Science Matters Network in Michigan

A partnership of Michigan Science Teachers Association, Michigan Mathematics and Science Centers, and Michigan Department of Education.

Supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation and the National Science Teachers Association.

Science Matters (Formerly Building a Presence for Science) is the largest networking initiative of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). This award-winning program is designed to improve the teaching and learning of science from kindergarten through 12^th grade. NSTA is the world's largest organization dedicated to the improvement of science teaching and learning. Major funding for Building a Presence for Science is provided by the ExxonMobil Foundation.

Visit the Science Matters National Site at the NSTA. 

Vision for the Science Matters Network in Michigan

The Michigan science education leaders are excited about becoming a part of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) national program for Science Matters. The Michigan Science Teachers Association, Michigan's 33 Mathematics and Science Centers and the Michigan Department of Education have committed to setting goals and creating an action plan to have a greater and more enduring presence for science education in Michigan.

Our mission is to achieve science literacy for all students through standards-based teaching and learning, supported by a network of Key Leaders serving Points of Contact in every school building in Michigan.

Program Goals

Science Matters in Michigan Network Goals 

• To create and maintain a network of Key Leaders in the state and Points of Contact in every school in the country.
• To advocate and promote standards-based science teaching and learning.
• To provide resources, including national and state standards, and professional development opportunities to promote and enhance teacher quality.
• To implement and encourage the use of interactive communication tools, such as listservs and Web sites to enhance the sharing of information.
• To increase vertical communication among K-12 science educators.
• To ensure every student has the opportunity to learn from a qualified teacher.

Michigan Science Leadership Goals 

Who is a Key Leader?

A Key Leader is a "team captain" to a group of Points of Contact for science in a designated geographic area. A Key Leader can be a classroom teacher, principal, science supervisor, university educator, or other science education-based professional.

Why Be a Key Leader?

• To play a leadership role in a statewide effort to encourage standards-based science teaching and learning.
• To promote the use of standards-based science teaching and learning, K-7 Science Grade Level Content Expectations, Michigan Merit Curriculum, and other science resources.
• To engage in professional development and networking with science-teaching colleagues at local and state levels.
• To gain professional recognition throughout the local community and the state as a leader in the effort to enhance science education. 

Who is a Point of Contact?

A classroom teacher or administrator who volunteers to be an advocate and contact person for science in his or her school building. 

Why Be a Point of Contact?

• To participate in a statewide effort to increase understanding of standards-based science teaching and learning.
• To engage in professional development and networking with science-teaching colleagues.
• To increase your knowledge of standards-based science teaching and learning, K-7 Science Grade Level Content Expectations, Michigan Merit Curriculum, and other science resources.
• To gain professional recognition throughout the local community and the broader professional community as a leader in the effort to enhance science education. 

For more information, contact:

Science Matters Network in Michigan
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator for Michigan
Wayne County Math and Science Center at Wayne RESA
33500 Van Born Rd.
Wayne, MI 48184
Phone: 734-334-1455
Fax: 734-334-1411
Email: bydlowd@resa.net