Why do good students not necessarily choose science courses in high school?
A: Outside Influences
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Parental past experiences
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Bad counseling from Guidance Counselors and teachers in other areas
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Peer pressure
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Negative subconscious messages
B: Lack of Information
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Not aware of options in science careers
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focused on financial benefits of careers
C: Work Load
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Lots of work required and need to balance against outside interests (job, music, etc.)
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Perception that science is too hard and only for really smart people
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Mark fixations for University entrance
D: Resources and Teaching Practices
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Funding for good equipment lacking sacrifices good teaching
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Science applications not related to student interests or cutting edge science
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Teachers with non-science background teaching science lack knowledge to provide enrichment
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Teachers who don’t do labs or hands on activities due to whatever reason (lazy, unaware, discipline issues) fail to show what real science involves
E: Value of Science Education
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Need for science research and innovation not in our face (silver spoon)
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Science is a hobby
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Natural curiousity is squashed by factors like course requirements, marks
Solutions
A: Outside Influences
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Address negative marketing about science and math
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Showcase careers/jobs that are non-academic
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Include diverse role models in all programs
B: Lack of Information
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Showcase careers / jobs that are non-academic
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Co-op opportunities encouraged at CLS and other such research facilities
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Students on the Beamline excellent way to show real science careers
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Advertise local public science lectures and encourage groups to go
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Promote guest speakers in school
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University science departments have programs to visit schools
C: Work Load
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Include diverse role models in all programs
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Work load of a science student is a reality. Develop strategies to help students overcome it
D: Resources and Teaching Practices
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Provide pre-made packages of teaching materials (kits). Varied and easily accessed resources in one spot
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Science on Stage Canada exposes teachers to ideas that have already been tried and proven
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Train teachers for project based teaching to promote creativity and individual skills and thinking
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Ideas for long term projects that incorporate range of curriculum / skills
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Provide funding for teachers to attend programs like CLS, SoSC, and Einstein Plus, as well as provincial association meetings like OAPT, STAO.
E: Value of Science Education
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Co-op opportunities encouraged at CLS and other such research facilities
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Students on the Beamline excellent way to show real science careers
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Programs for students working in the field encouraged across Canada not just at CLS
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Global view and collaboration with schools in other areas