The Texaco Foundation convened educators representing 13 museums and educational institutions at the Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) at the University of California at Berkeley to assess the role of science in education reform and to share ideas for early childhood science programs. The Texaco Touch Science/LHS Conference 2000 focused on literacy development through science learning as well as the importance of sustaining interactive science programs in an age of increased educational accountability and assessment. .

The event, held July 10-12, hosted education directors and staff members from organizations supported by the Texaco Foundation's Touch Science grants, as well as representatives of the school systems they serve. Texaco's signature giving program, Touch Science: Hands-on Learning for Kids and Communities emphasizes early childhood education through collaborations with informal science institutions and school districts that increase interactive science learning programs for children.

"The Texaco Foundation understands the need for a diverse and talented pool of math and science students in today's workforce. By encouraging imaginative hands-on science programs in the early years, we hope to capture young children's interest and facilitate a lifelong appreciation of science," said Anne T. Dowling, Texaco Foundation President.

The Texaco Touch Science LHS Conference, which was facilitated by the Lawrence Hall of Science with funding from the Texaco Foundation, gave grantees the opportunity to discuss innovative practices and explore creative curriculum changes that engage students in hands-on science learning. Participants also emphasized the connections between hands-on science learning and literacy development and substantiated their inter-dependence in helping children learn.

"It is an enormous pleasure and a great learning experience to again host representatives of the Texaco Touch Science programs, and in particular this year to share ideas about key issues of fostering literacy through science and building projects that can be sustained over time," said Jacqueline Barber, Associate Director, Lawrence Hall of Science.

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