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  As an astronaut and engineer, I am very excited about National Lab Day! Inspiring the next generation has always been important to me, especially now that I have young children of my own. I work with educational organizations, some of which have an international focus. As we move forward, I think it is important to take a global view in all of our major activities. The world is becoming smaller every day! The synergy that saw from my own experiences in working with international space programs can be harnessed to reach kids from around the world, and get them talking to each other. National Lab Day is a wonderful idea that fits in perfectly with these ideas!

  Leroy Chiao, Ph.D.
  Astronaut

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  We wouldn’t teach football from a textbook. It is even more important that America’s youth have the opportunity to learn math and science by doing. The President and I strongly support efforts to raise the level of project-based learning, to help cultivate the next generation of doers and makers.

  John P. Holdren
  Science adviser to President Obama

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  National Lab Day has the potential to build communities of support that increase access for better STEM education across our nation. As NASA Administrator, I am committed to a nationwide STEM movement that supports effective STEM teaching in schools. For me, this is a top priority… (read more)

  Charles Bolden
  NASA Administrator

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  President Obama’s announcement underscores the importance of science and math education in preparing students to succeed throughout their future careers. National Lab Day is an essential step toward reinvigorating students’ enthusiasm for science and math — and for keeping our nation competitive in the global marketplace.

  John J. Castellani
  President of the Business Roundtable

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  We all have a vested interest in advancing our country’s proficiency in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math as a means to driving innovation and jobs — which are key to fueling our economic growth and global competitiveness.

  Steve Ballmer
  CEO of Microsoft

• The Institute of Industrial Engineers is proud to support National Lab Day. Our nation achieved prominence through its accomplishments in science and engineering. There is nothing that the United States can do to better ensure its stature in the world than to educate the next generation of scientists and engineers.

  Don H. Greene, P.E., CAE
  Executive Director
  Institute of Industrial Engineers

• I think it would be good to have a hub similar to a discussion board. On this people could post questions, resources, lesson ideas, ways of engaging students in STEM activities. (read more)

  Walt Woolbaugh
  Science Teacher
  Manhattan School, Montana
  59741

• I would like to have community volunteers come with “tools of their trade” and offer sessions to students – at least something to fit each grade level – grade 6 has core of earth/environmental science, grade 7 is life science and grade 8 is physical science. (read more)

  Inez Liftig
  Middle Level Science Teacher
  Fairfield Woods Middle School 06825

• I would like to develop a collaboration of educators (in-service, pre-service and in residence) as well as current researchers and engineers in the field of Space science in an initiative that would envision the future of life in space. (read more)

  Kate Baird
  Assistant Clinical Professor of Science Education
  Indiana University-Purdue
  University of Columbia
  Columbus, IN 47203

• In LaMesa Middle School we have thought of developing a special workshop room available for kids to develop and build inventions from simple, available materials. In the San Diego Area we have a tradition of having annual Inventors Fairs that parallel the traditional Science Fairs. (read more)

  Alan McCormack
  San Diego State University
  San Diego CA 92119

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