Dr. Eric Jolly is steward of a scientific treasure chest in his role as president of the Science Museum of Minnesota. His great passion, though, is to engage the next generation of scientists (see below). He believes that science, just like reading, is an essential literacyâ�"essential for both economic and civic participation. While Dr. Jolly uses his position to ensure that science education is broadly and equitably distributed, his artistic talent is also put to use. His Cherokee-style double-walled baskets (see index), some of which are in the Smithsonian, help him to bring science to life. In a short demonstration of basket making, Dr. Jolly can teach an eight-year-old 120 basic science terms and concepts while weaving a story of community and spirituality.
Making science essential Photographed by Tom Wallace
The Science Museum of Minnesota is among the largest and most esteemed science museums in the United States. Dr. Eric Jolly has lectured throughout the world and published many books, scholarly articles, and curricula for students and teachers across the educational spectrum in support of the museum's mission: "Turn on the science: realizing the potential of policy makers, educators, and individuals to achieve full civic and economic participation in the world."
According to Dr. Jolly: "No one would think that it's okay to be illiterate. No one would brag, 'I don't read.' Similarly, they should not say, 'I don't do science or math.'" Just as high rates of literacy foster healthy civic discourse, Dr. Jolly believes that we need higher civic participation around issues of science. "Our air, our water, our health, and our economy," says Dr. Jolly, " will all be profoundly affected by the choices we make."
Dr. Jolly is known for his contributions to mathematics and science education, frequently working with such groups as the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, and the National Science Teachers Association. He is a life member of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.
