Science for Life (SFL) developed and disseminated an educational resource
for middle and high school science teachers. The goals of SFL were to enhance
teachers' understanding of the role of basic research in medical progress; of
the methods and techniques used by researchers in the life sciences, including
the use of animals; of the challenges posed by the animal rights movement; and
of the principles and standards that constitute responsible conduct among scientists
doing research in the life and biomedical sciences.
SFL was conducted in two stages. During the first stage, we revised and expanded a curriculum devloped by the Department of Biological Science
at Florida State University. We also drew up criteria to guide our
selection of those states that were Science for Life partners with the AAAS
in the second stage of the project. With the help of the science and education
communities in each state, we solicited applications in order to identify
the states best able to carry out dissemination activities in cooperation with
AAAS. During stage two of the project, our state partners conducted
teacher training workshops with AAAS guidance and oversight, there was a
rigorous, independent evaluation of SFL, and we convened a culminating meeting
to discuss future plans.
The project was guided by an advisory committee composed of individulas with
a broad range of expertise and professional perspectives related to research,
education and evaluation.
Science for Life was supported by the 3M Foundation. For more information,
contact Deborah Runkle via phone at (202) 326-6794 or via email at drunkle@aaas.org.
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