Science Education in the 21st Century: Nobel Laureate to talk about using the tools of science to teach science, at UMass Boston
Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Carl Wieman will be visiting the University of Massachusetts Boston to address a critical need in science education: A much needed scientific approach to science education. Dr. Wieman will present a colloquium titled, “Science Education in the 21st Century: Using the Tools of Science to Teach Science,” hosted by the Center of Science and Math in Context (COSMIC) at UMass Boston.
Dr. Wieman received his Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001 for research that he carried out in the 1990’s. He is now committed to advocating for an evidence-based approach to science education. Dr.Wieman has continued his science education and his advocacy includes speaking both nationally and internationally. He is also the Chairman of the Academy Board on Science Education, a standing board within the Center for Education.
The colloquium is one in a series of others hosted by UMass Boston, and follows a discussion to improve education at the K-16 level. This discussion began last fall with the “Strengthening the Educational Pipeline: K-16” panel discussion hosted at UMass Boston as a part of the Chancellor’s inauguration. Distinguished panelists explored ways to strengthen the K-16 educational pipeline in a discussion which included UMass President, Jack Wilson, Boston Public Schools Superintendent, Carol Johnson, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Chancellor, Patricia Plummer, Roxbury Community College, President Terrence Gomes, and Mass Insight Education and Mass Insight Corporation President and Founder, William Guenther.
Dr. Wieman said that he was happy to be speaking at one of the largest and most recognized urban research universities in the country which has constantly strived towards integrating education with reality, and putting research into practice. He said “with continued research and effective implementation of new findings about science education, it will be possible to achieve far more meaningful science learning for all university students.”
“UMass Boston is proud to have this distinguished and passionate Nobel laureate’s campus visit,” said Chancellor Motley. “Dr.Wieman’s commitment to science education has been exemplary; and his decision to focus on improving the ways science can be taught and learned will continue to bear many fruits for our society.”
In addition to his advocacy, Wieman serves as the Director of the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative (CWSEI) at the University of British Columbia. He has received the National Science Foundation’s Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award in 2001, the Carnegie Foundation’s U.S. University Professor of the Year Award in 2004, and the American Association of Physics Teachers’ Oersted Medal in 2007.
This event is presented with partial support from the Boston Science Partnership, which brings together three of Boston’s major educational institutions – UMass Boston, Northeastern University and the Boston Public Schools – to raise student achievement in science from grade six through university level.
The event will take place in the Alumni Lounge on the 2nd floor of UMass Boston at 4:30pm. To RSVP for this event, please call 617-287-5312 or send an e-mail to events@umb.edu.
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About the University of Massachusetts Boston
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