Fear and Loathing in Science Education
Abstract
An appreciation of science is essential to a student's perspective on life. Science
educators today must be aware that stimulating an interest for science in students is
important for helping them succeed in an increasingly technological society and job
market. A good background in science education is also important for promoting public
support and understanding of the scientific community. Throughout my student teaching
internship I attempted to assimilate certain inquiry-based activities into projects that
would provide my high school biology students with opportunities to experience science
as a process. Experiencing science through active learning can help students overcome
their ignorance of science and the methods by which scientists operate. I encountered
strong levels of resistance and anxiety from my students in the course of their projects. I
discovered that science anxiety is a widespread problem with a variety of sources and that
it adversely affects how well science educators prepare today's children to be the citizens
of tomorrow.