AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE WEEK

The huge number of scientists who made discoveries that have changed lives today have done so due to education in several fields of science over the last few centuries. This February, from 12th to 15th, is a week to celebrate The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a not-for-profit organization in the United States. AAAS is committed to promoting cooperation in science, fighting for freedom of science and encouraging responsible science while supporting scientific education and outreach that would benefit the entire human race. The American Association for the Advancement of Science is the world’s biggest general scientific institution with over 120,000 members and is the publisher of ‘Science,’ a widely known scientific article.

HISTORY OF AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE WEEK

The American Association for the Advancement of Science was formed within the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 20th September 1848, when The American Association of Geologists and Naturalists was restructured. The society then elected William Charles Redfield as the first president since he offered the most relevant ideas for the association.

In that September 20 meeting, the initial constitution of the association was agreed upon, and it enlisted the organization's purpose as promoting conversation around science to enable more scientific collaboration. It was believed that this would ensure efficient use of resources, thus enabling faster scientific development. The association also targeted the expansion of accessibility of resources for the scientific community through active scientific campaigns. Mathew Fontaine Maury, U.S.N, attended the inaugural conference of the AAAS, which had just 78 members at its founding.

This number had risen to almost 2,000 members by 1860. The AAAS went into hiding during the American Civil War, which led to the indefinite postponement of their 1861 August conference that had been planned to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, especially after the commencement of the war’s major Bull Run action. Nonetheless, the association did not die as a result of the conflict.

In 1863, the National Academy of Sciences, another interdisciplinary research organization, was established by the US Congress. Its members are chosen based on recommendations by fellows and the strength of their published publications. Hence, the American Association for the Advancement of Science week is focused on expanding science, engineering, and innovation globally for the benefit of all humanity.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE WEEK ACTIVITIES

1. More Learning in Science Education.
Learning something about science this week is a great honor to science, and this can be done by paying a visit to or contributing to a museum. This will show appreciation towards the numerous contributions science has made for the sake of humanity.

2. Create time to share.
AAAS Day is an opportunity to look back at a major educational encounter, share pictures and offer voluntary services. For science instructors, it’s the most excellent time to share classrooms, preferred laboratories, memorable actions, and photographs.

3. Watch Programs Around Science.
Watching a scientific program at home contributes to science development, so you can watch some science this week. It may be a YouTube video explaining science or a complete documentary explaining a scientific phenomenon.