WHEREAS, The State of Washington considers science, mathematics, and technology education to be the highest priority in preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow; and
     WHEREAS, The State of Washington has developed science and mathematics essential learnings that will prepare all students to live and thrive in a science and technology-based society; and
     WHEREAS, Dennis Schatz, Senior Vice President for Strategic Programs at the Pacific Science Center, has been awarded the prestigious 2009 Faraday Science Communicator Award at the National Science Teachers Association's conference in New Orleans; and
     WHEREAS, Dennis Schatz received this award for his lifelong efforts to inspire public interest in and appreciation of the sciences through piloting educational programs, authoring children's books on scientific topics, service at the Pacific Science Center, and many other endeavors; and
     WHEREAS, This is Dennis Schatz's fourth award from the National Science Teachers Association. In the past, he received the 1996 Distinguished Informal Science Educator Award; NSTA's lifetime achievement award in 2005; and, in 2006, NSTA made him an Association of Science Technology Centers Fellow; and
     WHEREAS, Dennis Schatz has authored 21 science books for children, which have sold almost 2 million copies and have been translated into 23 different languages; and
     WHEREAS, As Senior Vice President for Strategic Programs at the Pacific Science Center, Dennis works with the Portal to Public program and the Washington State Leadership and Science Education Reform. As codirector of LASER, he coleads an effort to implement an inquiry-based science program in every school district in our state; and
     WHEREAS, More than one hundred eighty school districts in the state are using the LASER process to implement a standards/inquiry-based K-8 science program; and
     WHEREAS, Dennis Schatz has served the Pacific Science Center since 1977 promoting the sciences through numerous exhibits, education programs, and community-based organizations;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate commend Dennis Schatz for his outstanding efforts in making science accessible to all by his ability to communicate the scientific method effectively and helping the public understand current science research by face-to-face interactions with scientists; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Dennis Schatz and the Pacific Science Center.