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In addition to developing a set of elementary science instructional units for grades 1-6, the NSRC will sponsor leadership institutes to prepare selected teachers and science supervisors to organize elementary science improvement projects in their local school districts. The NSRC will also provide technical assistance to help school systems design effective in-service teacher education programs and science materials support systems.

[[underline]] NSRC Elementary Science Network. [[/underline]] The NSRC is developing a network of teachers, scientists, science educators, and school administrators who are working to improve the teaching of science in the nation's schools. The NSRC is now publishing a newsletter to communicate with the members of this network. The first issue of the "NSRC Newsletter" was distributed to some 20,000 members of the NSRC network in June 1988.

[[underline]] Grants Received for NSRC Activities. [[/underline]] In January 1988 the NSrC was notified of a $733,000 grant made by the MacArthur Foundation in support of the Science and Technology for Children project. The MacArthur grant will require the NSRC to raise approximately $1 million in additional funds for the project during the next four years.

In April 1988 the NSRC was also informed that the Elementary Science Leadership Development Project will be receiving support from the Smithsonian Educational Outreach Fund. This nationwide project will prepare teams of elementary school teachers, school administrators, and science curriculum specialists to organize elementary science program improvement efforts in their local school districts.

Earlier this year the NSRC received a gift of five computers from Apple Computer, Inc. These computers have been installed in the NSRC resource center, and will be used for the preview and evaluation of science and mathematics instructional software.

[[underline]] PLANS FOR NEW NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN HALL AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY [[/underline]]

Planning has been initiated for a major new Native American Exhibit Hall in the National Museum of Natural History. A written prospectus, titled "A Vision of the Americas," was developed by the curatorial team, identifying major themes and approaches to the hall. This document is now being designed as a full-color informational brochure for distribution to Smithsonian management and Native American groups.

A selection process for the hiring of an outside design firm was initiated in mid-June, and it is expected that the final selection will be made by a committee of selected curators and exhibit specialists by the end of September. Pending resolution of space-related issues, the Museum is expecting a design concept to be completed by mid-January 1989.

In the interim, the Museum's planning team traveled to the Northwest Coast to meet with approximately one dozen representatives of Indian tribal, political and cultural organizations, to solicit Native American input in the planning process, and to review existing native American exhibits, museums, and cultural centers. Additional trips are planned by