Early Science Education is the Solution to Slumping Testing Scores and Our Future

We live in a rapidly changing world and the problems our children will face in their lifetimes will be even more complex than the ones we face today. To prepare them for these challenges, we must give them a strong foundation in science.

Science is not just a body of knowledge, it is a way of thinking. It helps us to ask questions, to find evidence to support our hypotheses, and to think critically about the world around us. These skills are important not just in science, but in every area of life. The next generation will face many problems that previous generations have not dealt with, including climate change, dwindling natural resources, and the increasing spread of infectious diseases.

To prepare the next generation for these problems, we must first address the gaps in science education. Unfortunately, science education in the United States has declined. California has implemented the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to combat this.

The NGSS is a set of standards designed to improve science education for all students. One of the biggest benefits of the NGSS is that they are designed to be used with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This means that teachers can easily integrate science into their existing curriculum.

Problematic California testing results

Although the NGSS is beginning to address the issue, results from the California 5th grade science standards test in 2022-23 are dismal. More than 66% essentially failed the test. Most students get less than 22 minutes of science education a week, more than half of the time spent on reading and math instruction. This is even though science is a required subject in all fifty states.

Many reasons for the lack of time devoted to science instruction include:

• Science is often taught in a dry, disconnected way from real-world problems, and fails to engage students.

• Science requires more specialized equipment and materials, which can be expensive.

• A majority of teachers don’t feel comfortable teaching science.

But whatever the reasons for the lack of time spent on science instruction, the results are clear. Students who do not receive a strong science education in elementary school are disadvantaged when they reach middle and high school. They are less likely to take advanced science courses and are less likely to pursue careers in science and engineering.

A hands-on solution

One way to address the gap in science education is through hands-on learning. Our research has demonstrated that interactive science activities, incorporating real-world challenges, can effectively captivate students, fostering an understanding that science can be enjoyable. Moreover, these activities have enhanced children's science, mathematics, and literacy comprehension.

Another way to address the science education gap is to provide teachers with more support. This could come in the form of professional development opportunities or simply more resources for the classroom. (Only 15 percent of teachers have received any form of professional development in three years.)

We must also address the lack of science education at the preschool level. In the United States, there is no required science curriculum for preschool. This is even though many studies have shown the importance of early science education. Preschoolers exposed to science are more likely to be interested in science later on. They are also more likely to do better in school overall.

A growing disparity

While hands-on science is essential for all students, it is especially important for those from groups that are traditionally underserved by the science education system. The recent California 5th grade science standards test has shown that children of color, Hispanic children, and students with disabilities are less likely to have access to high-quality science education. And there is a 32-point gap between socioeconomically disadvantaged students and better-resourced students.

By providing more opportunities for hands-on science, Science is Elementary has been closing the achievement gap and ensuring that all students are prepared for future challenges.

The need is great

As the world progresses, the problems we face become more complex, and innovative solutions are required. To prepare the next generation for the problems they will face, we must provide them with a strong foundation in science.

Science is not a luxury. It is a necessity. To equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century, we must provide them with a strong foundation in science as early as possible. Science is Elementary is proud to lead the charge.