About the IPSD Program

"Taking Flight" is the overall theme for 2003's International Public Science Day program. Inspired by the upcoming Centennial of Powered Flight, it celebrates the science and art of flight as it occurs throughout all fields of human endeavor.

The mission of International Public Science Day is to raise the public awareness about the importance of science education in the U.S. and abroad, and to heighten the enthusiasm for science and technology learning and understanding across all demographics.

Each year, to further focus the theme, several inspiration statements are offered. Each IPSD team is urged to select one of these ideals to strive for. This year's thematic inspiration statements are:

• From butterflies to asteroids, the science and art of flight inspire human endeavor.
• Young scientists are taking flight in today's high-tech world.
• The forces of flight exist throughout all fields of science and scientific pursuit.

Beyond that, the science centers are tasked to assemble a team of students from 7th to 12th grade who are then assisted in the exploration of these themes and Taking Flight! It is an exciting change from previous International Public Science Days (which you can read about by clicking on the appropriate year 2002, 2001, and 2000).

For information about the ambitious International Public Science Day program, visit the official Web site!