What cultural or community need does the Da Vinci Science Center work to fill, and what impact is possible from its work?
The need for improved science education is well documented. First, there is a need to educate young people about career opportunities in science and technology. Today, Pennsylvania firms report that they cannot hire the skilled workers they need. Jobs require increasing levels of mathematics and scientific competency. In the future, the demand for a high-tech workforce will be greater. The number of students pursuing college degrees in science and technology is stagnant, and the brightest students are leaving Pennsylvania to pursue technical careers elsewhere. Second, there is a need to help teachers prepare students to be scientifically literate. All young people, particularly those currently under-served in science and mathematics, must be prepared to take part in an economy and a lifestyle that is increasingly dependent on science and technology. Scientific advances reported in the news – such as hybrid vehicles, cures or infectious diseases, genetic engineering, new materials, and
