Strong School Science Club

Prepare and Inspire: K-12 Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math for America’s Future The following is from the opening paragraph in a report to the President from his Council of Advisors on Science and Technology on the importance of Science Technology, Engineering, and Math education to America’s future (i.e., your children’s and grandchildren’s future): –The success of the United States in the 21st century – its wealth and welfare – will depend on the ideas and skills of its population. These have always been the Nation’s most important assets. –As the world becomes increasingly technological, the value of these national assets will be determined in no small measure by the effectiveness of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the United States. –STEM education will determine whether the United States will remain a leader among nations and whether we will be able to solve immense challenges in such areas as energy, health, environmental protection, and national security. –It will help produce the capable and flexible workforce needed to compete in a global marketplace. –It will ensure our society continues to make fundamental discoveries and to advance our understanding of ourselves, our planet, and the universe. –It will generate the scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians who will create the new ideas, new products, and entirely new industries of the 21st century. –It will provide the technical skills and quantitative literacy needed for individuals to earn livable wages and make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. –And it will strengthen our democracy by preparing all citizens to make informed choices in an increasingly technological world.

Prepare and Inspire: K-12 Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math for America’s Future –Despite our historical record of achievement, the United States now lags behind other nations in STEM education at the elementary and secondary levels. International comparisons of our students’ performance in science and mathematics consistently place the United States in the middle of the pack or lower. On the National Assessment of Educational Progress, less than one-third of U.S. eighth graders show proficiency in mathematics and science. –It is important to note that the problem is not just a lack of proficiency among American students; there is also a lack of interest in STEM fields among many students. Recent evidence suggests that many of the most proficient students, including minority students and women, have been gravitating away from science and engineering toward other professions. –The Nation lacks clear, shared standards for science and math that would help all actors in the system set and achieve goals. As a result, too many American students conclude early in their education that STEM subjects are boring, too difficult, or unwelcoming, leaving them ill- prepared to meet the challenges that will face their generation, their country, and the world. Report dated September 2010

Why Science Club? "It is too late for them to get the spirit [for science] when they are in our universities, so we must attempt to explain these ideas to children." - Richard Feynman Was the Richard Chace Tolman Professor in theoretical physics at the California Institute of Technology winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on Quantum Electrodynamics

Why Science Club? “I am often amazed at how much more capability and enthusiasm for science there is among elementary school youngsters than among college students.” -Carl Sagan Was a full Professor, Cornell University – Director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies and Center for Radio Physics and Space Research 1994 recipient of the Public Welfare Medal, the highest award of the National Academy of Sciences for "distinguished contributions in the application of science to the public welfare."

Why Science Club. The purpose of Science Club is to help students build excitement and interest in science and let them explore interesting topics in a relaxed environment. No tests or homework! FREE! Typical Agenda – Room 111 –6:00 - 6:30pm - Current Science Events Discussion –6:30 - 7:00pm - Topic of the Evening –7:00 - 7:30pm - Video on the Topic of the Evening. Fabulous Prizes for Participation! Certificates of Completion! Homework Passes!

Science Club Journey Korn Memorial Strong CRHS College –Fundamental Concepts in Physics –Basic Earth Science Principles –Astronomy and Space Science –Biotech, Infotech, Nanotech, Robotics, etc. –Biology, Ecology, Climate (Earth Science II) –Basic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medicine –Advanced Concepts in Physics –Genetics & Diversity –Molecular Biology & Disease –You’re on your own…Good Luck!

Science Club October 20, 2010 November 17 December 15 January 19, 2011 February 16 March 16 April 27 May 18 –Earth & Life – system of systems –Biology’s dependence on systems –Ecology – biosphere in action –Weather vs. Climate –Climate Change I –Climate Change II –Climate Change III –Geoengineering & other solutions Earth Science II: Biology, Ecology, Climate Schedule and topics are subject to change

Fabulous Prizes! Posters Books

Strong Science Club For active participation in the Science Club at Strong Middle School. Presented to Jane Doe Dr. Scott Nicol, B.A., M.Sc., Ed.D. Principal Mr. Patrick J. McCann, B.Sc. M.Sc., MBA Science Club Moderator

Live Long and Prosper