The message is clear: Academic scientists hold the key to making the United States a leader in science and technology in the next century. They can make science classes as relevant and fascinating as they believe their own research to be. Changes in the works throughout the country range from simply doing more demonstrations in lecture, to having students design their own lab experiments, to complete overhauls of stale course curricula.
The current science illiteracy emergency comes as no surprise to those who know how college-level science is often taught. A freshman signs up for her first biology class at a state university, eager to continue her high school studies, where her teacher led frequent field trips, student participation was encouraged, instruction was individualized, and learning was fun. How shocking to find the college lecture hall crammed with students, the professor a droning speck at a podium, pointing at overheads ...
