Improving K-12 Science Education Using Zebrafish

I would like to propose a workshop on improving K-12 science education through the use of the zebrafish. This past year, the National Academy released a report, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" that was the work of the Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century. The 1st of 4 recommendations was to, "Increase America's talent pool by vastly improving K–12 science and mathematics education." This distinguished panel rightly concluded that the quality of life and standard of living in the US hinges on our ability to educate our young specifically in math and science. While this report was focused on the US economy, the issues still apply worldwide. There is clearly a growing movement that scientists need to care about the educational pipeline. Why is this relevant to a zebrafish meeting? Well, we have found that the same features that excite our research community about the benefits of using the zebrafish for our research, also excites children and interests them in science. Our efforts have been growing with Project BioEYES zebrafish units expanding across the country (over 10,000 kids have participated) and it is useful to hear what others our doing in this area. I think the workshop format is ideal for this type of discussion.


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Steven Farber Ph.D.
Carnegie Institution of Washington
Department of Embryology
3520 San Martin Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
farber@ciwemb.edu
http://www.ciwemb.edu/labs/farber/index.php