Through its Center for Integrating Research and Learning, the NHMFL supports educational programming at all academic levels: K-12, technical, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral. The educational programs of the Magnet Lab are designed to excite and educate students, teachers, and the general public about science, technology, and the world around them. All of the educational programs at the NHMFL are developed through close consultation with and guidance from the scientists, engineers, and technicians who develop materials and programs and conduct research at the laboratory, as well as with educators, classroom teachers and secondary school students. Through innovative programs, tours, and outreach efforts the NHMFL directly engaged over 15,000 students in 1997 and reached countless others through our Website and curriculum products.

The Center has six major areas: (1) Student Education, (2) Teacher Education, (3) General Public Awareness, (4) Curriculum Materials Development, (5) Educational Research, (6) Partnerships. Through the Center's efforts, we provide resources and connections necessary to enhance the learning and understanding of science, research and technology in both formal (e.g., schools) and informal (e.g., at home or at the Open House) settings. The Center has had considerable success in supporting teachers through workshops and mentorships to change their classroom practices to more realistically represent the nature of scientific processes. The Center provides opportunities for students to experience the practice of science in a science research facility. Particular care is taken to encourage and involve underrepresented student populations and their teachers in these opportunities.

http://education.magnet.fsu.edu/