Why Strengthen Science Education in Elementary Schools?
American scientists predict more discoveries will be made in this century than in the 20th century. Yet numerous national assessments of current science education signal that we are not adequately preparing students to face future challenges in a world that increasingly demands its citizens be scientifically literate. Curing cancer, developing alternative energy resources, dealing with global warming — these are just some of the problems the world is desperately trying to solve. Because these issues affect everyone, science literacy and associated skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving will become more important than ever. In order to compete in a global economy, U.S. businesses and corporations are relying on future employees to be able to lead innovative thinking and science discovery. Even entry-level jobs in the future will require some kind of basic science literacy. Given the importance of scientific literacy, it should come as no surprise that the federal No Child
