Elementary and Secondary Education for Science and Engineering: A Technical Memorandum

摘要

The study considers the factors that prompt students to plan science and engineering careers during elementary and secondary education, and the early stages of higher education. While examining the problems and opportunities for students, OTA focuses on the science and engineering pipeline, which includes all students during elementary and much of secondary schooling. Students make choices over long periods and are influenced by many factors in targeting a career. These factors include formal mathematics and science instruction; informal education in science centers and museums; and the influence of family, teachers, peers, and electronic media such as television and computers. The study analyzes these various influences, showing that change in mathematics and science learning is constrained by other aspects of the K-12 system, including teacher training; course offerings, testing, and the use of laboratories and technology; community concerns; and the influences of higher education. The Federal Government is pivotal for sustaining the policy climate and catalyzing change.