BSCS Research Team is ready to Make Waves at Columbia Memorial Space Center on NSF’s 75th Anniversary 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 16, 2025 – A research team at BSCS Science Learning is set to make waves at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s 75th Anniversary “NSF STEM Day” celebration. Dr. Sherry Hsi and her team received supplemental funding for conducting public science education and outreach inspired by their NSF-funded Making Waves with Radio project.

NSF STEM Day, held on May 10, 2025, will bring together museums, planetariums, libraries, community organizations, parks, and universities across the country to share important innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). BSCS educators and its museum partners will engage with science enthusiasts of all ages at the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, California.

“Our NSF Advancing Informal STEM Learning project has been developing materials to raise greater awareness and understanding about the science of radio signals and radio-enabled technologies that are essential to innovations in modern communication and our everyday lives. We are excited to be a part of this national celebration,” said Hsi, BSCS Principal Scientist. “Over the past 75 years, the NSF has made critical investments in innovative research and development to improve how people learn science and engineering. With NSF’s support, this event will allow us to amplify our science education impact to the greater Los Angeles area.”

The Making Waves with Radio project provides a suite of museum activities, apps, youth camp curricula, and mobile professional learning resources for educators who work with youth, families, and public audiences. During NSF STEM Day, families will have the chance to fully immerse themselves with hands-on science activities, demonstrations, crafts, and games that together explore the science of radio signals and radio-enabled technologies, from drones and Wi-Fi detectors to a visual timeline of key radio technology inventions.

“In space and on Earth, we are all explorers of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radio helps us see things we can’t see with normal telescopes and they also help us keep in contact with our vital missions discovering new things about our solar system and beyond.” said Ben Dickow, Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

Those who wish to continue engaging with the project materials can access them free online at radioeverywhere.org following the NSF STEM Day festivities.

“The National Science Foundation is integral to BSCS’s storied history,” said Dr. Daniel Edelson, BSCS Executive Director. “Our organization began in 1958 as a line item in NSF’s budget. Over the last 65 years, we have not only supported science education of teachers and students in classrooms, but expanded tremendously across settings and we now operate as an independent non-profit organization. Still, we continue to rely on NSF funding to advance our research-driven innovation. NSF’s 75th Anniversary is a celebration we’re honored to join.”

For more information about the Making Waves with Radio project or NSF STEM Day event, contact Sherry Hsi at [email protected].

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