan was developed by six of our teachers who had the opportunity to
participate in the LINC class this past spring. We are also fortunate to
have four more staff members be a part of LINC this summer. All of these
people will become trainers in our district. So by the end of the 96-97
school year your facility and initial training will have an impact on all
10,000 students in our district.
I worked with the LINC staff to make arrangements for the training of administrators
and the LINC classes. They did a fantastic job. We are so fortunate to
have this type of facility and the expertise of staff members to help make
a real impact on the technology needs of public education.
District Director of Media and Technology, St Charles, Illinois
(My son) is a 'gifted' student and I often find it difficult to keep
him challenged and interested in school. Science and math are his subjects
of choice-but what was apparent this week was true enthusiasm and the delight
of discovery from your well conceived program.
Mother of a Summer Science Camper
I'm very impressed with the extensive collection of teacher resource
your center provides. . . Now I'm spreading the good news about the Lederman
Science Center to keep you busy!
Teacher, Briar Glen School in Glen Ellyn, IL
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