Scientific Innovation: Applying Science in the Real World
This strand addresses the student question, "Why do I need to know this?” Scientific inquiry and innovation inspire preK–16 students’ learning and make science relevant to their world. These real-world connections include biotechnology, engineering and design, medical applications, space exploration, robotics, energy alternatives, agriculture, and forensic science. Preparation of students for their future role as scientifically literate citizens occurs in such venues as informal science, early childhood activities, outdoor environmental classrooms, and student-teacher-scientist partnerships.

Goals
To provide workshops and presentations focusing on one or more of the following:
• Connecting scientific innovation processes to student learning.
• Providing classroom activities, ideas, and resources that focus on student inquiry.
• Empowering teachers to develop resources and investigations that showcase the application of science and technology.
• Empowering students to make relevant science connections to the real world.

Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated on the extent that they:
• Demonstrate the relevance of science to students’ daily lives and future.
• Link scientific and technological innovations and STEM careers to student learning.
• Use readily accessible classroom and/or community resources.
• Align with one or more strand goals.
• Align with state and national science education standards (NSES and Benchmarks).
• Are based on current and available research and issues in science.
• Involve participants through activities and/or discussion.