Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Mich., the first research physicist to serve in Congress and one of only two scientists serving in the House of Representatives, will argue the merits of improving science education in a lecture for the public today at noon.
In his speech, Ehlers, a six-term congressman, will emphasize the importance of Congress' role in supporting science research and providing funding to ensure that science education is available to all students. In addition, he will address the need for continuous research on what practices help students learn, providing insight into the techniques that may optimize science curricula throughout the country.
Ehlers has dedicated much of his life to science education. Having received his undergraduate degree in physics and PhD. in nuclear physics from the University of California-Berkeley, Ehlers went on to teach science for six years at Berkeley and for 16 years at Calvin College.
As a congressman, Ehlers has served as a member of the Education and Workforce Committee and the Committee on Science. He has proposed legislation that would transform K-12 science, math, engineering and technology education.
Though his legislation has often focused on science education for grades K-12, his visit to UW-Madison will allow Ehlers to witness firsthand the benefits of using federal dollars to fund scientific research in an educational setting. Ehlers will attend various presentations highlighting some of the cutting-edge research being done at the university.
\UW-Madison is a real national leader in terms of science research,"" said Terry Millar, associate graduate school dean for the physical sciences. ""After his visit, hopefully Representative Ehlers will be able to call up UW-Madison on the floor of the House to show the benefits of science education and research, convincing the government and the public that this is important.""
His lecture, ""Science, Education and Congress,"" will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in Room 911, Van Vleck Hall, 480 Lincoln Drive. The event is free and open to the public.
