NSF PR 96-4 - January 26, 1996
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Bill Noxon |
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NSF Supports PBS "Breakthrough" Series
NSF Funds Substantial Portion of Tribute to Scientists,
Engineers of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds
The National Science Foundation is supporting more
than half of the 20 American scientists and engineers
whose successful careers will be highlighted in a
six-hour, prime time Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
series, "Breakthrough: The Changing Face of Science
in America."
The "Breakthrough" project has received a grant of
nearly $1.8 million from NSF's Informal Science Education
Program. Eleven of the scientists and engineers portrayed
in the series also have received education or research
grants from the agency.
NSF supports all aspects of non-medical science, mathematics
and engineering, through grants to support basic research,
as well as formal and informal science education at
all levels. "We're excited about this project. Not
only does the series focus on the scientists' successes
in their work, but it dramatically presents how these
individuals of such diverse backgrounds had to overcome
challenges to achieve their goals," Hyman Field, Section
Head for Science Literacy at NSF, said.
"The 'Breakthrough' series also provides the motivation
and the resources to engage students, teachers, guidance
counselors and a whole range of community leaders,"
Field continued. "There is a substantial, wide-ranging
outreach component to the project that is very important
as well."
After each program in the "Breakthrough" series, a
toll free number will appear which viewers can call.
They will receive specific information about informal
science activities, science mentoring resources, science
career information and scholarships available across
the country.
An activity guide will also be made available to teachers
and students nationally as part of the NSF-supported
outreach effort. NSF has also provided support for
a data base of several hundred scientists from various
ethnic origins whose names will be available to the
media as experts for science related stories.
"Breakthrough" will contribute to NSF's important
goals of ensuring broad access to science, mathematics,
engineering and technology educational opportunities,
and helping every American to become educated citizens
and live fulfilling, productive lives.
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