White House Pushes Science and Math Education
By Warren Kraemer
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/education/23educ.html?_r=1&sq=Science&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=2&adxnnlx=1259289146-TNZKkjkJPJiNDAuo+fjrzQ
The White House has decided to recruit Big Bird and Elmo in order to improve mathematics and science across America. The President will announce on Monday a campaign to enlist companies and nonprofit groups to give money, time, and volunteer effort to help encourage students to pursue science and technology. This campaign, called Educated to Innovate, will mainly focus on activities outside the classroom. For example, the Discovery Channel has promised to use two hours of the afternoon schedule on its Science Channel cable network for commercial-free programming geared toward middle school students. The MacArthur Foundation and technology industry organizations are giving out prizes in a contest to develop video games that teach science and math. Back in April, Mr. Obama told the National Academy of Sciences, “ a renewed commitment” would move to America “from the middle of the top of the pack in science and math over the next decade.” Obama believes that to achieve this goal he must “forge partnerships.” Monday’s announcement contains the first wave of such partnerships, officials said. “Sesame Street” has planned to incorporate nature in their season, and has just decided to add discussions on the scientific method in next year’s episodes.
I think this article has a good effect on humanity. It shows that because our society is lacking in technology and math compared to other countries, we have decided to do something about that. So by incorporating science in things we watch all the time, like T.V. shows, younger children will start to learn more advanced materials than ever before.
I thought this was a very well written article. It was straight forward, and clear to its point. I would have enjoyed if the writer had talked a little more about how our lack of technology and science has hurt us, and why we are in desperate need to change that.
Warren's review was on a very interesting topic. One thing i liked about it was that it wasn't a run of the mill nasa story or biologist document, but was involving politics and our country as a whole. Another thing that was interesting was that they plan to incorporate it into t.v. shows. Dora the Explorer did this with language and it was a huge hit. Hopefully this will draw the same "reaction." A third thing that was really great was how not only is science being brought to kids t.v., but via one of the most popular shows of all time: sesame street. One thing that could have been done better was use of facts and statistics, as in, how much of the show will actually be about science? Also,i wished warren was a little more clear about things like Discovery channel promising things. Does that mean its definate, or just something to calm people down. Overall, i learned that the white house is really making a push towards a reform in t.v.
ReplyDelete