Sigma Xi Transformational Science Education

Sigma Xi has a long history of advocating for science education reform and is proud of our ongoing partnership with the National Science Teachers Association (representing educators in both Canada and the United States) to enhance the support for and the quality of P-16 classroom science education.

Increasing the "out of school time" exposure of students to inquiry-based learning, mastering mathematics, and critical thinking - through high quality, creative afterschool, weekend, and summer programming - are critical elements of a systemic strategy to reversing this deterioration. A significant number of Sigma Xi members already voluntarily offer their time and expertise to improving their local schools through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives.

Programs:

Science, Math, and Engineering Education Grants for Science Education Initiatives
Sigma Xi Science, Math and Engineering Education grants provide up to $2,000 of “seed” money to develop innovative education programs. Members may apply for funding through a chapter. Typical grants are for one time use to assist the initiation of new projects.

The Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Awards
As the official science advisor to The Conrad Foundation, Sigma Xi offers its chapters and members the extraordinary opportunity to work with secondary school student teams around the country to foster science innovation and entrepreneurship.

Teacher Training
A pilot program under development at the University of Calgary involves hands-on training for K-12 teachers in university labs to help them bring the excitement of science into the classroom. In another phase of this effort, secondary school students will get valuable research experience in university labs. More information to come.

Online Refereed Journal for High School Students
Each year, thousands of secondary students are recognized for the quality of their scientific research, but at present, publication opportunities are minimal for these outstanding students. Sigma Xi is currently working together with other organizations to develop a refereed, professionally edited digital publication for original research conducted by high school students.

Past Sigma Xi Education Activities

• 2009 - Engineer-in-Training for High School Students
• Pan-Organizational Summit on the U.S. Science & Engineering Workforce
• 1999 Forum - Reshaping Undergraduate Science and Engineering Education: Tools for Better Learning
• 1994 Forum - Scientists, Educators and National Standards: Action at the Local Level
• Education Programs - History

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