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91% of readers strongly agree that social media platforms could play a key role in attracting younger generations of South Africans to SET fields of study. |
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3% say they are not sure (too many learners still don’t have internet access). |
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6% disagree (the time and money could be better spent on outreach projects). |
It’s like a real-life movie ... Scientists plan to smash a spacecraft into an asteroid - so they are prepared for the possibility they will have to stop one hurtling towards Earth. The news came as Nasa moved to calm fears that a comet is on a collision course with our planet. Read more
NAMES AND FACES
Dr Maritza Macdonald: part of the family
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Dr Maritza Macdonald of the American Museum of Natural History. |
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GetS.E.T.go! met up with Dr Maritza Macdonald of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) during her recent visit to the Mother City, where she was presenting at the sixth World Science Centre Conference on five years of reciprocal educational advancement between her organisation and South Africa’s science awareness community.
When the AMNH joined the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) as a partner, their proposal for an agreement with the SALT Board included sponsorship for broader education and outreach efforts. Six collateral educational strategies have been implemented between AMNH Education and SAASTA between 2006 and 2011, including the production of digital science bulletins; implementation and adaptation of online science courses for educators; adaptation of AMNH space shows for use at South African science centres, schools and universities; and a summer institute on “Mineral Resources in South Africa” for Geography teachers by AMNH scientists and educators.
After all this, Maritza feels like part of the South African science awareness family. She sat down with us and told us a bit more about herself.
Tell us about your job at AMNH?
I am the Director of Education and Policy and more recently, also the Co-director of a new Master’s in Teaching Programme for preparing Earth and Space Science Teachers. The other Co-director is Dr Ro Kinzler, a fellow scientist.
When did you join AMNH, and what did you do before then?
I was a teacher, a teacher educator and researcher at teaching universities, such as Columbia University Teachers College (1991-1997) and Bank Street College of Education. I joined the museum in 1997 and my job has been the advancement of teacher professional development and teacher preparation at a Science and Culture Museum.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Colombia, South America. I attended college in the United States, married someone from there and have lived there for about 40 years.
Did you study after school? What, where and why?
I attended undergraduate university with double major in natural sciences and education. I received a Masters’ degree in science teacher education from Bank Street College in 1978 and a doctoral degree with specialisation in teacher education and curriculum development from Columbia University, Teachers College in 1995.
What are your future plans?
Firstly, I want to continue teaching new teachers. Secondly, I would like to develop the new Master’s Teacher Preparation Programme at the AMNH. If I have enough time left, I would like to become a UNESCO or Fulbright Senior Advisor.
What do you do in your spare time?
Cook, dance, garden and co-invent education development programmes.
What is your favourite dish?
Paella - it is a delicious Spanish dish with rice, seafood, vegetables, and saffron. I learned how to make it while living in Spain for a sabbatical year in 1979.
What excites you most about life?
The ability to meet people from all over the world and learn enough of other languages to at least say, “Thank you” and “I like your country”.
Tell us more about your family.
I’ve been married to my wonderful friend and partner, Peter, for 40 years. Our children are both bicultural and bilingual. My daughter is a singer-songwriter (mitten.com) and my son is an interface engineer for Motoral-Google in Chicago. They are both beautiful children and very loving.