Why Science Education?

[mrk2010]

Well I know there are alot of scientists (in training and professional) on this site so I thought I'd throw a curve ball and make you guys think. Basically for my teaching qualification I have just finished an essay due September 19th titled "Why Science Education?" I found it quite interesting and I know I have my theories why Science education is important including scientific literacy and producing "pure" scientists for the workforce and the socio - economic benefits this has. But what does it mean to you? Why is it important? Why should it recieve so much curriculum time? What do the majority of students get out of it?

Personally I'm science mad, I think it should be taught to younger kids because I think the quality of science graduates is falling and there is a lack of specialists in fields such as physics so by getting them young it may encourage them away from well . . . . . . . the more softer subjects such as art or media (not that I'm saying people who do art are thick). So guys what do you think is science important?

[gayusasian]

I think every subject should be treated equally, and let people choose by themselves.
Science is without any doubt very important, but arts, morality, social skills, etc, are equally important.
Pure intelligence doesn't distinguish. Intelligence manifest itself in different ways.
So, deep down, science and arts are the same thing. It's our mind.

[pellaz]

the over all knowledge base has grown so people have to let them selves specialize to be effective in a field. Its not all de humanizing. The medical field appreciates critical thinking and has a very human approach

learn another language; learn to read music.

[OrphanPip]

I have mixed feelings about it. Besides, the fact that I have university degrees in both the sciences and arts probably attests to the fact that I'm a bit all over the place when it comes to prioritizing education.

One problem is that science education is often promoted as part of producing a marketable workforce. This is why you probably won't see much of an increase in theoretical physicists, they just don't get paid much so people don't pursue it as an education unless they have a passion for it. This is different from many of the biological sciences, which attract people looking for job options, or people going into engineering (which the new market focused universities love).

I understand why universities have increasingly become job training camps rather than institutions of learning, everyone needs to make a living.

The arts aren't exactly doing that well at attracting people either, the only fields that are growing in academia are business schools (yuck). At the same time some major universities have started to cut the smaller arts departments. The Classics department used to be at the heart of the traditional university but is often integrated into a larger department or completely gone from many schools today. Unfortunately, knowledge of Latin literature isn't a marketable skill.

As to pre-University education, it's pretty rubbish all around.

[ardus]

I think the simple importance of it comes from a basic truth. Science is how we as a species progress. Had science education not been stressed with the GI's coming back from WWII (The first generation to use the GI Bill), then America wouldn't have been able to put a man on the moon. It's such a fundamental part of our modern society, so many things we use today come from the basic research done in support of that goal. Personal computers, microwave ovens, duct tape, velcro, all came directly from NASA research, and there are thousands of other products.
Science education prepares our society to advance. Even for those who are not in engineering, or reasearch fields, the basic understanding of the sciences is important because it makes you well rounded.
Richard

[azulai]

For me science (and mathematics) education is important because it teaches problem solving. It doesn't matter what area of science, but it offers young children some of their first opportunities to distinguish fact from opinion and learn a process to support their answer.

The other thing is teaching kids discovery and showing the excitement of science, so labs and field experiments are more important than memorization of mind-numbing facts. If you are going to lecture on protozoans you need to get out microscopes and have some pond water so that they can discover and see for themselves.

My parents take education seriously but it wasn't just the sciences that they pushed, and I've benefited from their philosophy. So from them, I do prefer a balanced approach to education. I've also had some incredible teachers that shared their excitement and joy of learning. I also love my uni because it is research based and we are required to take courses (plural not singular, all disciplines) in ethics.

Yes, I've always been naturally inclined toward math and science and driving people crazy with questions. :redface: BUT, if my parents had not given me opportunities in languages, music, and sports, I wouldn't have that creative outlet or tools that I need today because I have changed, developed other interests, and have different needs as I've gotten older.

So, I don't think one discipline should be elevated over the rest and I think there should be a mixing of the disciplines. I think it's more important to teach kids inquiry and expose them to the excitement of knowledge rather than one boring subject after the next.

So while I'm science mad, I'm also music mad, and language mad as well -- basically, I'm knowledge mad.

We've become a very lazy society: lazy, sedentary physically as well as lazy, non-inquisitive thinkers.

For me, it is not teaching kids WHAT to think, but HOW to think.

[warmpixels]

Why?

Because people are getting stupid, that's why!!!

When I did my O levels, that too in India, it was so damn difficult. We had 11 COMPULSORY subjects! Essay Answers! We actually had to use our brains.

These days the London GCE questions are mostly multiple choice!

Besides, learning all sciences, including social sciences is important, it expands our knowledge of both theory and practicality.

An example here, off on a tangent: The Maldives was governed by a dictator for 30 years. People didn't know this because they weren't taught civic and political sciences in school. We didn't even have colleges.

It's a form of people control, from the highest levels.

[zeon]

Hello,
I think without science life wouldnt be in existance... I do find however some aspects of it fun to learn and others... confusing