Office of Science and Technology Leads Global Science and Technology Week

Led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, April 28 through May 4 is Global Science and Technology Week, a national campaign designed to excite elementary, middle and high school students about math and science.

Global Science and Technology Week involves every major United States federal science and technology agency, as well as over 35 private and public organizations. Working together, these groups have developed activities and materials, available at www.ostp.gov/html/gstw.html, to help parents, teachers, scientists, engineers and mathematicians raise student interest in the ways science and technology connect people and improve lives around the globe.

"Global Science and Technology Week is sure to be a success," said Dr. John H. Marburger, the President’s science advisor and director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. "With a web cast, classroom activities, and the help of Members of Congress, the President’s Cabinet and former U.S. Senator, and astronaut, John Glenn, Global Science and Technology Week will draw attention to the many ways life is enhanced by scientific and technological advances. The week’s events will stress how students can apply science and technology to benefit their community, their country and the world."

Underscoring President Bush’s commitment to education, the week features outreach activities across the United States and in Washington, D.C. Highlights include:

• A National Dialogue Between Students, Scientists and Mathematicians, kicked off with a webcast event with Dr. Marburger, National Science Foundation Director Rita Colwell and Counselor to the U.S. Secretary of Education Susan Sclafani, on April 29 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM (EST) and continuing throughout the week at www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/events/gstw2002/start.htm;
• A Technology Benefiting Humanity Award, presented by Applied Materials, Inc., in cooperation with the Tech Museum of Innovation, located in San Jose, Calif., for which students from the United States and abroad can research and submit nominations, as well as have the chance to attend the awards gala in November and escort a winner to the stage;
• Global Science and Technology Week Luncheon and Policy Briefing, on May 1, with U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Donald Evans, MIT President Dr. Charles Vest, and DuPont Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Hodgson, hosted by the American Chemical Society, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the House Science Committee; and
• Space Day 2002...Adventure to Mars!, on May 2, at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, featuring former U.S. Senator, and astronaut, John Glenn and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Roderick Paige.

"If America is to thrive in the 21^st century, we must ensure that our young people have the best possible background in science and technology," said President George W. Bush. "Global Science and Technology Week is an excellent opportunity to draw attention to the universal nature of science and emphasize the importance of math, chemistry, physics, biology and scientific education in today’s increasingly global society."