House Science and Technology Committee Hearing

The FY 2010 budget request for Education totals $126.1 million and furthers NASA's commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Read much more:

http://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/news/2009/05/26/4197079.htm

Penn State Actively Involved in STEM Initiatives

Excerpt from the article:

"Penn State is playing a leadership role for the nation and beyond when it comes to educational initiatives involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to David H. Monk, dean of the College of Education, who gave a report to the University's Board of Trustees, Friday (May 15).

The STEM disciplines have been identified as critical in educating students who can advance the global competitiveness of the United States. Pennsylvania has joined a National Governors Association effort to make STEM education a top priority. Penn State's expertise in these areas, Monk said, will help the University build partnerships throughout Penn State as well as with agencies such as the Pennsylvania Department of Education and with the K-12 schools in the state. The College of Education, Monk said, is well-positioned to facilitate the development of these partnerships."

To continue reading the article, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/39796

Posted by Katie de la Paz

Journals - Paper versus Electronic

For a number of years, we have wrestled with the concept of if and when to migrate our journals into an online format. We survey members, follow trends, and watch our bottom line - but the answer still remains elusive. 

Today I read the following article, which I feel takes us one step closer to the electronic eventuality. It's coming - just not sure how soon or how effectively. 

http://www.observer.com/2009/media/toy-story-are-those-5000-magazines-your-messenger-bag-or-are-you-just-happy-see-me

Posted by: Katie de la Paz

President Obama's Speech to the National Academies

A write up describing President Obama's recent speech to the National Academies of Science - expressing the need for better STEM education:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-m-gentile/president-obama-the-natio_b_194479.html

Recent Legislation

The House Committee on Science and Technology approved by voice vote three pieces of legislation recently. The bills aim to improve networking and information technology, improve international science and technology cooperation, and assist coordination of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.  

The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2009 (H.R. 2020) aims to improve the NITRD program by strengthening its interagency strategic planning process and requiring input on the process from a wide range of industry and academic stakeholders.

The International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2009 (H.R. 1736) recreates a committee under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to coordinate the international science and technology activities across our federal agencies and support the United States foreign policy goals. identify opportunities for new international science and technology cooperative research and training partnerships

The STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009 (H.R. 1709) strengthens and elevates an existing Committee under NSTC to coordinate STEM education activities across the federal government, including at the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Education, and all other Federal agencies that have programs and activities in support of STEM education.

Free STEM Resources

http://www.noboundaries-stemcareers.com/

The "No Boundaries" project, developed by NASA and USA TODAY Education. No Boundaries helps students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while learning about NASA — the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Working at NASA is like exploring space. If you have the curiosity, creativity, determination and problem-solving skills necessary, the opportunities are limitless.