AERA showcased groundbreaking education research at the Coalition for National Science Funding’s (CNSF) 20th Annual Capitol Hill Exhibition at the Rayburn House Office Building on May 7.
P. Karen Murphy (Pennsylvania State University) presented her research on Quality Talk Science, funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR). Quality Talk provides professional development for physics and chemistry teachers in high-need schools in Pennsylvania to encourage higher level thinking among students and engage their interest through student-led class discussions.
The AERA exhibit attracted considerable interest. Along with team members Carla Firetto and Ana Butler, Murphy demonstrated through touch screens and hands-on tasks how inquiry learning can take place in the classroom.
Thirty-seven scientific associations and universities participated in the program, titled “Investments in STEM Research & Education: Fueling American Innovation.” The event attracted nearly 300 people, including eight members of Congress. Visitors to AERA’s booth included Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ), Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA), and Joan Ferrini-Mundy, assistant director of EHR.
“Given the current climate on Capitol Hill, it is imperative that we take every chance to demonstrate the value of long-term federal investment in basic scientific research, including the social and behavioral sciences,” said AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine. “This CNSF event allows researchers to show the benefits and high quality of research funded by the National Science Foundation.”