Bad News for Elementary Science
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I just received this update on how we’re doing in elementary science education. What happened? National Science Board member, Dr. Joanne Vasquez, pleas, “Bring Back Elementary Science Education!”
The recently released Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2003, an international student assessment conducted in 15 countries and released on December 14, tells us that American fourth-graders are doing no better in science than they did in 1995. Ten years later, and still no progress has been made with our youngest learners. But why should we care if six-year olds take science or not? The answer is simple: because future innovations in science, technology, engineering, defense, national security, and a whole lot more could be at stake.
From 1975 to 1999, the United States dropped from third to 14th in the number of global science and engineering baccalaureates produced. We need to increase the interest of college-bound students in STEM careers not by looking at the end of the K-12 pipeline when students head off to college, but by carefully evaluating the value of science education and how we teach it at the start of a student’s K-12 years.
I agree with Dr. Vasquez on all points made. I believe it’s time for school districts to curtail a lot of the unnecessary testing, (CSAP) for example here in Colorado!
It’s taking quality time away from the classroom’s and teachers, while hurting the students at the same time. That’s why our Indian and Asian counterparts are exceeding, while our students are floundering!
I teach K-5 science lab at my school. Everyone rotates through science lab just like they do art, music and PE. Our PTA and county provides tremendous resources to purchase science materials. My Principal encourages hands-on exploration.
All this to say…It depends on how your community views science. The lab is now in its fifth year. Parents and students love science. This also encourages the classroom teachers to ask for more ideas for their classroom instruction. Sometimes elementary teachers avoid teaching hands-on science due to lack of materials. The kids want their hands on the experiment, they don’t want to always watch a demonstration or read from a book.
Bottom line. Some schools are making progress in science.
Felicia — Sounds like your school is the example that we all should be following. I agree that one of the secrets is community involvement. If the parents support science, love science and demand more science, teachers have won half of the battle. At the beginning of each school year, our PTO askes each teacher what materials he or she could use to be a more effective teacher. While it doesn’t solve everyone’s needs, a few hundred dollars in the form of teacher grants go along way with our staff.
I agree with Dr. Vasquez’s statement, even though I am responding almost three years later:). It is critical that science education be brought back to elementary schools. I teach high school chemistry and physical science and live the repercussion of lack of strong science foundation every day.
I am not discouraged though; it’s a challenge that I live up to because I know my high school students will still learn the concepts. It’s unfortunate that there is now a push for elementary science education now that it is linked to hgih stakes testing.