Steven Holt: “we are fortunate to live in an exciting and prosperous time. The Internet has bridged gaps between generations and…”

“we are fortunate to live in an exciting and prosperous time. The Internet has bridged gaps between generations and nations. Biotechnology has produced medical miracles. Our cars have more computing power than the Apollo spacecraft. Success in this information age depends not just on how well we educate our children generally but how well we educate them in science and mathematics specifically. Following the launch of Sputnik in 1957, major steps were taken in the United States to improve resources going into science. The goal was to pursue a superior technical workforce. This produced generations of scientists and engineers who have contributed greatly to our economic and technical accomplishments. I am a product of the Sputnik revolution. I have spent several decades in the world of teaching and physics research. But now, as a policymaker, I see the shortcomings of our earlier revolution in science and mathematics education, and I see the need to increase our effort for science and mathematics education today. The push for improving public competence in science and mathematics is justified by economics, national security, and arguments about democracy. It is also important for personal fulfillment. Mathematics and science bring order and harmony and balance to our lives. They teach us that our world is intelligible and not capricious. They give us the skill for lifelong learning; really for creating progress itself.…”