Gathering Places
Gathering Places
With Hawaii's students scoring well below the national average on science tests, everyone in Hawaii can do something to help resolve this problem, which has been highlighted by the forty-nine percent of fourth-graders and 60 percent of eighth-graders who scored below the basic skill levels on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a national science test. Encourage students to
excel in scienceFor scientists and graduate students in science:
>> Volunteer to mentor a student working on a science project. Teachers cannot give individual attention to 24 students working on 24 different experiments. If you are interested in being a mentor, call the Hawaii Academy of Science at 956-7930.
>> Offer to be a guest speaker in a high school.
>> Hold an annual open house in your lab for students. Have hands-on activities appropriate to various age levels, as these activities often kindle interest in science.
>> Invite teachers to your lab to show them the latest techniques and research in your area. Teachers often do not have time to keep up with research and this would replenish their knowledge.
>> Volunteer to judge at school, district and the State Science and Engineering fairs, where many qualified judges are needed.
>> Offer summer internships at your lab to high-school students.
For businesses and civic organizations:
>> Offer substantive awards at school, district and state science fairs. Awards recognize and motivate students and teachers.
>> Donate gift certificates to schools to purchase classroom aids and supplies or ask schools in your neighborhood for a wish list.
For parents, who are the most important catalysts in this process:
>> If you have young children, take them to places that spark their interest in science. The Children's Discovery Center, Bishop Museum, Lyon Arboretum, Waikiki Aquarium, Sea Life Park and the Honolulu Zoo are valuable community resources.
>> Conduct simple, safe experiments at home. There are books at the library on this topic.
>> If you have a special interest, such as astronomy, organize a star party at your child's school, or call the Hawaiian Astronomical Society. They conduct star parties for schools.
>> Get involved at your child's school. If you think not enough time is being devoted to science, ask why. If the answer is, "We don't have enough science teachers," collaborate with your Parent Teacher Board to raise funds to cover the salary of a part-time teacher.
>> If your child's school is not participating in activities such as the Science Bowl, Invention Convention, or the Electric Car competition, find out why. Get together with other parents and offer to organize them for your school.
We all have a responsibility to make sure that the next generation is scientifically and technologically literate. If we do not, future generations will pay the price.
As astronaut and former senator John Glenn said, from mathematics and science will come the products, services, standard of living, and economic and military security that will sustain us at home and around the world. From them will come the technological creativity that companies need to compete in the global marketplace.
Shiyana Thenabadu is director of the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair.