Outreach to museums is encouraged, supporting the development of cutting-edge exhibits and planetarium shows. Educational activities are rigorously evaluated for impact. Results are published in peer-reviewed journals. Proposals compete with those from other institutions for federal funding. Papers are presented at conferences and colloquia at other universities.
Education is held to the same high standards as scientific research.
Scientists and engineers already at the our center are offered pathways for growth through visiting classrooms and involvement with ongoing projects. Where expertise is more limited, such as in curriculum development and educational research, national searches are carried out to add to the permanent staff. Sabbaticals are offered for exemplary classroom teachers and scientists from other institutions. Graduate students and post-doctoral fellows seek us out for research opportunities. Seminars draw both teachers and scientists from the local area.