Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation

MITS, Inc, Museum Institute for Teaching Science, was founded in 1983 with the goal of improving student interest and literacy in science and encouraging more students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in their higher education. Seven prominent museum directors in the Boston area met with the President of MIT to discuss the declining percentage of students furthering their education in science and engineering and the serious problem this presented to the economic future of this country. At this meeting the idea of using museums and their educators as a means to offer professional development for teachers was born. The focus was the elementary and middle school levels ( K-8 ) where students can easily be discouraged and/or lose interest in these subjects with little likelihood of continuing or returning to them in later years. It is important to capture and nurture students' natural curiosity of the world around them. Programs inspire and facilitate the incorporation of inquiry-based lessons into teachers' curriculum and are aligned with Massachusetts Frameworks A report from the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century states: Four important and enduring reasons underscore the need for children to achieve competency in mathematics and science: ( 1 ) the rapid pace of change in both the increasingly interdependent global economy and in the American workplace demands widespread mathematics and science-related knowledge and abilities ; ( 2 ) our citizens need both mathematics and science for their everyday decision-making ; ( 3 ) mathematics and science are inextricably linked to the nation's security interests ; and ( 4 ) the deeper, intrinsic value of mathematical and scientific knowledge shapes and defines our common life, history, and culture. Mathematics and science are primary sources of lifelong learning and the progress of our civilization.

The National Fire Protection Association, also known as NFPA, is a nonprofit organization that develops, publishes and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. Its members include over 81,000 individuals and nearly 80 national trade and professional organizations throughout the world. The association organizes lifesaving campaigns and offers training programs that include fire, electrical and life safety instruction. The National Fire Protection Association also provides special hazard guides and educational services to protect lives and properties. The association administers professional certification programs. Its fire analysis and research division produces a range of annual reports and special studies on various aspects of fire problems in the United States. In addition, the National Fire Protection Association investigates fire incidents. It offers online catalogs that feature codes and standards, companion products and public education materials.