Much of the work of being a scientist is wrapped up in research, seminars, committee meetings, and writing. But a big part of being a scientist is teaching the next generation, and there are lots of ways to do that. Right now, I'm a GSI (grad student instructor). In the past, I've led a junior high science club and was the president of my college bio club.
Due to the magic of the internet, there are now wonderful ways to help the next generation without making a large time commitment. Donors Choose is a great website that allows anyone to contribute financially to schools in need by giving money to specific projects teachers have posted. Any teacher can request money to buy books, equipment, or experiences for their students.
This month, a large fundraising push has been made within the blogosphere to raise money for Donors Choose in the form of a competition between blogs. I've already made a donation via Adventures in Ethics and Science. One of the perks of donating this month are the incentives being offered by various bloggers in exchange to donating toward their fundraising goal. Additionally, Seed is running a weekly raffle for donors.
In recognition of my donation, I've received two wonderful frog drawings from the offspring of Dr. Freeride, the voice of Adventures in Ethics and Science. I also won a coffee mug in the Seed raffle, so I'm doing pretty well! See the pictures below (click through for a larger version), and go donate yourself in order to receive a fabulous drawing (or any one of the other incentives offered by the science bloggers).
Elder offspring picture:
Younger offspring picture:
