UAF SCIENCE EDUCATION MOVES ON DOWN THE ROAD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2001

Fairbanks, Alaska — The University of Alaska Fairbanks Biology Department plans to take its science-based "road shows" a little further down the highway thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Dorr Foundation of New York.

Undergraduate and graduate students take science curriculum on the road by traveling to local schools presenting demonstrations and talking with students about how much fun it is to be involved in science. Information is left behind for teachers to continue investigations.

"We can’t wait to get on the road again," said UAF Assistant Professor of Biology Doug Schamel. "Contact with middle and high school students generates a lot of excitement about science while providing an opportunity for me to work with fellow instructors and talented graduate students who share the commitment of enhancing science education."

With the Dorr Foundation’s gift, Schamel plans to extend the current program to areas within a 150-mile radius of Fairbanks, to include Healy, Delta Junction, Nenana, Anderson/Clear and Minto.

"We liked the concept of how UAF brings scientific inquiry to those students who may not have an opportunity to see firsthand how exciting science can be," said Hugh McMillan, chairman of the Dorr Foundation. "We like to see innovative ways of strengthening science education for middle and high school students and we feel UAF shares our commitment."

Undergraduate and graduate students receive credit for participating in the demonstrations, while students at the K-12 level get an opportunity to learn about what types of careers are possible in the sciences and what type of background is needed to enter a college or university. It allows interaction between excited university students and curious college-bound high school students.

"Our science faculty continually demonstrate their commitment to science education by bringing the lab to tomorrow’s college students," said UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind. "I commend the Dorr Foundation for their impressive history of supporting science education throughout the country."

In the 1950’s engineer-scientist-inventor John V. N. Dorr conducted research indicating that motorists hugged the white lines painted in the middle of highways during inclement weather which increased the chances for head-on collisions. Dorr maintained that painting white lines on the side of highways would decrease the number of accidents. Dorr and highway engineers in New York and Connecticut conducted field tests, which resulted in a dramatic decrease in accidents. Eventually, the practice of painting white lines on the sides of highways was recognized nationwide as a life-saving measure. The Dorr Foundation was established in 1940.

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Note to Editors: Doug Schamel will be available for interviews during the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District-wide Science Fair at Alaskaland, March 19 — 23. Video and photo opportunities may be optimal Wednesday through Friday.

CONTACT: Hugh McMillan, Dorr Foundation, 212-683-1370, Doug Schamel, UAF Biology and Wildlife 907-474-6297, or Ann Secrest, UAF Foundation Relations 907-474-7474.

CJB/03-20-01/01-057