The Federal Science Project: A scientist in every classroom

Abstract

The United States urgently needs science-based solutions for a multitude of policy issues, and a basic societal understanding of science is essential to gaining public trust and addressing these issues. However, there is a disconnect between professional scientists and engineers and K-12 science education. Many students will graduate after 13 years of school having never met a scientist. This missed opportunity is not an issue of supply. There are over 7 million practicing scientists and engineers in the U.S.; if every scientist spent just one hour a year in a classroom, each student would get at least three visits from a scientist every single year. Here, we propose the Federal Science Project: a federally funded, nationwide program to bring scientists into all K-12 schools across the U.S. with the goal of reaching every student, regardless of geographic location. Scientists and engineers across disciplines and sectors would undergo training in communication skills and cultural competency, connect with classrooms via a national database with support from full-time staff, partner with teachers to deliver interactive lessons aligned with existing curriculum and standards, and receive appropriate compensation. Close partnerships between scientists, engineers, teachers, policymakers, and community partners in science education (science centers, museums, etc.) would invigorate the trust-based connections needed for 21st-century science education and policy transformations.