National Lab Day

Students love to explore.

They ask questions, they are curious.

They are natural scientists.

They poke and prod and test.

They love to learn.

America needs more engineers and scientists to maintain marketing competitiveness and keep jobs. National Lab Day reminds us that we need to start early, getting students interested and getting serious about engineering, math, and science. — Craig Newmark, Founder of Craigslist

What is NLD?

National Lab Day is more than just a day. It's a nationwide initiative to build local communities of support that will foster ongoing collaborations among volunteers, students and educators.

Volunteers, university students, scientists, engineers, other STEM professionals and, more broadly, members of the community are working together with educators and students to bring discovery-based science experiences to students in grades K-12. When an educator posts a project, our system will help them get the resources needed to bring that project to fruition.

NLD is already underway! We currently have projects throughout the country - Interactive Map.

In the first week of May, 2010 we will celebrate this collaboration with National Lab Day activities across the country.

Links:

Click here for a video explaining how National Lab Day helps to connect educators and scientists to improve the educational experience.

Read the press release announcing National Lab Day

Take a look at STEM's letter to the President about the importance of science education

Check out Thomas Friedman's New York Times column highlighting National Lab Day

View mentions of National Lab Day in the press to see the public attention we've received.

FAQ
What is a lab?

It's a place where you can explore, experiment, test, and maybe even get your hands dirty. We're not just talking about test tubes and beakers. A lab could be a laptop to a software designer, a mountaintop to a geologist, a computer link to a distant particle accelerator to a physicist, or a factory floor to an industrial engineer. It's a place where hands-on lessons in science and engineering and technology can be designed to happen, or where math can come alive, and it could be anywhere in the physical or virtual world.
What will teachers do?

Teachers are the heart of the National Lab Day effort! You are the experts on your students and your classrooms. Whether it's additional lab equipment, personal mentoring from a scientist, tech support, or just an extra set of hands for a class project, you know how to improve your students' hands on learning experiences. We are asking you to work with local volunteers to meet the needs you identify. What will volunteers do? Volunteers are critical to the success of National Lab Day! As a university student or professional in science, technology, engineering, or math we need your help. We are asking you to work with your local elementary, middle, and high schools to help them do more project-based learning with their students.
What kinds of things might they need?

You might install software or identify useful Web resources, fix and find equipment, implement hands-on projects, help with science fairs, chaperone field trips, help with lesson development, and be an advisor for an after-school program. Connect with your teachers through this site and find out!