[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 150 (Thursday, December 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2143-E2144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I bring to your attention one of the 
premier science museums in the nation, the Liberty Science Center (LSC) 
in Jersey City, New Jersey.
  The LSC has a unique mission to serve as an innovative, ``hands-on'' 
learning resource

[[Page E2144]]

for the lifelong exploration of nature, humanity and technology. Its 
mission is to promote informed stewardship and lifelong interactive 
learning of the world for all ages. The staff members have extensive 
backgrounds in science and technology education. They work closely with 
regional school districts and educators in order to fulfill their goal 
of bringing the enjoyment of scientific discovery to children.
  The LSC has recently initiated a unique, visionary ``Partnership 
Program'' with 28 at-risk school districts in New Jersey. This program 
provides students with a challenging inquiry-based learning experience 
aligned with New Jersey State Core Curriculum Standards, as well as 
teacher training and opportunities that encourage the whole family to 
get involved in the education process. Since the Partnership's 
inception during the 1998-1999 school year, student participation has 
increased from 45,000 to 160,000. The New Jersey State Legislature has 
already appropriated $6 million to support expansion of the Partnership 
Program making the Science Center and the State of New Jersey a model 
for other partnerships between public school systems and private 
institutions everywhere in the United States.
  The LSC aims to complete a major infrastructure expansion project by 
the year 2005, so that even more at-risk students and families can reap 
the benefits of hands-on scientific learning. The museum seeks to 
emerge as a landmark destination in the region offering experiences 
that significantly advance the reach and impact of a complete science 
education both onsite, offsite and online. With this proposed 
expansion, LSC intends to provide an indispensable public service and 
remain broadly involved in the growth of Jersey City's diverse urban 
neighborhood as it begins a renaissance.
  I would like to call upon my distinguished colleagues to join with me 
in the next session of Congress to make the expansion of the LSC a 
priority on our legislative agendas.
  Our most precious resource is our children. Providing them with 
exciting educational opportunities to expand their horizons should 
always be a top priority of our nation's leaders, and I hope to 
continue this important work with my colleagues in the 107th Congress.

                          ____________________