Making Science Make Sense

Bayer Facts of Science Education Survey

Following are eye-opening facts and results regarding science literacy in the U.S.

• 100 percent of science teachers say it's important for adults to be science literate; 68 percent say it is essential
• 33 percent believe the general public views science literacy as not very important for today's adults; 2 percent think the general public believes science literacy is essential
• 49 percent are not at all confident that elementary schools are providing students with the kind of quality science education they will need in the coming century
• 29 percent and 23 percent report the same lack of confidence about middle and high school science education, respectively

• 57 percent of science teachers believe that TIMSS, which shows U.S. middle and high school students performing substantially below those of leading countries in math and science, is an accurate reflection of their performance
• 86 percent agree that science education reform as exemplified by the National Science Education Standards will substantially strengthen science education and improve student performance
• 80 percent report having been personally involved in efforts to put the Standards into practice in their school district
• 78 percent say they have experienced barriers to implementing the Standards including a lack of adequate time for planning (81 percent), science materials and resources (58 percent), and financial support (45 percent)
• 54 percent somewhat agree that the Standards are making a difference in their school district
• Only 17 percent strongly agree that the Standards are making a difference in their school district
• 76 percent strongly agree that without the active support of teachers, school administrators and school boards, parents and other citizens, business and industry, and the scientific community reform efforts will most likely fail or fall far short of their goals

• 51 percent of science teachers believe it is very important for students to be exposed to scientists and/or engineers; 29 percent believe it is essential
• 95 percent agree that contact with scientists and/or engineers is an effective way to help students better appreciate science and engineering as careers
• 48 percent say they have experience with programs that bring scientists and/or engineers into schools to work directly with students, making class presentations or demonstrations, or assisting students with projects
• For those who participated in such a program, 75 percent say it helped their students better understand science content; 87 percent say it peaked their students' interest in science; 92 percent say it provided their students with positive images of scientists and/or engineers; and, 85 percent say it provided useful information about science careers
• 71 percent of science teachers who have not had experience with these types of programs say they would like to
• Of those who would like to participate, 87 percent believe it would provide students with useful information about science and/or engineering careers; 83 percent believe it would provide positive images of scientists and/or engineers; 83 percent believe it would peak student interest in science; and, 65 percent think it would help students better understand science content
• 36 percent of science teachers report participating in programs that give teachers the opportunity to work directly with scientists and/or engineers on science curricula or other professional development activities
• Of those participating, 90 percent believe it helped them better understand science content; 87 percent say it improved their teaching of science content; and, 92 percent report it bolstered their motivation and enthusiasm for teaching
• 60 percent of science teachers who have not participated in these types of programs say they would like to
• Of those who have not participated, 78 percent believe it would help them better understand science content; 72 percent think it would improve their teaching of science content; and 78 percent report it would bolster their motivation and enthusiasm for teaching science

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