To say that my fifth grader loves science would be an understatement. He asks questions about DNA. He tracks the weather online. He even voluntarily gave up his Saturday mornings in order to attend a weekend science class about local rocks and minerals.
Yes, Ben loves science. I think he enjoys it so much because it helps him understand the world. It also doesn’t hurt that his teachers present complex information in interesting and meaningful ways.
But my son’s excitement about all things scientific may not last.
According to published reports, students in America’s elementary schools are among the world’s best in science. But by the time they reach high school, they rank almost last compared to students in other industrialized countries.
“During the early years, kids tend to feel confident about their abilities in science, and they’re more likely to enjoy it,” said Costas J. Efthimiou, physics professor at University of Central Florida in Orlando. “During the middle and high school years, though, they often forget what they’ve learned and may see science as less and less relevant.”
What’s more, according to Efthimiou, many students develop a fear of science as they grow. It’s a vicious cycle, he explained. Many schools don’t have a strong science curriculum during the middle and high school years. As a result, students don’t gain a strong foundation of knowledge. Later, they avoid taking science classes in college.
The consequence?
“American students are less likely to seek careers in science,” he explained. “We’ll have fewer engineers, physicists and mathematicians. And in our technological society, we can’t afford to be complacent.”
Efthimiou is certainly doing his part to ignite a passion for science.
A few years ago, he was given the task of teaching science to non-science majors – many of whom had been avoiding science throughout college. Students feared these classes and worried that the subject matter would be over their heads.
So Efthimiou and his UCF colleague, Ralph Llewellyn, created “Physics in Film,” a course designed to make science real, relevant and, yes, entertaining.
To prepare for the class, the professors viewed hundreds of popular Hollywood movies featuring special effects that were exciting, but scientifically impossible.
They showed students film clips of cars flying over gaps in the freeway and superheroes scaling walls. Then, students were asked to dissect the scenes so they could learn the laws of physics associated with those stunts.
“The class has been a great success,” he said. “I wanted to deliver the material so I could attract curiosity, and I wanted to help students get beyond their fear.”
Today, Efthimiou opens his class to middle and high school physics teachers. He is hopeful that this experience will help them spark an interest and curiosity about science in their classrooms.
But science education doesn’t only take place in school. Efthimiou encourages parents to nurture and support their children’s interest in science at home.
Here’s how:
*Make it matter. “Point out how relevant science is in our daily lives,” suggested Efthimiou. “We cook, drive, and use computers. Show your children that science is everywhere and that we use it everyday.”
*Create an “ask me” environment. “If your children search for answers, promote this spirit and encourage their questions,” he urged. “Even if you don’t know the answers, keep the questions going and search for answers together.”
*Be positive. “Show an enthusiasm for science, he said. “Say positive things about how science can help solve problems.” Avoid negative comments like, “Science is a hard subject,” he added.
*Watch carefully. According to Efthimiou, many popular movies and television shows depict scientific feats that defy logic, or they portray scientists in a negative light. He encourages parents to watch television with their children and talk about the images. He also stresses the importance of children being exposed to positive science role models through books and biographies.
*Be involved. “Help your children develop good study habits and support their success in school,” he said.
*Do your research. Efthimiou urges parents to ask about their school’s math and science curriculum. “Many schools don’t have a decent one,” he explained. Not sure what to look for? These sites offer helpful resources:
www.NSTA.orgwww.NSF.govwww.NEA.org*Don’t wait. “In order for the next generation to help our country, we need our children to develop an interest and an understanding of science,” said Efthimiou. “It needs to start early.”
How do you promote a love of science in your home? Share your ideas here...
