Science Literacy in the Next Generation

Shawn Carlson is a physicist and innovator in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education who is widely recognized for his creativity, leadership, and passion. He is one of the founders of modern citizen scientist and Maker movements and has been the creative force behind a number of educational and research programs that have engaged both adults and children in doing authentic science. 

Dr. Carlson is the creator of “Engagement Education,” a system of instruction that motivates students to learn by appealing to their immediate self-interests rather than focusing on distant benefits such as far-off careers.  He has also pioneered community-based programs and the use of technology to create and sustain teaching communities that promote science literacy.  He is also a nationally known science writer, having spent six years writing “The Amateur Scientist” column for Scientific American magazine during which time he had over one million monthly readers. And for all of his innovations in education, he was awarded the highly prestigious MacArthur "genius" Fellowship.   

He is with us today to talk about how by working together, we can do much more to promote science literacy in the next generation.

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