Intel, schools hoping to lure more students into science and engineering

“Just as in math, there’s a lot of negative attitudes toward science,” Burton said. “It’s, ‘Oh, I have to memorize this for biology.’ You think of science and you think memorization, which I think has been ingrained in kids since they were little.”

Nyman said he has also found that his students, the ones studying to become teachers, don’t understand science very well and don’t feel confident in their ability to teach it.

Nyman said he believes this is partly because the students are products of No Child Left Behind, a federal law passed in 2001 that relies heavily on test scores in math and reading to evaluate school performance.

“I believe we are seeing fully the impact of No Child Left Behind,” Nyman said, adding that future teachers “come to UNM without the skills to succeed. They come in without the basic science.”

Nyman also said state education leadership focuses on the importance of reading, while science and math advocates often run their own programs in isolation—like the Intel camp or RoboRAVE. Nyman said this is partly because the Public Education Department has cut the STEM department and no longer has a science coordinator.

Skandera acknowledged there are unfilled positions but said she has moved money in the budget and expects to open up two STEM positions in mid- to late summer. She said one will focus on math, the other on science.

Skandera also acknowledged that she came into her position with a heavy focus on reading initiatives, but said she plans to roll out more STEM projects soon, including competitive grants for robotics competitions and for low-performing schools to purchase science lab kits.

“I think it’s fair to say, we absolutely consider reading a foundation for success,” Skandera said. “But it’s a beginning point, not an end point.”

For more news about STEM education, see:

Obama proposes $1B for science, math teachers

Report: STEM education needs more money, support

How corporations can really support U.S. public education

Inquiry-based approach to science a hit with students

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