As we move into this new century, many of the things we have been hearing in education are coming together. The job of a teacher is certainly not getting easier, and many folks would argue it is getting harder.  Any teachers who have looked in the press for good news are met with report after report stating just how deficient our students are. So what can we do? The press is equally full of suggestions on how to fix things. The Partnership for the 21^st Century lists skills such, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration. If you “Google” 21^st century skills and learning there are many sites, with lots of similar lists, all designed to demand more of today’s students. STEM education is the new hot term and movement in science teaching. This winter’s Science Teacher published two issues that discussed the new push to revamp and energize science teaching in the U.S. . In addition to that publication this site has lots of valuable information.

 

Problem Based Learning (PBL) and other similar project type learning projects are useful and connected to deep meaningful learning. The connection here is that the goals of PBL; are clearly more aligned with the skills listed above them are traditional, kids in rows and teachers in front of the class more traditional education models.

After a quick read through of the new standards, the biggest difference I see is the more obvious stress on technology and the inclusion of technological solutions as a major part of science. I think there was a time when science teachers thought they dealt in the realm of “pure science” and that the application the technology was below that. My sense is that the inclusion of technology and the doing of science will be well received by students. After reading the supplied information about NASA especially the line “"U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests through robust space exploration and aeronautics research programs", my brain goes back to the 60 minute episode I watched this week.

Sixty Minutes End of Shuttle Program Sixty Minutes End of Shuttle Program There has always been a connection between NASA and science education. My grade school years were all about out race with the Soviet Union to be ahead in manned space. Spending money in public & higher education programs was deemed important. Lets hope the promises make to NASA are kept.