Did you know that 58% of eighth grade students in Massachusetts did not score in the proficient range in science on the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2000? Although Massachusetts is a leader in scientific research and science-based industry, the future of these efforts is compromised by the alarming lack of future scientists in the present Massachusetts K-12 student population.

Why is there a gap between our leadership role in science and the disappointing aptitude of our children in science education? Unfortunately, the answer is that most of our own citizenry lack a basic knowledge about science. In fact, most cannot answer simple, science-related questions. Nor do they know how science works-how ideas are investigated and either accepted or rejected-which can help them evaluate the validity of scientific claims they encounter in daily life.

We serve as role models for our children. If we don't talk about science and get excited about scientific discoveries, our children will follow suit. Fortunately, ignorance of scientific facts has not lessened the positive attitudes we embrace about the importance of science in our lives and to the health of our state. We have a high regard for science as an occupation and have confidence in the leadership of the scientific community

I am writing to you today to inform you about the creation of a brand new entity, the Massachusetts Academy of Sciences (MAS), dedicated to promoting public understanding and appreciation of the sciences. The newly created Massachusetts Academy of Sciences is an independent, nonprofit organization, separate from state government. Our activities are funded by grants, by private endowments and by donations from our members. It may surprise you to learn that until now, Massachusetts was one of a relatively few states in the Nation that did not already have a state academy of sciences.

The mission of the MAS is to stimulate interest in science, promote quality scientific research, improve scientific instruction, disseminate knowledge, and recognize high achievement in science education, research and its applications. To fulfill this mission, the Academy has set these broad goals:

• Encourage the discovery, understanding, dissemination and practice of science and its applications;
• Facilitate continuing professional development and training of scientists and science educators;
• Provide advice to local, state and federal governments;
• Promote innovation and adoption of new technologies;
• Monitor, report on, and advocate funding opportunities for research and education;
• Promote public understanding and appreciation of science;
• Publish and disseminate original contributions to education, science and its applications;
• Encourage young people to become involved in science through support of the Junior Academy of Science;
• Award high achievement in science education, research and its applications.

 Please Consider Becoming a Charter Member of the MAS

~Be among the first to support this exciting new venture~
~Hear from Massachusetts' science academia and industry leaders~
~Gain access to exclusive online content~
~Benefit from a wide variety of publications, programs, and services~

All charter members receive a Two-Year-For-The-Price-Of-One Membership Reward and special charter member gifts. There are several Membership Categories to choose from:

• Individual, Student, and Senior Members (kids under 6 are free!) - This class of members enjoy a full range of Academy benefits including: Free admission to the Annual Meeting (scheduled for May 2009), Exclusive access to Academy pod casts (available in June 2008), Exclusive access to the Annual publication (scheduled for September 2009). This class of members also receives special charter member gifts that include newly minted MAS buttons and refrigerator magnets and hot-off-the-press post-its!
• President's Circle - The President's Circle enjoys all of the benefits of individual members, plus: An Academy lapel pin, a Hand-signed, framed, membership certificate, Invitation to the Presidents Circle breakfast at the Annual meeting, Acknowledgement in select Academy publications. This class of members also receives special charter member gifts that include newly minted MAS buttons and refrigerator magnets and hot-off-the-press post-its and a MAS t-shirt with our motto and logo emblazoned in blue and yellow print!
• Friends of the Academy - Friends of the Academy enjoy all of the benefits of individual members, plus: Academy lapel pin, Hand-signed, framed, membership certificate, Invitation to the Friends and Donors Reception at the Annual meeting, Acknowledgement in select Academy publications. This class of members also receives special charter member gifts that include newly minted MAS buttons and refrigerator magnets and hot-off-the-press post-its and a MAS polo shirt with our motto and logo emblazoned in blue and yellow print!

Let me thank you in advance for your generous contributions to this exciting new opportunity. We can make a difference in scientific literacy, education and research. NOW!

My very best regards,

Margaret (Peg) Riley
President
Massachusetts Academy of Sciences