From: "Henry Moss" To: "Henry Moss" Subject: NYAS Education Panel Date: Thursday, May 17, 2001 15:24 <> New York Academy of Sciences Environmentalism in the K-12 Science Classroom: Advocacy or Science? A NYC Science EduNetWork Meeting in conjunction with the NYAS Science Education Section Friday, June 8, 2001 4:00 - 6:00 PM 2 East 63rd Street (This meeting is free and open but seating is limited. Please reserve by contacting Catherine Chase at 212-838-6727 ext. 633 or education@nyas.org) Panelists Dr. Paul R. Gross Professor Emeritus of Biology, University of Virginia Dr. William F. Schuster Executive Director, Black Rock Forest Consortium Mr. Don S. Cook Director, Tiorati Workshop for Environmental Learning, Bank Street College Environmental stewardship has become a major theme in K-12 education as global warming, biodiversity, and other issues have achieved a high public profile. Young people are taught sensitivity to the natural environment, the potential impact of human activities, and the value of conservation. But ecological science is difficult and complex, and many questions remain open on how we might best understand the diverse factors - geological, biological, economic, social - involved in natural systems and man-nature interactions. Some are saying that the science is being shortchanged in favor of advocacy and the promotion of specific policies or practices (e.g. recycling, composting). Others insist that our public education institutions are appropriate places to promote positive civic values and that science and values can be integrated effectively. Paul R. Gross is Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of Virginia, and co-author of Higher Superstitution: The Academic Left and its Quarrels with Science. Dr. Gross is now affiliated with Harvard University and writes and lectures on science, society, and culture. William F. Schuster is Executive Director of the Black Rock Forest located in the Hudson Highlands 50 miles north of New York City. For the past eight years, Dr. Schuster has guided the Forest's growth and evolution into a high quality research and education facility. Don S. Cook is Director of the Tiorati Workshop for Environmental Learning at Bank Street College in New York. A former junior high and high school teacher, Mr. Cook's academic interests include science education, environmental education, geography, and inquiry learning. Please Forward