Florida Citizens for Science

Here’s a good article explaining the challenges science teachers face and the high turnover in the field.

With very little experience behind her [Melissa Guinta] and limited resources at her disposal, many science teachers would buckle under the pressure of corralling a group of rowdy 9th, 10th and 11th graders and abandon the profession.

Guinta was recently accepted to participate in the National Science Teacher’s Association’s New Science Teacher Academy, a program which aims to keep science teachers in the profession by equipping them with strategies to survive in the classroom.

“It’s really a battle everyday to try to teach the kids.” Guinta said. “They learn if I push them to learn. Everyday you’re pushing against this wall and its exhausting.”

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Many science majors who enter the teaching profession leave within a matter of a few years for high-wage jobs in fields like engineering.

The revolving door that science teachers pass through is a cycle the association is trying to curb. While the more experienced science teachers leave the profession for better opportunities, a new wave of fledgling science teacher take their place.

“One of our goals is to try to keep Science Teachers in the profession,” said Paul Tingler, project manager for the academy. “Teachers today are asked to do an extremely difficult job with limited resources.”

Here’s a link to the New Science Teacher Academy.

Mark your calendars for March 16-28, because there’s going to be all sorts of science going on in Tallahassee.

For two weeks in March, the Tallahassee community will have the rare opportunity to see and hear renowned scholars discuss how fundamental discoveries in science, religion, philosophy, history and the arts have shaped our understanding of life, civilization and our grasp of what lies ahead.  Please make your plans to join us for this event which was inspired by a global celebration of the extraordinary legacy of Charles Darwin in his 200th birthday year.  All events are designed for general audiences, and unless otherwise noted, are free.

A new children’s museum opened in Daytona Beach. Sounds cool! Link to museum.

DAYTONA BEACH — After her classmates helped hoist her high above the ground on a seat attached to a series of pulleys, Anna Strong grabbed the rope and sat watching silently as other children squealed with delight Friday in the Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum.

“I like pulling myself up; it’s fun,” said Anna, a 7-year-old first-grader at St. James Episcopal School in Ormond Beach.

She was one of about 160 children from St. James and Holly Hill Elementary School who got to try out the interactive science center during its grand opening at the Museum of Arts & Sciences.

The 9,300-square-foot children’s museum features more than 15 hands-on exhibits where children can learn about principles of science, engineering and physics.