Biology

Bio-Link: Biotechnology in Pennsylvania

Bio-Link is a National Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Center for Biotechnology that originated in late 1998 with a grant from the National Science Foundation. The ATE program was created to improve and expand educational programs that prepare skilled technicians to work in the high-tech fields that drive the U.S. economy.

Bio-Link enhances and expands biotechnology education programs by providing cutting edge professional development for instructors, by improving curriculum, by making use of technologies, and by creating a system that promotes the sharing of information. The Bio-Link National Center is at City College of San Francisco, with regional centers in Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, Austin, Madison, Graham (NC), and Portsmouth, NH.  The regional centers develop relations with local industry and educational institutions including community colleges, baccalaureate institutions, and high schools.   In addition, each regional center spearheads a different element of the program. Bio-Link is supporting a cadre of well-trained instructors and is increasing the number and quality of biotechnology programs for students.

American Institute of Biological Sciences

The American Institute of Biological Sciences is a non-profit scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society. Founded in 1947 as a part of the National Academy of Sciences, AIBS became an independent, member-governed organization in the 1950s.  Today, with headquarters in Washington, DC, and a staff of approximately 50, AIBS is sustained by a robust membership of some 5,000 biologists and 200 professional societies and scientific organizations; the combined individual membership of the latter exceeds 250,000.   AIBS advances its mission through 1) coalition activities in research, education, and public policy; 2) publishing the peer-reviewed journal BioScience and the education website ActionBioscience.org; 3) providing scientific peer review and advisory services to government agencies and other clients; 4) convening meetings; and 5) managing scientific programs.

American Society for Microbiology

The American Society for Microbiology is the oldest and largest single life science membership organization in the world.  Membership has grown from 59 scientists in 1899 to more than 43,000 members today, with more than one third located outside the United States.  The members represent 26 disciplines of microbiological specialization plus a division for microbiology educators. Microbiologists study microbes--bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, fungi, algae and protozoa--some of which cause diseases, but many of which contribute to the balance of nature or are otherwise beneficial.  Microbiological research includes infectious diseases, recombinant DNA technology, alternative methods of energy production and waste recycling, new sources of food, new drug development, and the etiology of sexually transmitted diseases, among other areas. Microbiology is also concerned with environmental problems and industrial processes.

Microbiology boasts some of the most illustrious names in the annals of science--Pasteur, Koch, Fleming, Leeuwenhoek, Lister, Jenner and Salk--and some of the greatest achievements for mankind.  Within the 20th century, a third of all Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine have been bestowed upon microbiologists.

The Society’s mission is to advance microbiological sciences through the pursuit of scientific knowledge and dissemination of the results of fundamental and applied research.  ASM will:

1. Support programs of education, training and public information
2. Publish journals and books, convene meetings, workshops and colloquia
3. Promote the contributions and promise of the microbiological sciences
4. Recognize achievement and distinction among its practitioners
5. Set standards of ethical and professional behavior.

Earth Science

Geological Association of New Jersey

GANJ is a non-profit organization that encourages Earth Science Education and the distribution of geological information.

Other

National Association for Research in Science Teaching

NARST is a worldwide organization of professionals committed to the improvement of science teaching and learning through research.  Since its inception in 1928, NARST has promoted research in science education and the communication of knowledge generated by the research.  The ultimate goal of NARST is to help all learners achieve science literacy.  NARST promotes this goal by: 1) encouraging and supporting the application of diverse research methods and theoretical perspectives from multiple disciplines to the investigation of teaching and learning in science; 2) communicating science education research findings to researchers, practitioners, and policy makers; and 3) cooperating with other educational and scientific societies to influence educational policies.

School Science and Mathematics Association

The School Science and Mathematics Association strives to be an inclusive professional community bringing together researchers and teachers to promote research, scholarship, and practice to improve school science and mathematics and to advance the integration of science and mathematics in schools.  The SSMA mission is described in terms of three strands of content focus: teacher preparation and enhancement; research into practice and practice into research; and serving the interests of K-16 teachers, faculty and leaders.

American Association for the Advancement of Science

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson, and professional association. In addition to organizing membership activities, AAAS publishes the journal Science, as well as many scientific newsletters, books and reports, and spearheads programs that raise the bar of understanding for science worldwide.

National Science Education Leadership Association

The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) was formed in 1959 to meet a need to develop science education leadership for K - 16 school systems.  The original name of the organization was the National Science Supervisors Association (NSSA), but this name was changed in 1994 to reflect the changing nature of science leaders.  NSELA members have a strong interest in advances in a broad array of topics including student learning, safety, curriculum, technology, professional development, assessment, inquiry, and science education reform.  NSELA is an affiliate of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE).  At the present time, NSELA has over 1,200 members who hold a variety of science education leadership positions including science department heads, supervisors, coordinators, university science and science education faculty, administrators, science resource teachers, teacher advocates, elementary science lead teachers and others.  NSELA also has more than 15 affiliated state leadership groups.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA's mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.  To do that, thousands of people have been working around the world -- and off of it -- for almost 50 years, trying to answer some basic questions.  What's out there in space?  How do we get there?  What will we find? What can we learn there, or learn just by trying to get there, that will make life better here on Earth?  NASA conducts its work in four principal organizations, called mission directorates:

1. Aeronautics: pioneers and proves new flight technologies that improve our ability to explore and which have practical applications on Earth.
2. Exploration Systems: creates new capabilities and spacecraft for affordable, sustainable human and robotic exploration.
3. Science: explores the Earth, moon, Mars and beyond; charts the best route of discovery; and reaps the benefits of Earth and space exploration for society.
4. Space Operations: provides critical enabling technologies for much of  the rest of NASA through the space shuttle, the International Space Station, and flight support.

The NASA site contains extensive information for educators and students, as well as the public.

Association for Science Teacher Education

The Association for Science Teacher Education is a non-profit professional organization composed of over 800 members from countries across the globe.  The mission of the ASTE is to promote excellence in science teacher education worldwide through scholarship and innovation.   ASTE is an international association of science teacher educators, scientists, science coordinators and supervisors, and informal science educators who prepare and provide professional development for teachers of science at all grade levels.  The ASTE focuses its action in three major areas: professional development for our members at our annual conference, work carried out by various standing and ad-hoc committees, and our regional associations.