When the Russians launched sputnik it caused America to put an emphasis on science education. We did not want to be left behind in exploration of space. Now things have changed. In Thomas Freidman's article, "What's Our New Sputnik?" he talks about the fact that America needs to shift our priorities when it comes to science education (2010). I agree with that, because if we do not find a way to make science education more of a priority in this country then we will be left behind. It is a shame that so many kids no longer have the passion for science that we once had. I think that early elementary teachers should make it more of a priority to teach science in the classroom. We need to find ways to make it relevant to them, and show them how fun and exciting it can be.
References
Friedman, T. L. (2010, January 17). What’s our sputnik? [Op-Ed]. The New York Times [Late Edition (East Coast)], p. WK.8.
Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the ProQuest Central database.
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Pam,
ReplyDeleteI agree that science education must begin in elementary school. Young children are so inquisitive and science is a great way to help them learn about the world around them. "Science, mathematics, and technology education must be made much more enjoyable and interesting if we are to have any success at all in our efforts at scientific literacy" (DeBoer, 1999). I think that our nation, as a whole, needs to realize that STEM education is a way to make learning more enjoyable. It would also help students practice and acquire the skills that will be necessary in the twenty-first century.
References:
DeBoer, George. (1999, July 21). What we have learned and where we are headed: Lessons from the sputnik era. National Academies of Science. Retrieved from:http://www.pkal.org/documents/WHAT%20WE%20HAVE%20LEARNED%20AND%20WHERE%20WE%20ARE%20HEADED_DeBoer.pdf
Ann,
ReplyDeleteI agree that there needs to be a greater emphasis on science education at the elementary level. This is going to take a state wide initiative to de-emphasize math and reading to make time for science. At the middle school level, we are looking for ways that we can reach out to the elementary schools and provide them with the skills, lessons, and interactions that their elementary schoolers need to be successful at the middle school level. We here from teachers that science is barely taught at all until 5th grade when the students are first tested on science. This has to change to get things moving in the right direction!
I agree with you. Elementary grade levels should stop focusing on making AYP and putting science on the back burner so they can teach reading and math. Reading and math are used through science. Science lessons for students should include focus on observing the objects and materials in their environment, distinguishing one from the other, noting their properties, patterns, and changes. Then, the students develop explanations of how things became what they are.
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