Learn more about the activity here
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking suggestions for experts to participate in the new study to assess the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Science Activation (SciAct) program’s current efforts, in its second phase, towards meeting its four stated top-level objectives and corresponding mid-level objectives in support of SciAct 2.0’s overarching vision and desired outcomes. Objectives of the SciAct program are: Enable STEM education, improve U.S. scientific literacy, advance national education goals and leverage efforts through partnerships. Particular areas of interest are in broadening participation of lifelong learners with NASA subject matter experts and authentic experiences. The NASEM Assessment Committee will carry out its work by drawing on 1) evidence about effective STEM education in and out of school summarized in previous reports from the Board on Science Education, 2) documentation of changes to the SciAct program since NASEM’s 2020 Science Activation Assessment, and 3) knowledge of SMD science content from the Space Studies Board. The committee's final report will: Provide a concise written assessment of status of the SMD Science Activation program including discussion of the revisions made since the 2020 NASEM assessment; identify any gaps in the SciAct approach, given new advances in science education pedagogy and recent Decadal recommendations; and make recommendations related to management of and priorities for the next phase (3.0) of the program.
Using these suggestions, National Academies staff will be looking to build a committee of approximately 12-15 volunteer experts in addition to collecting information for potential speakers, participants, and peer reviewers for any publications resulting from the activity.
Based on the Statement of Task, staff are looking for expertise particularly in the following areas:
- Earth Science
- Collaborative Models and Partnerships
- Collective Impact Measures
- Space Science
- Planetary Science
- Education Policy
- Teaching in Science and Engineering
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM Education
- Informal Science Education
The National Academies are committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in order to strengthen the quality of our work. Diverse perspectives contribute to finding innovative approaches and solutions to challenging issues. We encourage the suggestion of experts who reflect the populations we serve and also welcome in particular suggestions of experts from underrepresented racial, ethnic, gender and sexual identity groups, people with disabilities, and early- and mid-career professionals.We invite you to submit your suggestions by May 10, 2023.