PUBLIC LAW 101-589 —NOV. 16, 1990 104 STAT. 2893 (1) AWARDS AUTHORIZED.— The Director is authorized to make awards to science-technology centers for— (A) development of more effective, hands-on, interactive mathematics, science and technology programs and activities; (B) replication or dissemination of effective programs and activities, giving special attention to the needs of female and minority children and economically disadvantaged areas; and (C) development of new science-technology centers, including support for such centers to work with established science-technology centers to acquire proven educational programs. (2) AWARD BASIS.—Funds awarded pursuant to this section shall be awarded on a competitive, merit review basis. (3) CRITERIA.—Criteria for making awards under paragraph (1) may include— (A) the potential for the educational program to have a significant impact on both formal and informal science education; (B) the capability of the recipient institution to disseminate the material broadly; (C) the extent of matching funds provided from non- Federal sources; (D) the experience and qualifications of the staff of the recipient institution; and (E) the overall excellence of the proposed program. (b) SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. — In making awards pursuant to this section the Director shall give specisd consideration to programs designed primarily for elementary school-Eiged children. (c) GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION. — In making awards pursuant to this section, the Director shall, to the extent practicable, ensure an equitable geographic distribution of such awards. (d) USE OF CLEARINGHOUSE. — The Director shall report on such Reports programs and activities developed under this section to the Clearinghouse established under section 2012 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Act for subsequent dissemination through the regional consortia established under subpart 2 of such Act. (e) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.— Awards made under this section may be used for— (1) scientific or technological exhibits developed for public display, either in a science-technology center or sponsored by a science-technology center but displayed in another facility; (2) educational activities, such as curriculum development, teacher training programs, and student educational kits, developed for use by teachers for students; and (3) other formal or informal science educational programs developed by science-technology centers. (f) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section— (1) the term "informal science education" means those aspects of science education that occur outside the school classroom, usually voluntary, recreational, and interdisciplinary in nature, that are not directed by a specific curriculum; (2) the term "science" means all physical, biological, and social sciences, mathematics, and engineering; and Infants and children. 39-194O-91-19:QL3Part4
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