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AP Classes
Advanced college-level science courses are offered for the first time ever for high-school students. AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics. -
NASA Formed
In 1958, President Eisenhower created NASA in response to the launching of the Soviet satellite Sputnik I, and congress passed the National Defense Education Act which provided $887 million to boost science education -
Kennedy Administration
President Kennedy continued the push and support for innovation following the creation of NASA, leading up to eventually putting a man on the moon
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Epperson v. Arkansas
A Supreme Court case in 1968 ruled that banning the teaching of evolution is unconstitutional, causing Arkansas to change a state law.
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Space Race Ends
Apollo 11 lands on the moon on July 20th, 1969, bring an end to the Space Race and creating inspiration to join the Science field
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1970
Physics for Poets textbook explains physics to non-science majors without using math is published. President Nixon signs the National Environmental Education Act, which creates the Office of Environmental Education which provides grants for curriculum development and teacher training. -
Metric Board
In 1975, Congress created the U.S. Metric Board to help convert America to the metric system, which is used in science classrooms, but the public resisted
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First Science Television Show
In 1980, the first ever science television show for kids, "321 Contact," airs on PBS -
Cuts to Science Education
In 1982, Reagan slashed funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) 70%, and eliminated NSF support for science in schools. -
Reboosting Education.
In 1983, the National Commission on Excellence in Education reports that U.S. schools are "failing to prepare students to compete globally." Ronald Reagan also restored NSF funding for school science programs and created the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching -
Teacher in Space Suspended
After the Challenger disaster, NASA suspended its Teacher in Space program following the death of Christa McAuliffe
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Physics First
The Physics First movement began in 1990 and was a push for physics to be taught in 9th grade to allow for students to learn more advanced biology and chemistry afterwards -
We Have Standards
The National Science Education Standards are created by the National Research Council -
CSI
Interest in forensic science careers and DNA testing increases with television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation -
Focus Goes Elsewhere
The No Child Left Behind Act takes the focus off of science education and forces teachers to focus on math and reading -
The Gathering Storm
The National Academies release a report titled Rising Above the Gathering Storm that says strengthening science and math education is essential for U.S. to prosper in the 21st century, and congress responds with the COMPETES Act but most programs go unfunded. -
Educate to Innovate
President Obama announced the Education to Innovate Initiative to help move U.S. students up in science and math education rankings
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