NEWTON, MA | March 2, 2005
Bernie Zubrowski, a longtime science educator at the Newton-based Education Development Center, has been awarded the SB&F Prize for Excellence by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his "distinguished contribution to the world of children’s hands-on science books." Zubrowski received the award at the recent AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.
Zubrowski was honored for his 16 children’s books over 12 years, including, Bubbles, Tops and Yo-Yos, and Messing Around With Drinking Straw Construction. His books and accompanying curriculum guides have influenced museum designers, educators, and parents throughout the world, and have engaged thousands of children in scientific exploration, teaching them to use simple materials to build houses out of drinking straws, tops out of paper plates, and cars powered by balloons.
"I wish I’d had these books when I was a kid," said Zubrowski. "They each take a topic and show how to tinker with materials in an in-depth way—it is a powerful way of learning. I love going into classrooms and talking to kids, seeing how they make new discoveries. My biggest goal is keeping children’s curiosity alive," Zubrowski said.
The award, sponsored by AAS’s Science Books & Films (SB&F) publication is the association’s authoritative guide to science resources. SB&F brought together scientists, librarians, science educators, and experts in the field of children’s science books who spent months reviewing Zubrowski’s work, which was continually proven to meet the high standards of the AAAS judges.
In addition to his books, Zubrowski has contributed to many of EDC’s landmark science curricula including Elementary Science Study and the African Primary Science Program. He is currently directing several projects including Explore It! Science Investigations in Out-of-School Programs.
