Article 1: Untapped Potential

Article 1: Untapped Potential

Hartry, A., Dorph, R., Shields, P., Tiffany-Morales, J., Romero, V., Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning at, W., & ... SRI, I. (2012). Untapped Potential: The Status of Middle School Science Education in California. Strengthening Science Education in California. Center For The Future Of Teaching And Learning At Wested.

This article states the importance of science education. There are so many global issues that will need attention from future generations. Global warming, public health, etc. will all require attention from scientists in the future. It is the responsibility of teachers to instill a passion for science in students. However, instead of doing this, we are removing science from education. The article suggests that by the time students get to middle school they should already have a strong foundation in science. If this is to be expected, then there is a call for change in the strategies used by teachers. In elementary school, students are reported to get approximately 60 minutes a week of science education. This is not enough. This article states the belief that students don’t just need to be taught the facts, but how to think like scientists. I think this goes right along with common core. It is our responsibility to teach students to think deeply rather than recall thoughts.

In the state of California, science education has drastically changed over the last 10 years. Ten years ago, there were science coordinators at schools or districts to enrich science education. Now, however, these resources have been cut due to budgets. This is unfortunate for students. Many schools are lacking in time and resources to ensure successful science instruction.