Contemporary Science Center

From: Research Triangle Scientists

To: Science and Math Teachers & Students

Re: Experience our Discoveries!

The Contemporary Science Center was founded in 2004 to change the way that teenaged students experience science here in North Carolina. We believe that successful, authentic experiences in real science can be a critical factor in how teenaged students choose their further studies, how they choose their careers, and just how scientifically literate they choose to become.

To address our national challenge of 'growing more scientists', we offer teachers and their classes our Field Studies. These day-long field studies are a 'field trip' for students to experience real science in real ways, as a tool to grow kids' problem-solving skills. Our goal? Shift teenagers' attitudes about science and science careers, by enticing them with cutting-edge, real-world problems. Our goal for teachers? Empower teachers with our 'inquiry incubator' that models advanced inquiry-based teaching skills specifically for 8th grade through high school teachers of core science and math courses.

Mission Statement
The Contemporary Science Center is a catalyst for transforming science education in NC, using innovative models of teaching and learning to inspire teachers and students statewide to embrace scientific engagement.

Guiding Principles

1. The Contemporary Science Center bridges the gap between traditional education and contemporary application by leveraging the expertise of the Research Triangle community in order to bring authentic science to the classroom.
2. The Contemporary Science Center transforms the experience of science for a broad spectrum of students by:
   translating the complex to the clear
   fostering group skills, and
   building abilities to present and argue from evidence.  
   
3. The Contemporary Science Center believes that students and teachers are the fundamental locus of educational change.
4. The Contemporary Science Center strives to spark the adoption of its unique learning and teaching models by teachers in their classrooms.
5. The Contemporary Science Center will continually improve its effectiveness by monitoring the impact of its programs on teachers and students.
6. CSC will continue to grow the number of students and expand the spectrum of students it can serve by developing strategic partnerships and growing its organizational capacity.

2010-2011 Supporters of the CSC

The Contemporary Science Center is proud to have the sponsorship and friendship of these companies, who all exemplify the commitment to science and technology and to our community, for which we all strive.