Re: Would Physics First Increase the Number of Physics Majors?

[Joseph Bellina <jbellina@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

On Tue, 29 Apr 2003, S Goelzer wrote:

> These teachers were quite effective in killing the district's mandate
> to improve the science curriculum in the elementary school. I did not
> work on the curriculum committee the following year - no else did
> either. My experiences in two other districts have left me most
> discouraged regarding science being taught by elementary school
> teachers. Those teachers do not want kits or training- they want
> someone else to handle science for them. The science dog and pony demo
> show is always welcome. Workshop on how do and explain? No thanks, no
> time, money, etc.
>
> I suspect the only solution IS a dedicated science specialist. We
> would, however, have to convince many districts that science education
> is at least as important as kickball.
This has not been my experience here and now, I can't speak for what
happened there and then.  I think there is also a difference between
affecting change among professionals and having parents, however
competent suggesting changes in the curriculum.  I think it is a political
issue.  In addition, let me emphasize, we do not tell the teachers what
they have to do, rather we put them in situations where there own
experiences tell them what they need to do and are capable of doing.
Again a sort-of political issue.
I don't do dog and pony shows, no way, no how, it sends the wrong message,
that I can do it and they can watch.

Maybe I just got lucky.

joe