The Center for Excellence in Education presented an award to the Office of STEM Education Partnerships in April for its contribution to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning. The Center cited iLab as "a model for excellent in science education."
The iLab Network offers remote online laboratories that enable students and educators to use real instruments to carry out science experiments from anywhere at any time. iLab can be accessed by schools that might not be able to purchase costly lab equipment. Currently more than 1,000 students are using iLab to analyze real experimental data through curricula that follow authentic scientific processes.
Measuring programs on sustainability, cost effectiveness, scalability, public/private partnerships and meeting accessible measures, the Center for Excellence in Education named iLab an exemplary effort to help high school teachers and students involved in science and technology education. As it rolls out national programming in eight to 12 states, the Center will be using the criteria that iLabs exemplifies.
The award was given on April 9 at the National Lab Skills Symposium, which was held "to draw attention to the Center's plans to address the abysmal state of lab experiences for teachers and students in U.S. high schools," says Center president Joann DiGennaro.
The Center for Excellence in Education works to improve science education and foster scientific understanding throughout the world. Two programs for high school students, the Research Science Institute and the USA Biology Olympiad, further its effort to nurture careers of excellence and leadership in science and technology for academically talented students.