Steve Lindaas invited to SISL-STEM Convocation at the National Academy of Sciences

Steve Lindaas, Department of Physics and Astronomy, was invited to attend the SISL-STEM Convocation held Sept. 19-20 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington DC. Sustainability Improves Student Learning in STEM is supported by a DOE FIPSE grant administered by Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL). The original disciplinary societies included eleven partners from the American Chemical Society (ACS) to the American Psychological Association (APA) as well as the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) and American Institute of Biological Science (AIBS).

The goal of the SISL-STEM project was to join expertise to increase student learning in STEM courses and better prepare them for the real-world 21st century “Big Questions” that relate to real-world issues such as energy, air and water quality, and climate change.  Big Questions, as defined in the Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) initiative of the AAC&U, are those of value, fundamental, and enduring, that have “vexed human beings down through the ages.” Big Questions directly connect to sustainability, how we live our lives, the choices we make, and our obligations to other people and to the natural world.

The aim of the convocation was to widen the involvement to include a complete spectrum of disciplinary societies (from lawyers, engineering and planners to university presidents) with the goal of improving learning outcomes by connecting undergraduate education with pressing global challenges. The convocation was a chance to share what has been accomplished and nurture new collaborations for the long-term continuation of this work.

The academic Sustainability Program at MSUM already involves individuals and departments from every college. If you would like to learn more and become involved in the academic program there are two opportunities today (Tuesday). The 2:30 p.m. Tea in the Faculty Development Center will focus on “Infusing Sustainability into the Curriculum.” The Sustainability Program Working Group has a meeting from 4:15 to 5 p.m. today also in the Faculty Development Center. If you are interested but unable to attend one of the meetings today contact Steve Lindaas or Dennis Jacobs directly.