One of my chemistry heroes, Theodore Gray, argues that science education should be a little more exciting.
We may be saturated with information, but we are also living in an age of ignorance unmatched in centuries. I am completely serious in saying that I believe not a small part of the blame can be laid at the feet of our eviscerated science curriculum, which has undone in one generation the progress of the past 200 years.
People die because of this. Entire ecosystems, maybe our whole planet, are at risk if we don’t start teaching people to understand and value the truth and power that a genuine study of science leads to.
When students enter a science classroom, they should see things they cannot imagine in their wildest dreams. Science, done right, is the most amazing, mind-blowing thing we as a species have ever invented, and we need to show our children that. And although some children will be enthralled at a demonstration of how a sheet of paper dipped in water can spread out the colors in pen ink, I’m sorry, that just doesn’t do it for me.
1 response so far ↓
1 Mark // Jun 7, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I left extensive comments on Ted’s website. In sum, when we quit, as a society, being scared of our shadows and every little risk out there (and implausible large risks), and offending each other with words, his concerns will diminish. I’m not optimistic that will happen soon, especially under this and the past administration. That said, largely unfettered capitalism and the rewards of capitalism, will encourage people to learn and excel…in science, business, and other endeavors. I don’t think science can compete one on one with MTV. It can compete by financially rewarding innovation and unpoliticized improvements for society.
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