<p>Our state requires 4 years of HS math and 4 years of HS science. It's time for my Junior to sign up for next year's classes and she's has absolutely no desire to take any of the science classes that are offered. By senior year, they have had Bio, Chem and Physics.
She's not "AP material" in any of those subjects. She thinks she knows what she wants to major in and even if she strays from that, is 100% sure it won't be STEM. I can think of a half a dozen classes off the top of my head that would either better prepare her for her intended major, or help her explore other possibilities.</p>
<p>So someone out there, please make your best case for requiring a 4th year of HS science.</p>
<p>Scientific literacy is the single most important thing (in my opinion- beyond the ability to read and write coherently) for someone about to become an adult, whether or not their job or profession requires any scientific knowledge.</p>
<p>In the last week, I spoke with a neighbor who does not believe in vaccinating her kids (not a religious objection- just “they have herd immunity”. When I tried to explain to her what herd immunity was- she interrupted me “Oh, I zoned out during science class in HS.” I ran across a woman in the grocery store from my weight watchers class who was trying to figure out whether one product had fewer “points” than another because it used fructose and some other corn sweetener and not “sugar”. When I pointed out that all “ose” substances are in fact “sugar” she looked at me like I’m an idiot. I also reminded her that it’s fat that raises the point value in packaged foods-- and she told me that sugar is a fat. Someone who works for me doesn’t understand why getting a flu shot doesn’t protect her from the flu for the rest of her life. And doesn’t understand why her mom- recovering from breast cancer- is in a higher risk category for severe side effects from flu than she is. (the idea of an immune system is completely foreign to her.)</p>
<p>These are all people with actual jobs in the real world. They are scientific illiterates.</p>
<p>You should encourage your D not to join them.</p>
<p>Good points, Blossom. D has already taken Bio, Chem and Physics in HS (plus Health). The same, plus Earth Science, in middle school. Non-AP choices for seniors include Anatomy, Astronomy, Acquatic Science, Microbiology and Forensic Science. Which of those will make her a better citizen of the world?</p>
<p>Which teacher does she like, or which one has a good reputation for making the subject matter interesting? That’s how I’d suggest she chooses. Learning more about how to think scientifically is more important in creating a better citizen of the world than learning about a specific subject.</p>
<p>I think she should take the one that interests her the most (or what is considered the least of the evils).</p>
<p>If they are all tied, then anatomy may be the most practical as it may help her out with various athletic or other issues her future kids may have. Astronomy may create knowledge that she could use with her kids and their various friends or scouting groups in the future. And, forensic science may make for more interesting dinner party talk.</p>
<p>I have asked myself a similar question for years. Why does our local HS require 4 years of English? After all, my kids already know how to read and write. They have read plenty of american literature, what good would Shakespeare do? (tongue firmly in cheek)</p>
<p>My point is that just because something is undesirable, does not make it less useful. I am on the same page as blossom.</p>
<p>If she has no interest in taking a science class, then I would approach it from her viewpoint. Which one of those classes available holds the most interest to her. She has to get through the class, and you’re aware that many other classes would be more appropriate for her, but since it is required, let her decide which one is most appealing. If she has some curiosity about the subject matter, she will benefit from the class.</p>
<p>I agree wholeheartedly with blossom about the science literacy and cannot add anything to her cogent discussion - except maybe one example of science illiteracy. It drives me nuts when someone extols a product because it’s natural (so it must be “harmless”) and chemical-free. When I try to tell said someones that everything is a chemical, I usually get a blank look or a lecture about how I’m “wrong.”</p>
<p>Um. I’m not wrong.</p>
<p>Anyway, your daughter has already had chemistry, so that’s a moot point. I actually think MOST of her choices would make her a better world citizen (and if you include Astronomy, an other-worldly citizen). There are few bigger problems looming out there than resistent bacteria (so Microbiology would be relevant - but maybe a little dry.) The function and workings of the human body? The beauty of the universe?</p>
