Updating America’s Lab Report

Written by Scott Heimlich, Vice President, Amgen Foundation
Jul 31, 2017 6:00 PM ET

More than 10 years ago, the groundbreaking America’s Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science examined the effectiveness of high school laboratory experiences. This report was a useful resource that we at Amgen Foundation referenced regularly when updating and enhancing our science education programs. However, because the STEM education field continues to evolve, we jumped at the opportunity to partner with the Carnegie Corporation of New York to update the report.

In a recent interview with STEMx, a multi-state network focused on quality STEM education across 21 U.S. states, I explained that the updated America’s Lab Report will provide guidance on different approaches to science laboratory experiences and how they link to students’ learning outcomes. The ultimate goal is to help us inspire the next generation of innovators and empower educators.

For example, through the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE), which has reached more than 600,000 students to date, the Amgen Foundation is dedicated to supporting hands-on molecular biology labs in high school classrooms. Students and community leaders alike have seen the impact of ABE and our 2016 survey showed how important hands-on, real world experiences are to exciting students about science.

Head over to the STEMx website to read my full interview and check back at amgeninspires.com for updates. Follow us on Twitter at @AmgenFoundation to stay up-to-date on the Foundation’s work.