A report by the National Academies, which advises our country on science and technology, last fall found that the U.S. ranks 27 out of 29 wealthy countries in proportion of college students with degrees in science or engineering. It called on federal and state governments to improve teaching in math and science by targeting early childhood education, the public-school curriculum for both, and by supporting teacher training in crucial subjects.
1,000 Scientists in 1,000 Days, a program that Scientific American is now launching as part of its Change the Equation initiatives with our parent Nature Publishing Group, aims to help with all of those goals by making it easier for scientists and teachers to connect. The idea is simple. We seek scientists who are willing to volunteer to advise on curricula, answer a classroom's questions, or visit a school—for instance, to do a lab or to talk about what you do. How much you choose to participate will be up to you.
In another education activity, every year young scientists and Nobel laureates gather in Lindau, Germany, to exchange ideas; we're pleased to announce that the Lindau Meetings are extending a special invitation to the scientist attendees to be a part of 1,000 Scientists in 1,000 Days. (If your organization is also interested in such outreach, please let us .)
Scientists, mathematicians, engineers: We hope you will consider participating in this worthy program by volunteering using this form.
Teachers: To start searching for scientist volunteers in your area sign up here.
— Mariette DiChristina
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