Science outreach: Engaging the next generation
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MATERIALS RESEARCH SOCIETY
OPINION LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT MRS makes an effort to lower the barriers that may prevent our community from engaging in public and science outreach.
Science outreach: Engaging the next generation Oliver Kraft 2015 MRS President
We all remember being a child and having an “Aha! experience” when we figured out how something works. Even now, as scientists, we still love to have the Aha! experience, and we should give our children the opportunity to learn how satisfying it is to figure things out themselves. Maybe this passion will remain with them throughout their lives. We clearly recognize the importance of science outreach and agree that it is critically important for our future that the next generation takes an interest in science. How often did you think, “Yes, I should do something,” but didn’t know how to engage or where to start? It is my hope that MRS can lower the barriers that may prevent you, as an MRS member, as well as the broader materials community from engaging in science outreach with the next generation. So here is a primer from MRS—three ways to help get you engaged: Don’t know where to start? The good news is you don’t have to start from scratch. MRS’s Science Enthusiast web page (www.mrs.org/science-enthusiasts) has a collection of ready-made demonstrations and modules available for your use. Here are just a few examples of what you’ll find there, and how you might incorporate them into your personal outreach efforts. • Use online games to teach children about science. Strange Matter (the MRS traveling museum exhibit) includes an interactive website (www.strangematterexhibit.com) that allows kids to explore materials they see all the time. Created by some of our own practicing scientists and educators, “the site’s science is presented in an interactive and exciting format that is fun and educational for anyone who should land on the site, young or old.”* What’s This Stuff? (NOVA) challenges users to identify 10 mystery materials. And Dragonfly TV—Nanosphere (PBS Kids) can be used to explore nanoscience. • Give a demonstration to a local group of children. The NISE Network website (www.nisenet. org) connects you to demonstrations on nanoscience as well as a video seminar covering best tools, tips, and tricks for sharing science. The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center website will connect you to industry and university outreach programs. • Organize a field trip to your local science center. Find a Science Center (ASTC) can help connect you to more than 400 science centers worldwide. Strange Matter: Where Can I Find It? is available on the MRS website and provides current/upcoming locations of MRS’s traveling science exhibition. Have an idea for a new program? MRS can help fund your outreach efforts. The Materials Research Society Foundation (www. mrs.org/foundation) provides MRS members with grants to create and implement new programs. MRS BULLETIN
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VOLUME 40 • JULY 2015
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www.mrs.org/bulletin
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OPINION LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT A few recen
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