News & Notes - Science Education
"Mom, the scientist told me I am good at science. See I am good in science." Wow, we are making a difference with students!
This kindergarten student had made some very good observations and conclusions during my visit to her classroom. As she was leaving the room, I mentioned to her that she was a very good scientist and that she should keep up the good work. Later that day, when I was back in my office, I spoke to her teacher who told me the statement the girl had told her mother. The teacher believed that I had reached this student. Again, wow! All I had done was notice and commend her keen observations, but since I am a real, Ph.D. scientist, my positive feedback really impacted this student. I would love to learn that eventually she pursues a career in science or engineering. But, any career that she loves and excels at would satisfy me.
During another visit with students, after my introduction on polymers and careers in science, the teacher told me one student mentioned to her that he previously did not think that a career in science was for him, since science was only for nerds. But after meeting me and seeing that I was "normal", his perception of a scientist had changed and maybe he, too, could be a scientist.
We hear about the crisis of not enough students wanting to study careers in science. Could it be this simple to change the situation, an hour visit to a classroom? Maybe or maybe not, but it could be a step in the right direction. In a recent Science Scope article "Building bridges between scientists and teachers to bring the joy of science to British Columbia students", Milner-Bolotin suggests that a visit from a scientist to a school does make a big difference based on the experience of the British Columbia Scientists and Innovators in the School program. Furthermore, some past and present well-known chemists encountered chemistry early in life as a form of amusement and had access to a mentor as a child with whom they were able to discuss science.[1] In AGPA's belief that we can make a positive difference for students, we are willing to have students visit The College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and I am willing to visit your school either in-person or remotely. Please contact us at AGPA.
[1] Cobb, C.; Fetterolf, M.L. (2005) The Joy of Chemistry: The Amazing Science of Familiar Things. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books.
- Carin Helfer, Assistant Director, Science Education Outreach