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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>In 2012, the National Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS), a
program of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, is
introducing an exciting science program for students ages 7-11 and 14-18 called
NFB Project Innovation. This pioneer program will focus on fostering a
sense of innovation and autonomy in young students by allowing them to
determine their course of study during the week of the program. Students will
ultimately focus on one investigation which they will showcase at the Innovators
Expo. However, multiple branches of science will be explored throughout the
program through extension activities.<br>
<br>
A unique component of NFB Project Innovation is how it will serve two unique
age groups simultaneously. The first of these two groups will be comprised of
students in grades 3-6 (ages 7-11). This group, called Junior Innovators,
will stay at the NFBJI for three days, July 25-29.** Twenty blind
students will be accepted into this group. Each student will be required
to attend with an adult chaperone. In this age group, students will interact
with science professionals, blind mentors, and Senior Innovators. They will
have the opportunity to show off their final innovations, which reflect their
own personal interests and research, at the Innovators Expo. <br>
<br>
The high school students, called Senior Innovators, will serve as junior
advisors. They will not only participate in this science program but will
model blindness skills, scientific investigation skills, and techniques to
their younger counterparts. Senior Innovators will also have the opportunity to
exhibit at the Innovators Expo. Students in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) are
eligible to apply to be a Senior Innovator. The Senior Innovators will
stay at the NFBJI for four days, July 24-29, 2012.** Ten blind students
will be accepted into this group.<br>
<br>
There will be a $250 fee for each Junior Innovator/Chaperone pair and a $250
fee for each Senior Innovator attending. Other expenses, such as the cost of
travel, room, board, and program materials, will be covered by the NFB Jernigan
Institute for all students and student/chaperone pairs.<br>
<br>
Apply now at <a href="http://www.blindscience.org/">www.blindscience.org</a>.
Applications are due by April 1, 2012. For more information on this exciting
new program, please contact Abby Bispo at 410-659-9314, extension 2312 or by
email at abispo@nfb.org<br>
<br>
*Exact program dates differ based on grade level<br>
**Date range reflects travel time.<br>
<br>
<br>
Emily Gibbs M.Ed NCLB<br>
Education Program Specialist<br>
Jernigan Institute<br>
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND<br>
200 East Wells Street<br>
at Jernigan Place<br>
Baltimore, MD 21230<br>
Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext. 2407<br>
Fax: (410) 659-5129<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:EGibbs@nfb.org">EGibbs@nfb.org</a><br>
Web: <a href="http://www.nfb.org/education">www.nfb.org/education</a><br>
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