I am writing this hours before we know the result of today’s election for President. Some thoughts about science and science education and how they might be affected by the election of John McCain or Barack Obama.

Over the past several months ScienceDebate2008 has not only engaged John McCain and Barack Obama in responding to 14 questions about the importance and significance of science and technology in our society, but they also held a real-time conference at the University of Minnesota.  A few days ago, one of the candidates suggested that he would appoint a cabinet level Chief Technology Officer, a further indication of the significance of science and technology in society.

Although there is a difference between McCain’s and Obama’s views on science and science education, the evidence from the answers each candidate gave to the ScienceDebate2008 14 questions supports the notion that science will fare better than it did under the Bush Administration’s adversarial attitude towards science.

As a science teacher, I am especially interested in not only their views on the nature of science and technology, but how each views the nature of science education.  There was only one question asked that specifically addressed science education.  The question was:

A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th.  What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?

Although I wrote about this question and their responses in an earlier post, it is worth revisiting on election day eve.

McCain, at the beginning of his reponse said:

My Administration will promote economic policies that will spur economic growth and a focus on an innovative economy.  Critical to these efforts is the creation of the best trained, best prepared workforce to drive this economy through the 21st century.  America’s ability to compete in the global market is dependent on the availability of a skilled workforce.  Less than 20 percent of our undergraduate students obtaining degrees in math or science, and the number of computer science majors have fallen by half over the last eight years.  America must address these trends in education and training if it hopes to compete successfully.

At the beginning of his response to the education question, Obama said:

All American citizens need high quality STEM education that inspires them to know more about the world around them, engages them in exploring challenging questions, and involves them in high quality intellectual work. STEM education is no longer only for those pursuing STEM careers; it should enable all citizens to solve problems, collaborate, weigh evidence, and communicate ideas. I will work to ensure that all Americans, including those in traditionally underrepresented groups, have the knowledge and skills they need to engage in society, innovate in our world, and compete in the global economy.

You can read the full answers on the ScienceDebate2008 website, but I think you will find that there are differences in each candidates approach to science education.  McCain talks about basic skills and the importance of science skills to help the country compete globally.  Worthy goals.  Obama seeks to give more importance to STEM education by appointing a STEM Committee within the Office of Science and Technology.

Readers were able to go to the website and vote on how each candidate did on each of the 14 questions.  If you look at the graphic below you can see that there is a real difference in the rating given by the readers.  There were 44 comments made by readers to the education question, and if you take the time to read the comments, you will see a distinct drift to the left.

Grades for Obama and McCain on the ScienceDebate 2008 Education question.

Science education should flourish under either candidates’ administration, certainly better than during the past 8 years.  I think you will find it interesting to examine the candidates answers to questions about science and technology and education.  You will find differences in their responses, and much of this is due to the philosophical differences of the two parties.

How do you think science will be impacted as a result of the election?