This is the title of a story that aired on National Public Radio (NPR) Tuesday, January 25, 2011. The story, based on the recently released 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress, a federal test known as the Nation’s Report Card, reported that “less than half of the students tested were considered proficient, with many more showing minimal science knowledge.” Thirty-four percent of the nation’s 4th graders, thirty percent of 8th graders and 21 percent of 12th graders performed at or above the proficient level of science in 2009.

Alan Friedman, former director of the New York Hall of Science and a member of the board that oversees the test, was quoted as saying, “Our ability to create the next generation of U.S. leaders in science and technology is seriously in danger.”

Although North Dakota ranks higher than the nation’s average, test results indicate that less than half of our students are proficient in science (45% of 4th graders and 41% of 8th graders – 12th grade results were not divided by state).

Read the full article at www.npr.org .

Read the full report of the Nation’s Report Card .

This sobering news emphasizes the importance of encouraging our children to explore science. We know that students who take advanced science courses test higher than those who don’t. We also know that when children are exposed to science at younger ages they are more likely to enroll in advanced science courses when they are available. Our mission is clear – our children need more science and at younger ages!

At Gateway to Science, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for scientific discovery. Our motto – “It’s Fun, It’s Cool, It’s Awesome, It’s Science” – describes the excitement for science that we share with our community. But we also know that “It’s Life Changing” as well, and we take that very seriously.

~Beth Demke, Executive Director