That is my motto
…no really, I have it on my logo for my TeacherPayTeachers store and as my tagline on my blog. We are falling behind other countries in science education. This has ramifications that are affecting the quality of life for us and for our children.
How did we get here?
History tells us that during the Age of Enlightenment that there was great interest in scientific study and innovation around the world. After World War II, America was at the top of the game in science. Not anymore. Our children’s science knowledge is not even in the top five. Adults do not understand or know how to apply basic scientific knowledge. Many elementary teachers do not even teach science; therefore, students are not exposed until middle and high school. The public has distrust and lack of interest in science.
Why is science so important?
Science teaches analysis of information and critical thinking. This is important for making good decisions about everything from what to cook for dinner to navigating complex health decisions. What about leaving a livable planet for our children? What about marveling at butterflies carrying out metamorphosis on the passionflower plant in your backyard?
What can we do?
Teach science K-12 and beyond. Make it a national priority like we did after Sputnik. Hire qualified science teachers. Make their continuing education (in-service) about science, not reading. Science teachers should be able to focus on weaving the process and wonder of science into their lessons, while they teach basic concepts of their disciplines. After all, those concepts are a big part of being scientifically literate. We can also teach the basics of reliable sources and the dangerous ignorance that lurks on the internet.
Read about it...
G. Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution writes about this in his article, “Increasing Scientific Literacy – A Shared Responsibility.” It should be required reading for teachers, parents, and politicians, because it successfully illustrates the problem and workable solutions in a way that should be a call to the war against scientific ignorance.
Why am I so worked up?
I recently retired after teaching biology for 21 years. I was fortunate to have great students and I loved what I did. Not all teachers, or students, are so lucky, and it shows in the products of our schools, especially in science. I want to belong to a country where more than 53% of the people know how long it takes the Earth to orbit the sun (from the article cited above). Look at the article. Yes, it is long, but it's important. Part of the reason I joined TpT was to share some of my lessons for busy teachers to do my part to promote science literacy. Please check out a few of them below.
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