Science Education

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Science Education Scientific Method at
RiskWhat Do Science Societies Do? How Can
Scientists Be Informed?

• Martha Heil
• Media and Government Relations
• American Institute of Physics
• 301-209-3088
• mheil_at_aip.org

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What is at risk?

• Scientific method and future research
• Training of future scientists
• Industry that relies on science

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Society Challenges and Goals

• Prevent teaching of creationism as science
  promote teaching of sound science scientific
  method
• Promote local involvement of members.
• Develop strategic reaction to local policy
  initiatives.

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Challenges for science societies

• Local issue and limited federal jurisdiction how
  do national organizations respond and
  participate?
• Rely on existing networks and coordination
  represented by National Center for Science
  Education
• Build on strength of large numbers of members
  living in states and counties throughout the
  country
• Build on local institutions in areas where these
  issues are being debated

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Challenges for science societies

• Disinformation/confusion do we have an effective
  communications method to reach the average person
  in the US?
• Must find a way to increase publics awareness
  and appreciation for appropriate role of science
  in society.
• Policy makers also exposed to disinformation

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2001 NSF Survey
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Media US Public Relies on for Information

Ave educational level HS Less likely to have
alternative sources of science news
(Source Pew Research Center, 2004)
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Activities of Science Societies

• Letters NM, TX, LA, OH, OK, MD, Smithsonian
• Regularly strategize among science societies to
  formulate public affairs and media plans
• Presentations by NCSE and active scientists to
  science society leadership 2003-2005
• Amicus brief in Cobb County, GA
• Statements about Bushs answer on intelligent
  design (teach the controversy) pitched to
  media and activated coalition
• Hiring public relations firms to evaluate current
  and future messages from scientists to public and
  identify swing audiences
• Provide assistance for media coverage

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Coalition Starting Points

• Evolution is strong peer-reviewed science
• Intelligent design is religion, not science
• Religion doesnt belong in science classes
• Science is important to economy

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APS and AGU worked to have 550 Texas
scientists sign on to the letter
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How to Get Involved

• Join science society (!)
• Explore and participate in science society public
  affairs/ government relations programs
• Become available to news media contact science
  society or university media/press office
• Subscribe to NCSE/AIBS news

Martha J. Heil, American Institute of Physics
301-209-3088 mheil_at_aip.org