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| For more information on these science news and feature story tips, please contact the public information officer at the end of each item at (703) 292-8070. Editor: Beth Gaston Contents of this Tipsheet: NSF DIRECTOR WARNS THAT STUDENTS NEED MORE CHALLENGENSF Director Neal Lane, deeply concerned by a newly released international comparison of 8th grade student achievement that shows that U.S. students' performance in science is average and in mathematics is worse, called for wider acceptance of higher expectations and academic challenges characterized by NSF's education reform initiatives. "If students are grouped according to the expectation that some can learn challenging math and science and others cannot, then those expectations are likely to be fulfilled," Lane said. "Fortunately, as we have found in many of our `systemic' reform sites from Detroit to Louisiana to Puerto Rico -- the opposite also is true. All students can rise to the challenge. Indeed, we cannot expect them to do well unless they are challenged." Lane made the comments during a press conference where U.S. student achievement data was released as part of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). In October, NSF released a related report titled A Splintered Vision, comparing curricula and textbooks in the U.S. to those of more than 40 foreign nations. The report found that U.S. curricula lack focus and are packed with information, almost guaranteeing that no one topic can be taught in depth. Also learned was that U.S. teachers have far less time to think about what they teach and how best to teach it. Lane noted that NSF has begun to accumulate evidence that successful learning is possible regardless of a student's race or economic background. But, he warned that without substantial changes, the U.S. is unlikely to achieve its national education goal of becoming first in the world in math and science. "We simply cannot afford to fail to meet that challenge," he said. [Mary Hanson and Peter West] Lane's remarks are available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.nsf.gov/olpa/news/media/timss2.htm
THE ROLE OF PLANTS IN ATMOSPHERIC SULFUR PRODUCTIONPlants, both in the oceans and on land, are a major source of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere; this compound is the most important biological source of atmospheric sulfur. DMS is implicated in acid rain formation, and is also thought to be a source of cloud condensation nuclei, thus influencing earth's climate. Another compound, DMSP, is the primary precursor to DMS production in plants. The pathway by which DMSP is formed is being studied by scientist Andrew Hanson of the University of Florida at Gainesville. Hanson is funded by the National Science Foundation's metabolic biochemistry program to conduct research on this compound. "Hanson's studies will lead to a greater understanding at the molecular level of a significant environmental question, and could eventually lead to ways of controlling the formation of DMS," said Rona Hirschberg, program director in the metabolic biochemistry program. Thus far, Hanson's research has provided evidence of how a plant's physiology works to produce DMSP; a precursor is made in the plant's cytosol, then makes its way into the plant's chloroplast, and there is converted to DMSP. This knowledge may help scientists find a beneficial use of the compound -- enhancing stress resistance in crops by genetically engineering the compound's accumulation. DMSP is accumulated by various flowering plants and marine algae, especially in stressed conditions, such as low temperatures and nitrogen-deficient soil and water. [Cheryl Dybas]
SEISMOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE: NSF FUNDS "IRIS-2000"The National Science Board has approved funding of a proposal by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Consortium to support its seismology programs for the next five years. The award from NSF over the five-year period will not to exceed $60,400,000. The primary responsibility of IRIS is to continue to operate and expand the Global Seismographic Network. "We're committed to enhancing the operation of IRIS facilities like the Global Seismographic Network because of their contribution to research and monitoring related to, among other areas, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty," said Dan Weill, program director in NSF's division of earth sciences, which funded the grant. "IRIS contributes not only to monitoring of the treaty, but also to the mitigation of earthquake hazards and scientific exploration of the earth's interior," Robert Corell, assistant director of NSF for geosciences, added. [Cheryl Dybas]
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