Nurturing Discovery:

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Nurturing Discovery Biology Education for the
21st Century
A Strategic Plan for the NSF Biological Sciences
Directorate
BIO Advisory Committee Meeting November 2004
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Biology Education for the 21st Century
Goals Broad Career Horizons to provide a
science-based education with a renewed focus on
preparing students for broad career
horizons. Experiential Learning to engage
students in research experiences so that they
learn as researchers learn. Biosphere Literacy
to improve the ability for people to use
information about the biological systems of the
natural world in daily life.
Priorities to Build Capacity Integration
Increased Diversity Curriculum Reform Mentor
Training
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Biology Education for the 21st Century
The Six Big Questions How should existing and
planned BIO activities be judged? Should we
change the vertical balance of our
investments? Where should partnerships be
pursued? What new activities should be
considered to address voids in our
portfolio? What undercapitalized activities
should be enhanced? Where should we step back and
get independent evaluations and advice? These
questions were used to organize recommendations
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Biology Education for the 21st Century
The Recommendations 1 of 2 How should existing
and planned BIO activities be judged? Program
tracking and planning Should we change the
vertical balance of our investments? Enhance
weaker parts of portfolio Where should
partnerships be pursued? E HR other
directorates, agencies and institutions
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Biology Education for the 21st Century
The Recommendations 2 of 2 What new activities
should be considered to address voids in our
portfolio? Discovery Communities Community
College Educators Year of UG Research
Integrative Leadership Fellowships What
undercapitalized activities should be
enhanced? Mentoring Mentor Training
RET-Sites LTER Schoolyard Where should we step
back and get independent evaluations and
advice? Curriculum Reform Minority HS Students
CRUI UMEB DDIG
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Biology Education for the 21st Century
Early Actions LTER Schoolyard Science modest
budget increase planned for FY05 HS Students in
Research Settings - Planning for workshop
Community college faculty - Dear Colleague
Letter Research Opportunity Awards Partnerships
plans to seek near-term common objectives with
E HR
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Biology Education for the 21st Century

• Future Considerations
• Bundling of recommendations
• Timing how near-term actions enable and
  constrain longer-range plans
• Coordination and partnering opportunities
• Integration with objectives for Broadening
  Participation

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Biology Education for the 21st Century
Next Steps
BIO Senior Management Education Strategy
Retreat for Planning and implementation
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Biology Education for the 21st Century
Thank you for your input and support!