Washington, DC. (Mar. 5, 2009) – The U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Research and Science Education recently held a hearing to examine the role of informal environments in promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. During the hearing, “Beyond the Classroom: Informal STEM Education,” subcomittee members heard testimony on The National Academies report, Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits (PDF).

“The Science and Technology Committee, and our Subcommittee in particular, has made STEM education a top priority,” said Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL). “While we often examine and discuss ways to improve STEM education in the classroom, we rarely look at the many opportunities for learning elsewhere. A great deal of learning happens throughout our lives in everyday activities – from having a conversation at the family dinner table to attending a summer camp at a zoo.”

Among the expert witnesses testifying before the subcommittee was Rob Lippincott, senior vice president of education for PBS. Lippincott testified:

“There has never been a more critical time for both formal and informal science education and the continuing need to improve the quality of math and science education we provide our young people...PBS’ best known role in informal education is an open, universally available broadcast invitation, designed to do exactly what the newest of the six Strands of Science Learning recommends in the recent National Academies of Science study, Learning Science in Informal Environments: People Places and Pursuits: to ‘experience excitement, interest, and motivation to learn about phenomena in the natural and physical world’...Television and on-air programs, however, are a small part of the entire informal education story. On-line broadband access and digital media is dramatically changing the opportunities and challenges the nation’s educators have to improve STEM education...But if we want to change learning – both formal and informal – in a lasting way, we need to prepare our teachers and care givers so that they are equipped and excited about sharing science. We need to invite them to become guides and coaches for learners and teachers of every STEM field.”

More Information

For Lippincott’s full testimony, go to democrats.science.house.gov/
Media/file/Commdocs/hearings/2009/Research/26feb/
Lippincott_Testimony.pdf (PDF).

For more information on the hearing, go to science.house.gov/
publications/hearings_markups_details.aspx?NewsID=2361.

For more about PBS, go to www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

About PBS

PBS, with its 356 member stations, offers all Americans – from every walk of life – the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each week, PBS reaches more than 115 million people and invites them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and Web site, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children.

Contacts

PBS
Kevin Dando
703-739-5073
kdando at pbs dot org
www.pbs.org

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-839-9805
kristen at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

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