As the students work on their experiments, their scientist pen pals answer questions, offer advice and encouragement, and, significantly, don't grade the young scientists' progress. The adult pen pals, including astronomers, pediatricians, microbiologists and veterinarians, are not necessarily experts in the field being studied, but help direct the students in the process of discovery. Melissa Cotter, National Manager for the program, says that communicating with a scientist in an informal setting gives students a lively introduction to the scientific processes of asking questions, collecting and analyzing data, and working cooperatively. Last year, the numbers had risen to over 28,000 children and 1,500 scientists. Approximately half of the scientists and students are female, and minority students account for 25 percent of participants.
Some science centers have their own youth-oriented projects.
The student employees discuss the exhibits with visitors, assist younger children and invite experimentation. Alexis, who plans to study life sciences in high school en route to a career as a veterinarian, observes that as a Blue Coat she often refers to the activities she did during her first visits to the Sciencenter. Sometimes these fun little experiments might seem pointless, but you can keep them to use as models to explain something later on. Among those celebrating NSTW will be ASTC's Honor Roll of Teachers, nominated by science centers and museums for their ability to integrate informal and formal education and use the center resources to inspire students. In forging creative relationships between schools and science centers, the Honor Roll teachers, the science center staff, and the many other informal education project leaders demonstrate a theme that NSF understands well in its pursuit of excellence in education.