Stories like this one about Berkeley High School’s proposed cut of after school science labs give me deep concerns about the future of our educational system. There is already a serious science and math gap between kids born in the US and other countries when it comes to science knowledge. I want my next doctor or nurse to have as much exposure to biology and chemistry in high school as possible This will give them a head start on these subjects when it comes to college. Is it any wonder that most of the students studying math and science in graduate school in the US were born in other countries?
If you have a child, you need to do everything you can to further that child’s education. Our public schools seem to prioritize those students who are underachievers. But we still need more doctors and scientists to compete in the world. For those of you who can’t send your kids to private school or home school them, you still need to do everything you can to encourage your kids to learn. Whether it’s finding a little bit of time to read to your kids, or have them read to you, you can do it. Encourage your child to pursue his or her interests. Take them to your town or city’s library once in a while so they can read about subjects that interest them. Your child’s teachers are going to be spending most of their time helping the underperforming kids. If your child is going to be better than average, you need to help them.
If your kids have an interest in science, you need to encourage this interest. There are books like Robert Bruce Thompson’s excellent Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture that can help your child learn about chemistry. Please note that while his book is excellent, it is real chemistry, with dangerous chemicals. For example, one of the experiments is making napalm and you may already have the chemicals needed. If your child is going to do these experiments, they need adult supervision, and you both need to watch this safety video first.
If your kids are in to all those crime scene related shows, Thompson’s youtube page includes a half dozen videos that show various experiments with forensic fingerprinting that might encourage your kids to be more interested in science.
Thanks to Ann Althouse for the link to the story about Berkeley High School cutting back in science labs.