Category Archives: Analysis/Commentary

Why are science FCAT scores low?

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Brandon Haught

Low science FCAT scores (see previous post) were mentioned in many news stories yesterday and today, and a few even made that element the story’s hook. (“But scientists they are not.”) There is no in-depth analysis of the problem, though, that … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis/Commentary, In the Classroom | 2 Comments

2007 science FCAT scores

Posted on May 23, 2007 by Brandon Haught

Florida’s science FCAT scores were released today. For those who don’t know, the FCAT is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test given annually to all Florida public school children in grades 3 through 11. The FCAT is supposed to measure what … Continue reading →

Posted in Alert, Analysis/Commentary, In the Classroom, In the News, Our Science Standards | 1 Comment

That’s not how I read it.

Posted on May 3, 2007 by Brandon Haught

The subject of yesterday’s post on loosening of control on school districts by the state attracted the attention of none other than the Evolution News & Views blog. Crowther takes the same quote I did from the story to comment … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis/Commentary, In the News | Comments Off on That’s not how I read it.

Perspective on science fairs

Posted on April 19, 2007 by Brandon Haught

I’ve posted here before about stories lamenting the decline in science fair participation. A retired professor has a different perspective on what’s going on at science fairs and just how useful they are (or not). My experience has been that many … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis/Commentary, In the Classroom | Comments Off on Perspective on science fairs

Another poll

Posted on April 7, 2007 by Brandon Haught

Yet another poll, this most recent one by Newsweek, shows a lack of support/understanding for real-life, established science. Questions 12 and 13 ask the tired old questions of evolution. Personally, I’m tired of these polls as they don’t tell us … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis/Commentary, In the News | 2 Comments

Get outside, learn some science

Posted on March 13, 2007 by Brandon Haught

I like what Mr. Palmer has to say here about getting kids outside to explore their world. And, of course, I like how he promotes science learning. The recent groundbreaking for Polk’s Nature Discovery Center, the new environmental education center … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis/Commentary, Science in Action | Comments Off on Get outside, learn some science

Interview with Wesley Elsberry

Posted on February 25, 2007 by Brandon Haught

I had written a college paper on the subject of introducing intelligent design into the public school classroom. For that paper I had to do some primary research, which involved either an interview with a subject expert or a survey. … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis/Commentary, beekay's college | 5 Comments

LTE: Florida, nation need to improve science education

Posted on February 12, 2007 by Brandon Haught

One of our board members, Jonathan Smith, had a letter to the editor published. Here it is for your enjoyment: The editorial Saturday, “Shortchanging Science,” comes as no great surprise to those of us who are actively involved in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis/Commentary | Comments Off on LTE: Florida, nation need to improve science education