University Days Gives K-12 Students, Teachers Invigorating, Hands-On Science Education

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Researchers and staff in laboratories at the University of Arkansas will welcome students and teachers of science, math and technology during University Days on Feb. 18 and 19 on the Fayetteville campus.

This annual program seeks to stimulate science, math, technology and engineering education in northwest Arkansas classrooms by offering instruction and hands-on experiences. University Days is sponsored annually by the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Health Professions, the Center for Mathematics and Science Education, the Arkansas NASA Educator Resource Center and the University of Arkansas Discovery Zone.

Teams of two students and one teacher from home, private and public area schools will attend the free event and select three separate sessions of interest from numerous science, mathematics and technology choices. A panel discussion by university research faculty on "Where the Wild Things Are – or What's a Kid to Think About Climate Change" is also planned.

“One reason University Days has become such an annual success is that K-12 students and teachers from around the state have the opportunity to interact with faculty in creative and novel approaches to math and science education,” said Lynne H. Hehr, director of the Center for Math and Science Education. “Students and teachers view windows into the future of science, math and technology as they participate in a day of hands-on laboratory activities using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. We offer students the chance to experience the relevance of science, and we offer teachers new ideas and techniques to use in their classrooms.”

University Days 2010 requires prior registration. Activities on Thursday, Feb. 18, are for grades K-6, with activities on Friday, Feb. 19, planned for grades 7-12. See the online University Days for more information.