The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is calling for scientists to join a partnership to improve the science learning of elementary and middle school students in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).

As the concern about the lack of understanding of science and its methods among the general public increases, the concept of placing retired scientists and engineers in classrooms to provide assistance to the teachers has gained momentum. Beginning this past school year, AAAS Senior Scientists and Engineers (AAAS/SSE) and MCPS implemented a middle school based pilot project that involved volunteer scientists and engineers in a number of activities with students and teachers: working on investigations and inquiry problems, advising on science inquiry projects conducted by all students, helping teachers with science content questions, and identifying and testing new science investigations. In 2007, volunteers assigned to seventh grade classes will make recommendations on the curriculum guides.

Because of the success of the middle school project, it will continue in the 2006-2007 school year, and a new elementary pilot will be added. AAAS/SSE and MCPS invite local, retired scientists to join this energetic and worthwhile partnership. Volunteers must spend a minimum of 20 days per year in the classroom, attend a 2.5-to-3-day orientation and training session in September, and participate in a 1-day meeting in December or January with other volunteers and MCPS lead teachers to share experiences.

If you would like to participate in the AAAS/SSE-MCPS projects, please provide Sarah Ingraffea (singraff -at- aaas -dot- org) with the following information: name, postal and e-mail addresses, telephone number, fax number, and highest degree. Also include a 150-word-or-less description that can serve to introduce you to your partner teacher and the students with whom you will work. This effort has the potential to make a significant impact on student science learning.