Why does Science Matter? 

For Tim Ritchie, president of the Museum of Science in Boston:

"Science is an act of continuing discovery that by its very nature demands being open to changing one’s mind and expanding one’s understanding. It always explores, always doubts, and always welcomes the skeptical voice. It is a joyful exercise of learning and growth."

Science is collaborative:

• different perspectives are valuable:

• scientists expect to have to revise our thinking - especially when new information comes along:

• scientists collect and study data to explain phenomena, etc:

Scientific discovery holds the key to solving many of the problems that face this country: keeping our nation safe, stopping the spread of infectious disease, slowing the warming of planet Earth, ensuring safe food and water, and growing the economy, to name a few.

Science is critical to understanding the world around us. Most Americans feel that they received a good education and that their children will as well. Unfortunately, not many are aware that international tests show that American students are simply not performing well in science when compared to students in other countries. Many students (and their parents!) believe that science is irrelevant to their lives.

Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy, and this innovation depends on a solid knowledge base in science, math, and engineering. All jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science. Of the 20 fastest growing occupations, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation to successfully compete for a job:

This is why Science Matters. Quality learning experiences in the sciences—starting at an early age—are critical to science literacy and our future workforce.

For scientist Brian Greene (writing in the New York Times), part of what he said is 

"Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding in a manner that’s precise, predictive and reliable — a transformation, for those lucky enough to experience it, that is empowering and emotional. To be able to think through and grasp explanations — for everything from why the sky is blue to how life formed on earth — not because they are declared dogma but rather because they reveal patterns confirmed by experiment and observation, is one of the most precious of human experiences."

For President Obama, part of what he said about Science (on January 06, 2010) is:

"Whether it's improving our health or harnessing clean energy, protecting our security or succeeding in the global economy, our future depends on reaffirming America's role as the world's engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation."

2016 Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework:  http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/scitech/2016-04.pdf 

Syllabus Click here for the 7th Grade Science syllabus