• Facts about Science Education in the US
• Research on Hands-on Learning
• K-12 Hands-on Science Curricula
• K-12 Hands-on Science Materials (Software and Accessories)
• FAQ

Hands-On Science, Does It Matter?

As soon as a child begins to speak, the questions begin. Why? What? When? Making observations, asking questions, and pursuing investigations are fundamental to everyone's understanding of the world. The questions continue throughout life as a child grows, becomes a student, starts a job, learns skills, works to understand economic or social issues, and votes on political issues.

Effective science education uses hands-on teaching materials and curriculum informed by research and real-life teaching expertise to:

• Teach the fundamentals of science
• Encourage experiential learning
• Stimulate critical thinking
• Develop scientific literacy
• Enhance mathematics and reading skills
• Prepare students for jobs in the new workplace

Hands-on science ensures that students

Experience   •   Learn   •    Achieve

• What does the research say?
• For information on K-12 hands-on science curricula

Is our current education system flunking in science?

Are our students learning the fundamentals of science along with mathematics and reading? Are our schools fostering a deep interest and fascination with the way our physical world works? Are our schools preparing a workforce that can meet the challenge of competing in a global economy?

Sadly, the facts demonstrate that American students are not achieving in science.

This truth is evidenced by the most recent science scores on the Nation's Report Card-the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Few American students - at any level -- are attaining levels deemed proficient, much less advanced, in science on the NAEP assessment in 2000.* Internationally, U.S. student's relative performance becomes increasingly weaker at higher grade levels. Even the most advanced students performed poorly compared with students in other countries taking advanced mathematics and science courses.

*The NAEP 2005 assessment in science was administered from January to March 2005. Results will be released in the spring of 2006.

For more facts and statistics about student science achievement

The Economic Importance of Improving Science Education

In today's evolving global society, the need for science and technological literacy is increasing rapidly. More than ever, our schools must foster deep interest and excellence in science learning. More than ever, our teachers must have effective tools and training. More than ever, we must join forces to ensure effective science teaching and learning.

In the American workforce, scientific inquiry has been the source of both our technological superiority and our economic well-being. Cultivating the skills of inquiry, truly, should be seen as essential to our education system.

Additional reading

Online

Inquiry: Thoughts, Views, and Strategies for the K-5 Classroom. Foundations, Volume 2, A monograph for professionals in science, mathematics and technology education

"The economic importance of improving math-science education." Greenspan, Alan past-chairman, The Federal Reserve Board The Committee on Education and the Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives. (September 21, 2000)

Books

Bruner, J.S., and Kenney, M.J. (1966).
Studies in Cognitive Growth. New York: Wiley

Wilson, E.O. (1998).
Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge. New York: Knopf

National Research Council. (1996).
National Science Education Standards. Washington, DC: National Academy Press