This week in evolution and climate change, the National Center for Science Education members discuss a recent survey that reveals teachers' requirements for solid science education. Another recent post speaks of the importance of learning through museums, aquariums and the like.

NCSE Survey Reveals Teachers' Needs

The NCSE recently conducted a survey to get a feel for what educators in America's classrooms need.

"In this survey to teachers nationwide, we asked questions in three major categories: what groups teachers think are supporting them, what kinds of support teachers want in their classrooms, and what concerns teachers have about receiving support through NCSE programs," said Emily Schoerning.

While the survey found that teachers receive support from many groups, it found that many teachers don't see their work as being strongly supported by their communities.

"At NCSE, we believe that community support for science education is crucial to ensure an environment where teachers can teach good science. We hope the Booster Club Project will increase community support for teachers."

On the note of the Booster Club Project, teachers gave NCSE feedback on the kinds of things they'd like to see from such projects.

"Teachers want everything from help with field trips to classroom visits from scientists. Two things they want the most: money for lab equipment and support for conference travel. This is exactly what we've been hearing from teachers at our pilot Booster Club site."

Read more here.

The Importance of Museums and Aquariums in Promoting Learning in Science

After a visit to an event at the New England Aquarium (NEAq) in Boston called Fin & Tonic, Stephanie Keep was inspired to write about the importance of such venues in educating and interesting the public.

"Most of us go to school for somewhere between thirteen and twenty years, but we live (knock wood) for eighty or more. It is in large part thanks to informal centers of education that we keep on learning in the sixty plus years that we’re out of the classroom," she said.

"So when you’re thinking about ways to support and advance science education, don’t forget your local zoo, museum, and aquarium."

Read the full post here. 

Compiled by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

09/10/2015