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Sputnik was launched
The launch of the Sputnik satellite caused the United States Congress to look at the amount of funds being spent on science which included an immediate doubling of the National Science Foundation's budget -
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Historical Events in STEM education
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The National Defense Education Act
Provided $1 billion for science education and research -
President Kennedy's Challenge to go to the Moon
President Kennedy in a joint session of Congress announced the plan to send astronauts to the Moon and return them safely -
NSF publishes the Task Ahead for the National Science Foundation
This report identified the future tasks of NSF to include learning which could increase science understanding for those who were not scientists, and training professionals for STEM professions. -
IBM introduces new Personal Computer Model 5150
IBM introduced its version of the Personal Computer which was smaller and less expensive than alternative versions. This created a new industry of software and hardware suppliers -
NSFNET Backbone Collaboration Precursor of the Internet
The award to a collaboration between Merit, IBM and MCI, along with assistance from the State of Michigan creates the NSFNET Backbone which is the precursor to the Internet -
Release of book In Search of Understanding the Case for Constructivist Classrooms
This is important in scientific education, particularly, because students are more open to constructing knowledge based on experiments, surveys, etc. -
NSF Awards Grants to Improve Math and Science Education
NSF in response to the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities, NSF provides grants to improve math and science education -
Math and Science partnership between Higher Ed and K-12 schools
The important element on display here is the prominence of learning through collaboration and teamwork. Additionally, this appears to predate the concept of bridge and pathway programs -
President Obama's Community College Initiative
President Obama announced a multi-billion dollar plan to assist community colleges in the training of adults for new high growth tech jobs