UNIVERSITY DAY 2003 OFFERS HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS, WORKSHOPS TO INVIGORATE SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Researchers and staff in laboratories at the University of Arkansas will step aside for the day on Friday, February 21, 2003 to make way for area K-12 students and teachers of science, math and technology during University Day 2003.

Sponsored each year by the J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Education & Health Professions, and the Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMASE), this free program seeks to stimulate teaching in science, mathematics and technology at northwest Arkansas schools through instruction and hands-on experience. Teams comprised of two students and a teacher from area schools can choose three separate sessions from among numerous offerings, participate in activities geared toward appropriate grade levels, and attend a guest lecture by a distinguished UA professor during the University Day 2003 luncheon.

"One reason University Day has become such a success is that regional students and teachers of science, math, and technology can interact with faculty to discover creative approaches to science education," said Lynne Hehr, director of CMASE and the Arkansas NASA Educator Resource Center. "Teachers and students alike can view windows into the future of science as they learn new ideas and techniques in teaching."

Dr. Steven Beaupre, a scientist in the Fulbright College Department of Biological Sciences, will speak during the luncheon on the latest research on pit vipers.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. To register for University Day 2003, e-mail lhehr@comp.uark.edu or call 479-575-3875.

Information on the UAF Education Outreach Program can be found on the web site at http://www.uark.edu/~k12info/

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Lynne Hehr, Director, UA Center for Mathematics and Science Education, (479) 575-3875, lhehr@uark.edu