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23 June 2008
OSA Foundation Wins Award from Association of Educational Publishers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lyndsay Meyer
The Optical Society
+1.202.416.1435
lmeyer@osa.org
OSA Foundation Wins Award from Association of Educational Publishers
WASHINGTON, June 23 – The OSA Foundation (OSAF) is the recipient of a 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP). Honored for its collaborative project with the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), Lighten Up! Discovering the Science of Light took top honors in the Curriculum, Science Instruction Book, Grades 6 – 8 category.
Lighten Up! Discovering the Science of Light is a guide that provides basic explanations of optics-related science, along with many examples of the ways optical technology is used in everyday life. Through interactive experiments – including using Jell-O to understand how lenses work, making sunsets in a bottle, and building their own telescopes – students have the opportunity to see scientific principles in action. The guide also highlights technologies of the future, and discusses a variety of science and technology career opportunities.
Girl Scouts Web sites and is among the most popular destinations for visitors to both sites. A second publication of the book is expected by year-end."Working with the Girl Scouts on this project has been a fantastic opportunity to bring the science of light to students at a critical point in their education,” said Elizabeth A. Rogan, OSA Executive Director. “Research has shown that it is particularly important to encourage students’ interest in science early in their academic life. Sparking an interest in math and science at a young age is often a key motivation for the pursuit of advanced studies and career choices. The goal with Lighten Up! was to do just that, and we’re especially honored that it has been recognized by AEP as an important educational tool.”
Established in 1895, AEP instituted its award programs approximately three decades ago to recognize significant and excellent achievement in supplemental educational products and education marketing. The Distinguished Achievement Awards recognize the best educational materials—such as books, periodicals, educational toys and software—within subject categories and by audience. The OSA Foundation competed against organizations like Scholastic Inc., Nickelodeon Magazine, Weekly Reader Publishing Group, National Science Teachers Association, the National Geographic Society and Boy Scouts of America.
About the OSA Foundation
The OSA Foundation was established in 2002 to support philanthropic activities that help further the Optical Society of America’s mission by concentrating its efforts on programs that advance youth science education, provide optics education and resources to underserved populations, provide career and professional development resources and support OSA's Awards and Honors program. The grants funded by the OSA Foundation are made possible by the generous donations of its supporters as well as the dollar-for-dollar match by OSA. The Foundation is exempt from US federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a public charity. To learn more about the OSA Foundation or to find out how to donate, please visit www.osa-foundation.org or email foundation@osa.org.
About OSA
Uniting more than 70,000 professionals from 134 countries, the Optical Society (OSA) brings together the global optics community through its programs and initiatives. Since 1916 OSA has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing educational resources to the scientists, engineers and business leaders who work in the field by promoting the science of light and the advanced technologies made possible by optics and photonics. OSA publications, events, technical groups and programs foster optics knowledge and scientific collaboration among all those with an interest in optics and photonics. For more information, visit www.osa.org.
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