Improving science literacy and education through space life sciences

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) encourages open in volvement by scientists and the public at large in the Institute's activiti es. Through its Education and Public Outreach Program, the Institute is sup porting national efforts to improve Kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12 ) and undergraduate education and to communicate knowledge generated by spa ce life science research to lay audiences. Three academic institutions-Bayl or College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine and Texas A&M Universi ty-are designing, producing, field-testing, and disseminating a comprehensi ve array of programs and products to achieve this goal. The objectives of the NSBRI Education and Public Outreach program are to: promote systemic change in elementary and secondary science education; attract undergraduate students - especially those from underrepresented gro ups - to careers in space life sciences, engineering and technology-based f ields; increase scientific literacy; and to develop public and private sector partnerships that enhance and expand NSBR I efforts to reach students and families. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Sc ience Ltd.