UNIVERSITY DAY 2001 OFFERS HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS AND WORKSHOPS TO INVIGORATE SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AT AREA SCHOOLS

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Researchers and staff in laboratories at the University of Arkansas will step aside for the day on Friday, February 16, 2001 to make way for area K-12 students and teachers of science, math and technology during University Day 2001.

Sponsored annually by the J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Education & Health Professions, and the Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMASE), this annual program seeks to stimulate teaching in science, mathematics and technology at northwest Arkansas schools with instruction and hands-on experience. Teams comprised of two students and a teacher from area schools can choose three separate sessions from among numerous offerings; participate in activities geared toward appropriate grade levels; and attend a guest lecture by a distinguished UA professor during the University Day 2001 luncheon.

"Our goal is twofold," said Lynne Hehr, director of CMASE and the Arkansas NASA Educator Resource Center. "First, we offer students the chance to experience the relevance of science, math and technology education and, second, we offer teachers new ideas and techniques to use in their classrooms with assistance from faculty and staff mentors."

Hehr said a primary reason University Day has become such an annual success is that regional K-12 students and teachers of science, math and technology have the opportunity to interact with faculty who demonstrate creative, novel approaches to math and science activities.

"Students and teachers view windows into the future as they participate in a day of hands-on laboratory activities using state-of-the-art equipment and technology," said Hehr.

Dr. Tom Paradise, professor in the Fulbright College Department of Geosciences, will speak on "Problems in Paradise, or How To Live Through Your Vacation" during the luncheon. As an added bonus, Steve Culivan, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Aeronautics Educator, will also be on hand to conduct sessions for teacher/student teams.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. To register for University Day 2000, contact Lynne Hehr, 479-575-3875 or email lhehr@comp.uark.edu

Information on the UAF Education Outreach Program can be found on the web site at http://www.uark.edu/~k12info/cmase.htm