This symposium is aimed at increasing the involvement and impact of scientists and engineers from a broad range of organizations in K–16 science education programs that will prepare today’s students for higher education, employment, and full citizenship tomorrow. It builds upon a convocation that was held by the National Academies on September 28, 2006, one year after initial release of “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” a seminal report on U.S. science education and workforce competitiveness issued by the Academies. This groundbreaking report paints a grim picture of the future unless we challenge the status quo of K–16 science education in the United States.

Begin by taking part in 2007 National Symposium for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Program to Develop Informed Leadership for Changing the Course of K–16 Science Education. Join other forward-thinking science and technology leaders from business and industry, government, academia, and other organizations that have a stake in developing science-literate citizens. Find out how you can help improve science education in your community, your state, your nation, and your world.

As a symposium participant, you will:

• Review the state of science education and become familiar with available resources documenting the challenges of effective programs.
• Develop a shared vision for effective K–16 science learning and teaching through hands-on, inquiry-based science experiences and visits to virtual classrooms.
• Learn about research and best practices that support that vision.
• Review and discuss the characteristics of effective programs at the district and state levels.
• Discuss the varying roles of scientists and engineers in advancing K–16 science education reform.

This symposium will:

• Broaden and deepen the discussion of the role of scientists and engineers in working with educators and education policy makers to improve science education programs;
• Set in motion a renewed partnership between educators and the science and technology community—a partnership that will help rekindle the excitement, the thrill, the sense of marvel that young people experience when they learn about the world around them;
• Enlist more organizations for partnerships in education by constructing a nationwide template for action; and
• Reinforce the workforce pipeline by promoting collaborative efforts that encourage more students to pursue careers in science and engineering.

The symposium program is designed to address four critical themes related to the role that scientists and engineers can play in preparing a new generation for study, employment, and citizenship in a high-tech world. Sessions will engage you in focused discussions that will tap your expertise and set strategic directions for your involvement in science education.

Theme	Focus Questions	Session Leaders
Understanding the Breadth and Depth of the Problem	What is the state of K–16 science learning and teaching? What is the impact of our current K–16 science education system on the workforce pipeline and the scientific and technological literacy of our citizens? What is an example of learning and teaching that aligns with research about science learning and teaching?	Discussion leaders and facilitators at the Symposium will be drawn from a cadre of educators experienced in leading science education reform programs, as well as from the ranks of scientists and engineers who have developed successful partnerships within the educational community.
Examining the Research Supporting Effective K–16 Science Learning and Teaching	What research currently exists about how people learn science? What research is known about the preparation of competent K–16 teachers, and about effective teacher preparation programs? What evidence currently exists about programs that are effective?
Investigating the Characteristics of Effective K–16 Science Education Programs	What strategies and resources are required to develop competency in teachers? How can scientists and engineers make effective contributions to teacher professional development, and to the development and implementation of research-based instructional materials? What are some examples of exemplary National Science Foundation-supported elementary, middle, and high school science curricula? What systems and infrastructure are required to prepare competent K–16 teachers using exemplary instructional materials?
Learning from Scientists and Engineers Who Are Working to Improve K–16 Science Education Programs	What are some models for elementary, secondary, and undergraduate science education reform? What is the role of scientists, engineers, business, and higher education in statewide initiatives?

Scientists and engineers from both the public and private sectors, directors of research, directors of human resources, and deans of science and education.

The NSRC strongly recommends that a team of at least two leaders from each organization attend the event so they can co-lead and support the corporation’s efforts to advance K–16 science education upon their return.

The symposium will open with a reception on Tuesday evening, April 10, 2007. Full-day business sessions will take place Wednesday, April 11, and Thursday, April 12. A shorter working session will conclude at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13. All events will be at the Courtyard by Marriott, 3347 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The registration fee of $500 per participant covers the program and all resources provided, the Tuesday evening reception, one dinner during the meeting, and breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Friday. All registration fees are fully refundable until March 1 and nonrefundable after that date.

Participants are responsible for the cost of transportation and lodging. Commuter flight services are available to the Santa Fe Muni Airport. The closest major airport is in Albuquerque, which is about 60 miles south of Santa Fe. The NSRC has arranged a special rate of $83 per night, plus taxes, for symposium participants at the Courtyard by Marriott. Rooms must be reserved by March 15 to obtain this rate.

2007 National Symposium for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Program to Develop Informed Leadership for Changing the Course of K–16 Science Education is hosted by the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), an organization of the Smithsonian Institution and the National Academies. The Los Alamos National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy is providing generous support for the symposium.

Visit the NSRC Web site,www.nsrconline.org/about_the_nsrc/events.html, or contact Andres de la Roche at 202-633-2971 or [email protected]. You may also view the symposium program.

The registration form is available online.