2/19/2008 - NSF Selects ACM's Director of Education for Review Panel

Becky Jones, Director of Education at Austin Children’s Museum, has been selected by the National Science Foundation to be a review panelist for their Informal Science Education division projects.

Austin, Texas (February 19, 2008) — Becky Jones, Director of Education at Austin Children’s Museum (ACM), has been selected by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to be a review panelist for their Informal Science Education (ISE) division projects. The panel helps determine which projects will be recommended for funding through a rigorous and objective merit-review process. Comprised of experienced informal science educators from across the country, the panel will convene this week in Washington, D.C.

“My participation is a valuable opportunity to advance the Museum’s new strategic direction by joining national conversations about innovative topics and practices in informal science education,” said Jones. At ACM, Jones leads a team of 23 informal educators and exhibit designers that conceptualize, develop, create and deliver playful, science-based, hands-on learning experiences to the children, families and educators who utilize the Museum.

NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It provides billions of dollars of support through about 11,000 grants per year to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, research organizations and informal science education organizations such as science centers and museums throughout the United States. Approximately 40,000 proposals for research, education and training projects are received each year by the NSF.

Jones’ participation will be focused on the ISE division projects. The ISE division invests in projects that develop and provide self-directed learning experiences to increase children and adults’ interest and understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Projects target public audiences of all ages and backgrounds through exhibits, radio, film, TV, web, citizen science, youth and community programs. It also supports projects that advance knowledge and practice of informal science education.

ABOUT ACM
The mission of the Austin Children's Museum is to create innovative learning experiences for children and families that equip and inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers. Located at the Dell Discovery Center downtown at the corner of 2nd Street and Colorado, the Austin Children's Museum is one of the city's popular cultural attractions with 210,000 visitors annually. Founded in 1983 as a non-profit organization, the Austin Children's Museum delivers its mission through a variety of exhibits, programs and outreach activities. For more information, please visit www.austinkids.org.
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