Over 550 people attended this event, representing all stakeholders. The keynote was given by Nobel Laureate Craig C. Mello, PhD. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, The Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and comments were offered by Paul Reville, Secretary of Education, Maura Banta, Chair, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Mitchell Chester, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Aundrea Kelley, Interim Commissioner of Higher Education, and President Jack M. Wilson of the University of Massachusetts.
See the official news release.The MAS recently attended this conference and surveyed teachers to see what they want and NEED to help better educate the students of MA. Results coming soon!
Education is a cornerstone of the Massachusetts Academy of Science
As pointed out in a recent article in Discover by Lisa Randall, a theoretical physicist at Harvard University, the climate conducive to scientific research and discovery that has existed in the United States for the last 50 years has in the last 5 years begun to change as we face new challenges in education and funding. Two problems in particular stand out: students are increasingly choosing non-scientific careers that are potentially more lucrative but educationally less demanding while government funding and support in key research areas is waning.
The latest Department of Education statistics show average science scores over the past 10 years have increased very modestly or stayed the same in grades 4 and 8, but are falling significantly by grade 12. The percentage of bachelor degrees awarded in science related fields during this same period has plummeted in the United States while increasing elsewhere in the world, particularly in Western Europe. The net result of this situation is the United States is losing ground as a world leader in scientific research and application. Just when the country needs it most, government support for vital new areas of scientific inquiry such as stem cell research is sorely lacking while funding for public institutions such as the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has actually declined.
There is reason for hope however. Despite setbacks in funding and education, many American students are still drawn to science curricula and careers. Academies of Science and science fairs continue to draw respectable numbers of participants and science museums and centers attract more visitors than ever before in history. The MAS supports the best interests of Massachusetts residents through science education outreach, programs, and now a junior academy for students which will sponsor an annual, statewide science presentation.
We can all lead by example by becoming more science-literate and sharing this enthusiasm with our children. Make a point to visit the many fine museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums and arboretums in Massachusetts. Learn more about our state's system of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, and, support the Massachusetts Academy of Sciences.
Sincerely,
Michael Bertrand
Director of Education
mbertrand00@yahoo.com
Science doesn't have to be hard to understand! We are developing an interactive online resource, including video podcasts, that will enable YOU to: