Because the old textbook memorization approach isn't working now and never really did. In this world where information and technological advances increase exponentially, students must learn how to incorporate these changes. They do this by learning science experientially through the scientific processes of asking questions, experimenting, analyzing, and testing assumptions. I know, I know, I'm preaching to the choir. But science teachers agree.
Scientists have a particularly important role to play in science education reform.
Teachers believe that working with scientists in person in the classroom offers substantial benefits to both them and their students . Almost all of the teachers feel strongly about exposing students to scientists. It helps students better understand science content and piques their interest, while they become acquainted with scientists as role models and gain solid information on science as a career. Each one of these is important, but I feel particularly strongly about the importance of scientists as strong models. For so many years popular culture has barraged students mainly with images of entertainment and sports figures as career role models.