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Nominate a Nifty Fifty

When the President of the United States calls upon you to help motivate and excite students about science and engineering –“to encourage young people to create, build and invent” – well, it’s a plea that’s hard to ignore. The USA Science & Engineering Festival is gearing up to answer this call to action by establishing the Nifty Fifty, a group of noted professionals who will fan out across the Central-Texas area in October to speak about their work and careers at various middle schools and high schools. The Nifty Fifty will feature individuals who have made a major impact on the field of science and engineering either through research or through other fields such as law, business, government and public service.

Last November, President Obama announced a major science education initiative before the National Academy of Sciences. In his speech, the President told the august assembly of scientists and guests: “I want to persuade you to spend time in the classroom, talking – and showing – young people what it is that your work can mean, and what it means to you…Think about new and creative ways to engage young people in science and engineering.” “The Nifty Fifty will be an important, high-profile group in the Festival’s mission to bring young students in personal contact with renowned professionals and to build momentum and excitement in the weeks leading up to the massive gathering at the Festival’s Expo on the National Mall,” says Larry Bock, Founder of the USA Science & Engineering Festival. We are now asking Festival Partners to nominate at least one of their scientists or engineers to be considered for this elite cadre of professionals.

We are looking for nominees from all areas of science and engineering who are dynamic, recognized in their field and passionate about what they do – and who have the proven experience and desire to communicate that passion to young students in engaging, interactive ways. The Festival seeks a broad representation of Nifty Fifty speakers, especially a diversity of science and engineering professions, ethnicity and gender.

The nominee’s ability to engage a young audience is critical, especially because these talks are not only intended for youngsters who may be interested in science and engineering careers, but also for kids who may not be as enthusiastic. The challenge for the Nifty Fifty speaker is to engage everyone. Selected scientists and engineers will be scheduled to make at least one, three-hour commitment for a presentation during October 1-20 at a selected middle or high school in the central Texas area.

In considering which scientists or engineers to nominate as Nifty Fifty presenters, Festival Partners are advised that nominees should:

  • be engaging speakers.
  • preferably live in or be within driving distance of Austin, Texas
  • be able to including ample/appropriate visuals (such as videos and other multimedia technology, cool demos, research samples, and handouts) in their talks, and other means (such as humor and personal vignettes) to engage students. It is important that speakers be able to customize their talks to young audiences and not use typical materials or language they might employ for talks directed to colleagues.
  • be able to submit to the Nifty Fifty selection committee video or audio samples of “kid friendly” presentations they have been conducted in the past in classrooms or in other science education settings.
  • be able to communicate (or preferably meet) with the assigned classroom teacher at the school at least 30 days before the scheduled Nifty Fifty presentation to discuss the level of student understanding of the speaking topic, coordinate the contents of the talk, audiovisual needs, logistics and other matters.

Other criteria to keep in mind: Speakers’ talks should center on three key areas – the science and/or engineering they are passionate about, their career path (including how they became interested in what they do, who or what influenced them as young students, and stumbling blocks or challenges they encountered along the way) and what opportunities they see for young people in their field. Nifty Fifty talks should be no more than 35 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A. Speakers should also be able to stay at least 1.5 hours after their talk to have lunch at the school with a subset of interested students. Coordinators of the Festival will be on hand at talks to facilitate presentations, news media coverage and to videotape all sessions for consideration for the Festival website and future promotion of Festival activities. Austin Science & Engineering Festival Partners should submit their nominations for Nifty Fifty by August 1, 2010. Festival organizers will then select the top 50 speakers for the Nifty Fifty program.

To nominate a speaker, please fill out click here.



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