South Sound Science Center - Math and Science Education

Creativity begins when we ask "why?"

Even before they can talk, children try to figure out "why?"
and "how?" Kids have an innate need to experiment and
work out challenges. This exploration is the fundamental
basis of all scientific inquiry.

Unfortunately all across the country children are in fact being left
behind when it comes to math and science. In Washington State,
more than 40% of the kids don't meet standards. The trend is
even worse in Pierce County. In fact, in one Tacoma school, 95%
of the 5th graders are not meeting standards in science!

While our country is at a crossroads environmentally, socially, and
economically, it is increasingly important that our youth have the
ability to think and act creatively and innovatively. The youth of
today will be solving the challenges of tomorrow - but only if they
have the skills.

Our goal is to develop a concrete action plan that ensures that
the youth of the South Puget Sound region retain that spark of
inquiry and have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge
in math and the physical sciences.

Keeping the Spark Alive

There are four keys to keeping kids interested in math
and science:

1) Ensure that children and parents have access,
information and encouragement to participate in what is
already available.

2) Enhance those opportunities by filling in the gaps with
additional programming, especially in the physical sciences.
This is done through community programs, camps,
workshops and classroom experiences.

3) Make sure that educators in the schools have resources
and develop their own skills and knowledge through training
and workshops.

4) Apply pressure at all levels of government though public
policy advocacy that strengthens awarness and urgency.