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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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