In Summer, Science Programs Abound For Kids And Teens

From Alabama to Wyoming, educators are worrying that not enough is being done to make the study of science more interesting for elementary and high school students in the United States. Indeed, those concerned about the scientist shortage that is expected to hit the U.S. in the mid-1990s believe that boosting science education is the key to getting more young people interested in taking up a science career. A wide variety of community and national organizations have risen to this challenge, com

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It's no wonder that summer is a time when science programs for youngsters abound; in summertime the learnin' is easy. Classrooms, textbooks, tests, and lab exercises are replaced with individual discovery and adventure. In summer, a child can learn about development by tending a garden or catching tadpoles, marvel at the length of a July day when reminded of February's early sunsets, and experience the violent thunderstorms that conclude many a muggy afternoon. As the season ends, a budding scientist may be lucky enough to witness a spectacular meteor shower.

Even though the spring thaw has not yet begun, it's a good idea for young people who want to share in such experiences to start thinking of summer now. Many of these programs fill up by March or April. In addition, now is a good time for scientists to begin thinking about offering their services as instructors for summer courses.

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