October 18, 2012

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It's Time For Donors Choose

By Jason G. Goldman

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This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, "The beginning of awe is wonder, and the beginning of wisdom is awe." That he was speaking ultimately about god doesn't matter; I'm aware of no better articulation of the scientific process. It is wonder about the world, and about our place within it, that drives scientific discovery and innovation.

In coming years, voters will increasingly be required to make policy-related decisions regarding energy, climate, agriculture, genomics, fisheries, wildlife conservation, early childhood education, and more. The ability to make educated decisions starts with scientific literacy, and scientific literacy usually starts with inspiring within children a sense of wonder about the world. K-12 science teachers need your help to inspire wonder within their students.

Having been relatively swamped with making progress towards Phd2013, I completely missed the boat on setting up my own page for Donors Choose. That is why, rather than setting up my own page, I'm simply encouraging you to head on over to the Donors Choose Science Bloggers for Students page and donate to any of the deserving projects that you'd like.

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In 2010, science bloggers raised a whopping $27,718 for science education in the US, reaching at least 30,732 students. That's a measly ninety cents per student reached. In 2011, science bloggers raised an even more impressive $56,673 for science classrooms, positively affecting the lives of at least 46,153 students.

Can we do better this year? Head on over to Science Bloggers for Students before November 5 to do your part to ensure that the next generation will be equipped with the tools they need to make the complicated decisions that they will face.

Jason G. Goldman is a science journalist based in Los Angeles. He has written about animal behavior, wildlife biology, conservation, and ecology for Scientific American, Los Angeles magazine, the Washington Post, the Guardian, the BBC, Conservation magazine, and elsewhere. He contributes to Scientific American's "60-Second Science" podcast, and is co-editor of Science Blogging: The Essential Guide (Yale University Press). He enjoys sharing his wildlife knowledge on television and on the radio, and often speaks to the public about wildlife and science communication.

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