National Academy of Sciences

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/national-academy-of-sciences

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the organizational status?A private, non-governmental organization operating under a congressional charter
2. What is the advisory compensation?Members serve pro bono, providing advice to the nation without financial compensation
3. When was it started and why?It began in 1863 during the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln signed the law that created it. The goal was to give the country independent science help when it needed it most.
4. Who can become a member of the NAS?Scientists who have made big, lasting discoveries can be chosen. Current members vote each year and pick people who have done distinguished research that keeps growing. Many members are Nobel winners and other famous researchers.

Non-governmental organization (NGO): An entity that operates independently of government control and is often mission-driven.
Congressional charter: A legal document granted by the U.S. Congress that establishes and defines an organization's authority and mission.
Pro bono publico: Latin for 'for the public good,' referring to professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment.
Objective advice: Counsel provided without bias, based solely on factual evidence and scientific principles.