Today, the Obama administration launched a new program called "Educate to Innovate," which President Obama described as "a nationwide effort to help reach the goal this administration has set: moving to the top in science and math education in the next decade."
Unlike the United States, Alberta routinely ranks in the top five jurisdictions in the world on international math and science tests, and does not face such pressing demands to graduate more students with better understandings of these fields. However, there is no doubt that science, technology, engineering and math ("STEM")are essential to the future prosperity of our province's economy.
At the Inspiring Education fall forum, speaker Mark Milliron touched on the importance of the STEM subjects.
Given the many demands on the time of teachers and students in the classroom, how should we teach subjects like science and math in the future? Should we pursue "less breadth, more depth?" How can we incorporate math and science into other subjects, and those subjects into math and science?
Comments
I want to know that evolution will be protected as the basis of fundamental biology.
As for proactive steps: Look for ways to encourage more girls and minorities to apply to physical science and engineering (enrolment is still embarrassingly low). Bring science to First Nations communities.
Ian, I can assure you that nothing is changing the study of science and the role of evolution as the fundamental basis of biology. Ideas on how to do a better job with girls in science?