May 2017

AERA member Arthur Eisenkraft, Distinguished Professor of Science Education and Director of the Center of Science and Math in Context (COSMIC) at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, received the 2017 Public Service Award from the National Science Board (NSB) earlier this month. The award was conferred at NSB’s spring meeting, held May 9–10.

In his acceptance remarks, Eisenkraft told vignettes related to four essential questions he has examined in his research on science teaching and learning: what does it mean, how do we know, why do we believe, and why should we care?

In addition to the awards, the meeting included updates from NSF leadership and committees. In her opening remarks, NSF Director France A. Córdova stated that she and several members of the NSF leadership met with education secretary Betsy DeVos, noting their shared interests in education-related topics. NSF leadership also provided an update on NSF’s Big Ideas initiative.

Jim Lewis, the acting assistant director of the Education and Human Resources Directorate, spoke about NSF INCLUDES. Lewis showed a video highlighting a few projects that are seeking to expand participation in STEM for underrepresented minorities and women. Lewis also discussed future opportunities, including releasing solicitations for a backbone organization that would develop a national network of INCLUDES awardees and linking NSF’s broadening participation portfolio to INCLUDES.

The next NSB meeting is August 15–16.