Mission:
To enhance people's knowledge of technology nationwide by introducing engineering into K-12 curricula and presenting technology as a partner equal to science in museums and science centers.

About the Organization:
Founded by the Museum of Science, Boston, NCTL works with educators, administrators, organizations, and industry representatives across the United States to develop engineering curricula and improve learning standards. It offers educational products and programs for pre-K-12 students and teachers, creates curricula, supports an online resource center, and partners with other institutions to provide professional development for teachers about engineering and technology.

Current Programs:
NCTL currently operates several programs, including the Gateway Project, which helps Massachusetts school districts align their curriculum, teacher education, and assessment systems with the standards of the state — the first in the nation to publish educational standards and assessments for technology and engineering. Capitalizing on children's natural fascination with figuring out how things work, Engineering is Elementary: Engineering & Technology Lessons for Children integrates engineering content with elementary science concepts, presenting them with an illustrated storybook, lesson plans, and student materials. For high school students, Engineering the Future: Designing the World of the 21st Century is a full-year course developed by the Museum of Science that demonstrates how students will influence technological developments as workers, consumers, and citizens — whether or not they pursue technical careers.

Web Site:
Teachers can access a collection of technology and engineering resources for their classrooms through the Educator Resource Center; many of these resources have been peer-reviewed to determine their levels of teacher support, student assessment, and overall usability. In addition, the NCTL site features links to resources, current science and technology, K-12 initiatives, and sponsors.

Funding:
NCTL receives funding from technological companies and their foundations, as well as through other foundations and government agencies.