My High School Classmates Don’t Like Science. Here’s How Fresno Can Change That. Science is a vital subject that helps us understand the world around us. It teaches us how to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. Unfortunately, many students in Fresno don’t like science. This is a problem that needs to be addressed. There are a number of reasons why students in Fresno don’t like science. One reason is that they don’t see the relevance of science to their lives. They don’t understand how science can help them solve problems or make their lives better. Another reason is that science is often taught in a way that is boring and unengaging. Students sit in a classroom and listen to a teacher lecture for an hour. They don’t get to do any hands-on activities or experiments. This makes science seem like a chore, not something that they enjoy. There are a number of things that can be done to change this. One is to make science more relevant to students’ lives. This can be done by connecting science to real-world problems. For example, students could learn about climate change and how it is affecting the planet. They could also learn about renewable energy and how it can be used to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Another way to make science more engaging is to use hands-on activities and experiments. This allows students to learn about science by doing, which is much more effective than simply listening to a lecture. For example, students could build a model of a volcano and erupt it. They could also build a solar-powered car and race it. Finally, it is important to make science more accessible to all students. This means providing resources and support for students who are struggling. It also means making sure that all students have access to high-quality science teachers. By taking these steps, we can help to change the way that science is taught in Fresno. We can make it more relevant, more engaging, and more accessible. This will lead to more students enjoying science and learning from it.The author, Shiv Mehrotra-Varma, shares his experiences at the International Science and Engineering Fair and highlights the importance of science fairs in fostering students’ love for learning. He emphasizes the need to address the lack of enthusiasm among students by providing opportunities for scientific inquiry and exploration. Mehrotra-Varma describes his efforts to promote a love of learning through the Moon and Back Foundation and a provincial science fair specifically for elementary and middle school students.
The author, Shiv Mehrotra-Varma, shares his experiences at the International Science and Engineering Fair and highlights the importance of science fairs in fostering students’ love for learning. He emphasizes the need to address the lack of enthusiasm among students by providing opportunities for scientific inquiry and exploration. Mehrotra-Varma describes his efforts to promote a love of learning through the Moon and Back Foundation and a provincial science fair specifically for elementary and middle school students. Key Points: * Science fairs have significantly impacted Mehrotra-Varma’s love for learning. * Low academic performance in Fresno County is attributed to a lack of resources. * Traditional learning methods may not effectively engage students and nurture their interest in academics. * Science fairs provide an opportunity for students to apply school concepts to real-world problems and foster a collaborative and competitive atmosphere. * By providing opportunities like the Moon and Back Foundation’s free virtual science fair summer camp, students can develop a passion for scientific pursuits. * Science fairs have been shown to increase students’ interest in science and engineering careers. * Students should be encouraged to pursue their interests and take advantage of opportunities to engage in scientific inquiry.
Fresno Unified School District is facing a challenge: many high school students are not interested in science. In a recent survey, only 35% of Fresno high school students said they were interested in pursuing a career in science. This is a significant concern, as science is essential for a well-rounded education and for preparing students for the 21st-century workforce. There are a number of factors that contribute to students’ lack of interest in science. One factor is the way science is taught in schools. Traditional science instruction often focuses on memorization and rote learning, which can be boring and uninspiring for students. Another factor is the lack of diversity in the science curriculum. Many science textbooks and curricula focus on the experiences of white, male scientists, which can make it difficult for students from other backgrounds to see themselves in the field. Fresno Unified School District is working to address these challenges and increase students’ interest in science. One initiative is the district’s new Science and Technology Academy, which opened in 2019. The academy offers a rigorous science curriculum that is designed to engage and inspire students. The academy also has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, and it works to create a welcoming environment for all students. Another initiative is the district’s partnership with the Fresno Science Center. The Fresno Science Center is a hands-on science museum that offers a variety of programs and exhibits that are designed to make science fun and accessible for students. The district is working to integrate the Science Center’s resources into its science curriculum, and it is also offering field trips to the Science Center for students. These are just a few of the ways that Fresno Unified School District is working to increase students’ interest in science. By making science more engaging, inspiring, and inclusive, the district is hoping to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st-century workforce and to inspire the next generation of scientists.
