PHYSICS EDUCATION NEWS (PEN) April 1994, No. 1 An electronic newsletter of the AIP Educati

PHYSICS EDUCATION NEWS (PEN)
April 1994, No. 1

An electronic newsletter of the AIP Education Division

BRAILLE-LIKE SYSTEM OPENS SCIENCE TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED
John Gardner, a physicist at Oregon State University and an inter-
nationally recognized expert in materials science, has developed a
new system for the study of advanced mathematics, engineering, and
science which may expand opportunities for vision-impaired
students.  The Braille-like system uses raised dot representations
that physically resemble the special symbols and equations
essential to mathematics, physics, and other sciences.  Gardner,
who lost his eyesight at the age of 49, calls the system "dots
plus," referring to both the conventional Braille concepts plus
graphic symbols.  The system is undergoing tests and refinements in
Oregon, and further tests are planned in Holland and Germany.

NASA RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE ON THE INTERNET
Educators looking for classroom resources from NASA can now access
data from three gopher and ftp sites on the Internet.  Items such
as space images from current and historical missions, animations,
daily NASA news, mission information, curriculum materials, and
education resources are only a few keystrokes away.  To connect,
use the following Internet addresses:  gopher bozo.lpl.arizona.edu;
ftp explorer.arc.nasa.gov;  ftp pubinfo.jpl.nasa.gov.

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHER DEVELOPMENT NETWORKS
The U.S. Department of Education's Technology Education Program
will award grants from its Fund for Innovation to model projects
that use electronic networks to support teacher professional
development.  Projects must be designed to increase teacher
interaction via electronic networks that provide resources for
professional development; improve student instruction; allow
electronic communication and transfer of documents; and provide
access to education data bases and the Internet.  School districts,
state education agencies, institutions of higher education, private
schools, and other public and private agencies, organizations, and
institutions are eligible to apply.  $1 million is available to
fund 20 grants.  The application deadline is April 29, 1994.
(For more information, contact:  Beverely Coleman or Adria White,
U.S. Department of Education, 202-219-2116)

EDUCATION COMMITTEE LISTS REQUIREMENTS FOR INFORMATION HIGHWAY
The National Coordinating Committee for Technology in Education and
Training (NCC-TET) has released a position paper listing 19
requirements they deem significant in the development of America's
National Information Infrastructure.  The requirements are intended
for use by the Administration, Congress, state agencies, national
and state organizations, and other education and training
stakeholders to help shape future policy and legislation.  The NCC-
TET, a consortium of nearly 70 national organizations representing
business, education and government, asserts that the requirements
must be met if the information highway is to be accessible and
useful to educators.
(To access "The National Information Infrastructure:  Requirements
for Education and Training" via the Internet Gopher, connect to: 
gopher.uoregon.edu and look in the directory "DuckScoop" and then
under "Academic Disciplines, Research."  For a printed version,
contact:  NCC-TET, P.O. Box 4437, Alexandria, VA  22303)

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON SAFE METHODS FOR VIEWING SOLAR ECLIPSE
Science centers, planetariums, colleges, and educators are asked to
join the crusade to prevent eye injuries from watching the annular
solar eclipse on May 10, 1994.  A packet of educational materials
that contains information on safe viewing methods was developed and
distributed in 1991 by a coalition of ten eye care, safety, and
astronomy organizations.  Most science centers, planetariums,
colleges, and eye care professionals should have the materials
already on hand for use again in 1994.
(To obtain a copy of these materials, send a request to:  National
Society to Prevent Blindness, 500 E. Remington Road, Schaumburg, IL
60173; telephone:  800-331-2020)

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANTS OFFERED FOR DISABILITIES PROGRAMS
The U.S. Department of Education is inviting applications for
awards in its Technology, Educational Media, and Materials for
Individuals With Disabilities Program.  Applicants must develop or
adapt assistive technology, educational media, and/or materials to
create innovative tools that improve the education of children and
youth with disabilities.  School districts, state education
agencies, institutions of higher education, public agencies, and
private nonprofit or for-profit organizations may apply.  $1
million is available to fund five grants.  Applications must be
received by May 18, 1994.
(For applications or more information, contact:  Darlene Crumblin,
U.S. Department of Education, 202-205-8953; for technical
information, contact:  David Malouf, 202-205-8111)

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American Institute of Physics
Education Division
Contact:  Mr. Tracy Schwab 
301-209-3007, tschwab@aip.org
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