stand up for REAL science

First, in local news, science education in Kansas received a boost during the past few months. This is rarer than you might think, as science educators tend to occupy a perceived "No-Man's Land" between science and education: scientists seem to distrust the intellect of someone who's dirtied their hands with education, and educators seem to regard science faculty as arrogant and demanding. Even within the field of science education, the generalist science educators sometimes face derision from the more specialized physics educators.

More after the jump.

Thus, it was a great kudos for Dr. Paul Adams of Fort Hays State University to receive the university's highest honor: the 2009 Presidential Distinguished Scholar Award. Paul has been named FHSU's Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year twice previously - once from the College of Education, and once from the College of Arts and Sciences - and he has devoted his career to helping improve science literacy by many means. FHSU's President Hammond noted that

Paul is well known for his dedication to science education and his uncanny ability to write and secure grants and funding. All one has to do is look at his offices across campus and you know he's a multi-tasker when it comes to grantwriting. Paul, we thank you for this lifelong effort that adds substantial resources to the accomplishment of the university's mission.

One of his more successful entrepreneurial stories is the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS). The Kansas Board of Regents selected FHSU to host the Academy in partnership with the Legislature and other key stakeholders. KAMS is a commitment to the future of mathematics and science learners in the State of Kansas and beyond. The Academy reports to the dean of the College of Education and Technology.

Paul will receive a bit of a financial reward, a dinner hosted by President Hammond for 24 of his closest colleagues (ooh la la - a French menu!), and he will address the university at next Thursday's Honors Convocation. His talk is entitled "Reflections - and Refractions - of a Science Nomad."

In other news, I'm looking to buy some carbon credits. It's homecoming week at the school where I teach, and it looks like the parade organizers came up skimpy on entries. As a result, they're sticking me and my family in the parade in a Hummer limo, ostensibly because I was named the Regional Science Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science. (A few years ago, I received a couple of bigger awards, but no parade ride - thus, my contention that the organizers were desperate.)

All kidding aside, Paul & I both work hard at our jobs, maybe too hard at times (don't we all?). It does bring a measure of gratification that our efforts haven't gone completely unnoticed. Anyway, I'm sad we won't get to include a stupid dog in the limo. Guess we'll just have to feign an ignorant mutt.