Broadly Based Effort Needed To Improve Science Learning

Science has seen tremendous advancements during this century. Personally, I will always associate achievements in science, particularly in space exploration, with the date of July 20, 1969. On that day, millions of Americans watched as Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin of the Apollo XI made their historical steps upon the moon and planted the American flag on its surface.

To most people such a possibility was barely imaginable as the 20th century began. Since 1969, many more great strides in space exploration have been made. And yet, science education in U.S. schools is floundering.

At first glance, this may not seem particularly disturbing, but the potential impact is broader than we may realize. I even suggest science has a great deal to do with the day-to-day operations of business. Let’s take a look at this.

Years ago, a science education might have mattered only to those pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry or engineering. But today, even entry level jobs require some knowledge of technology and computer skills.

Former astronaut and champion of science education Mae C. Jemison once described science as being about the three Cs and the big D - curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and discovery. I believe these same skills are needed in the workplace. Seafirst Bank’s ability to compete as a business in a global economy depends largely on the ability of employees to cope with new information and technology, to solve problems and to be lifelong learners who can think their way through the day.

The seriousness of science education in our country has been underscored by several recent studies. Earlier this year, the Third International Mathematics and Science Study found our nation’s high school students performed among the lowest of students tested in 21 nations. Furthermore, the National Assessment Governing Board recently reported four out of 10 U.S. high school seniors don’t meet the basic science standards for their grade levels. While fourth- and eighth-graders performed somewhat better, only 3 percent of the youngsters in the three grades scored at an advanced level.

What’s to be done? National and state educators are taking a serious look at this problem, and it certainly is a mission to be addressed first and foremost by the educational community. Yet, the private sector needs to step forward as well.

In the past, Seafirst has helped fund a number of science programs offered by independent nonprofit groups, but we wanted to do something more. As a result, in 1995, we launched a science component to the Seafirst Jammin’ Kids Camps, a free series of educational camps designed to help kids do their best. By exposing children to diverse interests, including athletics, science and the arts, the Jammin’ programs aim to encourage creative and critical thinking, foster teamwork and build self-esteem.

The Seafirst Jammin’ Science Fest will be in Spokane tomorrow. This year’s program, A Space Odyssey: An Out-of-the-Galaxy Experience, encourages children to establish and explore an interest in science. Open to kids ages 5 to 14, the exhibit includes a Starlab planetarium, special assemblies led by certified teachers and hands-on exhibits. The latter is especially relevant.

Dr. Richard Brandon, project director of Washington Kids Count, believes science programs such as the Jammin’ Science Fest can help make a difference in student learning.

“Exploratory learning and parental involvement together make a winning combination,” he says. Likewise, a survey by the National Science Foundation finds that students themselves want more experiments and hands-on activities. In other words, they want to learn science by doing science.

Solutions to the nation’s science education do not come overnight. The bank’s Jammin’ Science Fest is only one of many programs that are needed.

I encourage other businesses to step up their support of science education. Let us work together to ensure our children and future scientists are ready and able to contribute.

Seafirst Jammin’ Science Fest

This free event for families and youth-care organizations will conduct four 1-1/2-hour sessions between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt. Walk-in registrations are still available for the afternoon sessions, but children must be accompanied by an adult.