<p>Forensic science is usually just for fun, but if she likes mysteries or “Dexter” - it could work.</p>
<p>Since she’s not interested and just has to take something to check off that 4th science block, tell her to take whichever one has the reputation the most “painless” of the choices. </p>
<p>When he was a senior, S2 took an honors earth science class that was most often taken by freshmen and sophs. He was not the only senior in the class though. He had taken basically the same class in 8th grade but it had a different name. It was easy for him, fit the time slot he needed to fill in his schedule, got the extra gpa point for honors and gave him one less class to have to worry about while he juggled a dual enrollment class at the CC, a part-time job and varsity football practice for 3 hours after school every day.</p>
<p>He too knew that a STEM major was not in his future. He took two more required science courses in college.</p>
<p>Forensic science was what interested her most, but she’s talked to students in the class and they say that the teacher has been able to make it extraordinarily dull. </p>
<p>I guess I sympathsize with her so much because I never had an interesting science teacher, not in middle school, not in HS nor in college. They were all out of Central Casting…Soft Spoken Spinster with a Mean Streak, Man with Thick Glasses who Mumbled as he Faced the Chalkboard, College Prof Whose Lecture Consisted of Reading His Notes Aloud, etc. When I think about Science - heck, it’s how everything in the universe works! - it’s amazing that so many teachers are able to make it so dull.</p>
<p>PackMom, there are no Earth Science classes. (There is AP Environmental.) Amazingly (for Texas), no Geology (not that she would be interested.) </p>
<p>She would be very interested in Nutition/Food Science, if offered…but it’s not.</p>
<p>At least with astronomy, you can point out constellations, etc to your own children, check out meteor showers and so on. S is taking astronomy in college now and raves about it-maybe dragging him outside when he was younger was worth it, not to mention fighting off mosquitoes. </p>
<p>Maybe your D should list the science courses in order of preference and make comparisons.</p>
<p>Honestly, I cannot make the case for every student. In fact, our state just moved away from this requirement.</p>
<p>The move is VERY controversial, and it remains to be seen what the impact will be on college readiness. My guess is that most students who want to go to college will stick to the 4 X 4 plan which the also called the “Distinguished Plan”. I believe it’s still going to be the plan that Texas colleges recognize as the course of study providing the most rigor and coming the closest to ensuring college readiness.</p>
<p>However, if a student is looking for trade school or vocational training, the alternate programs will be right on for them.</p>
<p>I think the alternative to the 4 X 4 is needed, but I still think the distiguished plan (4 X 4) should be encouraged. I think 4 years of science better prepares a kid for what will be expected in college. </p>
<p>My D had credit for college chemistry, but needed another credit upon entering college. She didn’t need anything terribly heavy, just something (Introduction to Astronomy). Chances are, most students will have to take SOME science in college. Besides, it’s good for you. Teaches you how the world works, how things work, what makes it all happen. It’s just a good part of a standard core curriculum.</p>
<p>Amen, sister! It’s almost like they TRY to make it boring and incomprehensible!</p>
<p>And I say this as someone who is one class away from my student teaching - to become a chemistry teacher. I really want to make chemistry more fun for those who hate science.</p>
<p>Signed, Soft-Spoken Spinster with a Mean Streak (I mean, if those are my only choices…)</p>
<p>Does the school offer Independent Study? (Almost all do for seniors). What if she made up her own class such as Scientific Writing (not a bad skill to have). Our students are also allowed to take classes at local CC which could be an option.</p>
<p>It looks like 3 will be required. 4 if they want to remain on the “distinguished plan”. Here’s the link to the text if you want to wade through it. I, frankly, don’t have the energy. My kid’s a SENIOR this year, so it won’t affect her at all. :D</p>
<p>My daughter’s HS offered other options for the fourth year of science besides AP - the kids could take two six month science electives - thinks like marine biology or ecology.
I know that people look down on it - by my daughter loved AP environmental science - especially since it covered such a broad range of topics.</p>