A School Trip From Bermuda Takes a Science Tour of Orlando

Often teachers will approach me with a general idea for a trip to a certain destination. I work closely with educators to customize tours that reflect their curriculum and provide fun and interesting sites on the itinerary.

Heather Stevens is school Coordinator for Overseas Educational Tours. She is a Para Educator for pre-kindergarten through fifth graders at Purvis Primary school in Bermuda. She needed guidance and ideas for an educational trip to Orlando. Stevens wanted her students to visit Walt Disney World, and engage in the study of science.

Walt Disney World in Florida has some excellent science-focused educational programs in their Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.). There are some specific programs geared towards the science student: Synergy in Science (Epcot Center), Wild by Nature (Animal Kingdom), Seaworld Education Program and Physics - Energy & Waves (Magic Kingdom). Disney World exhibits are used as examples of the direct application of technology and science. This hands on learning experience is fun and educational for students.

$250 Million Effort Illustrates Need For Better Science Education

Recently, the President announced several new public-private collaborations that would make investments of more than $250 million to help train more than 10,000 new math and science instructors and provide additional training to more than 100,000 existing teachers. There is a determined push to employ teachers who can assertively and enthusiastically educate in the area of science.

"Passionate educators with deep content expertise can make all the difference," President Obama stated in a prepared speech, "enabling hands-on learning that truly engages students -- including girls and underrepresented minorities -- and preparing them to tackle the 'grand challenges' of the 21st century such as increasing energy independence, improving people's health, protecting the environment and strengthening national security."

American students' rankings in science continue to plummet compared to various other nations, which does not bode well for our ability to innovate and compete in the future. All of this points out that our educational institutions are still failing to properly educate kids in the science and math they will need to be successful in their adult professions. There is a need to use engaging science materials at an early age, particularly for those who educate privately or at home.