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

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

An electronic newsletter of the AIP Education Division

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WEEK APPROACHES
A host of activities are planned for the tenth annual National
Science and Technology Week, to be held April 24-30, 1994.  This
year's theme, Discover the World of Science and Technology, aims at
building public understanding and appreciation of science and
technology in everyday life.  As part of the celebration, parent-
teacher groups will organize hands-on activities for children and
adults.  Local, as well as national science competitions for
children will be held.  In addition, libraries, museums, and
shopping malls will host exhibits, distribute free literature, and
hold science demonstrations; scientists in industry and education
will open their doors to children and adults to answer questions
about science concepts and career opportunities.  
(For a free info-packet, write to:  DISCOVER, Room 814, American
Chemical Society, 1155 16th Street NW, Washington, DC  20036)

NAS FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ASTRONOMY EDUCATION PROJECTS
The V. M. Slipher committee of the National Academy of Sciences
(NAS) announces its 1994 funding program for the Improvement of
Public Education in Astronomy.  Preference will be given to
proposals that require seed money for programs that will continue
beyond the funding period, and provide programs and services to
more than a single group.  Most awards are expected to be $1,000 or
less.  Proposals should:  1) outline the project's objectives and
procedures in concise terms; 2) include a budget which identifies
how funds will be spent and notes other funds allocated to the
project (both direct and in-kind); 3) be three pages or less, with
an original and four copies submitted; 4) be postmarked by May 20,
1994.
(Send applications to:  Dennis Schatz, V. M. Slipher Committee,
Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. North, Seattle, WA  98109)

RESEARCH HANDBOOK ON SCIENCE TEACHING PUBLISHED
The Handbook of Research on Science Teaching and Learning is a
comprehensive, current survey of research in science education
compiled by the most renowned researchers in the field.  The 736
page Handbook, sponsored by the National Science Teachers
Association (NSTA), considers controversial issues in science
education, provides a historical look at the evolution of science
education research, discusses the influence of current research on
teaching, and serves as a springboard for science education into
the 21st century. 
(For prices and ordering information, contact:  David Patterson,
Macmillan Publishing Co., 866 Third Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY
10022; 800-257-5755; ISBN number:  0-02-897005-5)

WOMEN IN ASTRONOMY FEATURED IN ODYSSEY MAGAZINE
The March 1994 issue of Odyssey magazine is devoted to Women in
Astronomy.  It includes articles on Maria Mitchell, the first woman
astronomer in America, and Kathryn Thornton, who participated in
spacewalks to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.  An interview with
Vera Rubin takes students "Spiraling Among the Stars," and a
variety of space-related activities and features are incorporated.
Odyssey is a magazine about space and astronomy for 8-14 year-olds
published by Cobblestone Publishing.
(For more information, call Cobblestone Publishing:  800-821-0115)

NSF TO CREATE SCIENCE EDUCATION INSTITUTE
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is calling for proposals from
universities and other institutions to establish a national
Institute for Science Education, where scholars from various fields
could develop strategies to promote reform.  Researchers would
assess the effectiveness of current educational programs, examine
what new activities need to be established, and explore new
approaches to enhancing science education.  Officials said the
Institute would focus on topics such as "the systemic nature of
educational reform," or how to develop a "national delivery system
for newly developed ideas and materials."  Prospective applicants
should submit proposals of no more than six pages in length
describing what they believe should be the central features of the
Institute.  Proposals are due April 15, 1994.
(For more information or to submit a proposal, contact:  Larry
Suter, Division of Research, Evaluation, and Dissemination, Room
855, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA  22230)

CAPITAL-AREA SPACE ORIENTATION WORKSHOP PLANNED
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is offering a unique, on-
site science education workshop and seminar for K-12 educators.
Conducted in and around Washington, DC, Capital-Area Space
Orientation (CASO) is a week-long, three-semester-hour graduate
seminar that assists educators in the enhancement of their science,
mathematics, and social studies curricula.  Participants will meet
with scientists, engineers, and policy-makers engaged in space
studies and cutting-edge technological development.  Scheduled for
July 10-15, 1994, the workshop will offer sessions on space policy-
making, science history, satellites, stars, planets, time, teaching
science, and more.  The registration deadline is June 1, 1994.
(For registration forms and more information, call 800-448-4032)

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