Interest in science careers at 8th grade is the strongest predictor that a student will graduate from college with a science degree. Interest handily beats being good at science at that age and massively beats not interested at all!
Apparently, 70% of engineers are related to another engineer – interest is evidently reinforced by family connections. It’s probably true for most “science” professions, but African Americans and Latino – who are significantly under represented in the science workforce – presumably develop less of this homegrown interest.
In our increasingly technology-based economy, workers with science skills command higher pay. So, early interest in science could make all the difference to life-long earnings. How then to interest the not interested.
The record shows it’s not happening much in elementary school. And high school science seems designed to filter uninterested students OUT rather than enticing them IN. For 8th graders who are still “not interested” – and not encouraged or driven by family or community to qualify for college level science – it’s almost certainly game over for a science career.
TV science shows, science museums and summer science programs might instill interest in some kids, but I’d guess these options disproportionately attract the already interested. For most kids, occasional exposure to science – however cool – has little impact on interest level or self-definition.
Afterschool science can redress this interest deficit because it can reach a high proportion of the kids who need it most. Frequent, playful and well-led projects can expose children to basic science ideas and processes and plant the notion – for them and their families – that they can become “scientists” one day. Engaging, meaningful and unpressured science should be a staple of afterschool programming, building confidence, skills – and interest – that might get minority kids aware of their potential and into the game.
It’s like Head Start – early intervention has the greatest impact.
Afterschool science needs strong state, federal and corporate support to train youth workers and science volunteers everywhere to lead age-appropriate and enjoyable science projects with the kids who aren’t giving science a second look – which is most of them.
75% of Nobel scientists trace their interest in science to early out-of-school experiences. We should be giving all kids such a start.
©2011 Charlie Hutchison
Active Science in Afterschool 