1. TM Citizens are disrupting science. (In a good way!) Volume 1 6.11.10

3. Obstacles to citizen participation in science. Scientists are weary of public involvement. No wonder! Fewer than 1 in 4 Americans are “science literate.”* People can’t find the opportunities to get involved. Public feels disenfranchised, disconnected to science, despite great interest in the topic: Recent surveys in other countries, including South Korea, China, and much of Europe, indicate that the overall level of public interest in "new scientific discoveries" and "use of new inventions and technologies" tends to be higher in the United States. Source: NSF Science and Engineering Indicators 2010: * “Why Science?” James Trefil

4. Opportunities for citizen participation in science. Scientists are weary of public involvement. No wonder! Fewer than 1 in 4 Americans are “science literate.” Make it fun and easy for busy adults to learn the basics. Science Cheerleader, George Mason University, and the Philadelphia 76ers Cheerleaders created the Brain Makeover to help adults become science literate! Based on adult science literacy expert and GMU professor James Trefil’s “Why Science?” we brought to life 18 key science concepts using online videos (hosted by the cheerleaders), editorial commentary, and an interactive quiz. Tens of thousands of “average citizens” participate; covered by Newsweek, Fox National News, The Scientist, Chronicle of Higher Education and many others.

5. Opportunities for citizen participation in science. People can’t find the opportunities to get involved. Aggregate the thousands of opportunities into one searchable project finder and invite the public in! Science Cheerleader’s sister site, www.scienceforcitizens.net , enables regular people to contribute to real science. Now millions of eager volunteers can be matched to the thousands of researchers in need of their help!

6. Opportunities for citizen participation in science. Public feels disenfranchised, disconnected to science, despite great interest in the topic. Create a mechanism for the public to learn about and weigh in on science policy matters. Science Cheerleader is a founding partner of ECAST, along with Arizona State University, Boston Museum of Science, the Loka Institute, and the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars. ECAST will engage experts, stakeholders and everyday citizens in assessing the broad implications of emerging developments in science and technology.

7. By helping Americans rediscover , do , and shape science, Science Cheerleader is mobilizing one of the nation’s greatest resources to renew our country’s “love affair with science.”

8. Visit www.sciencecheerleader.com for more information