Many countries worldwide have registered the growing trend for students to choose humanities over sciences both at a school and university level. There is a common misconception that humanities are "easier" to pass. Today's most wanted jobs are also mostly related to the humanities - media, PR, politics, business.
Make pupils and students want to study sciences by injecting a touch of creativity in your lesson plans.
Science and related subjects such as Biology, Physics, and Chemistry can be among the most exciting to learn and teach at school. That's provided you bust some age-old stereotypes, and are willing to try new things.
Most people associate science classes with being plonked on a chair wearing a white lab coat, being paired up with your number one enemy, and having to carry out rat dissections, mixing potions, and causing the occasional explosion.
Recently, the award-winning comedy series "Community College" featured yet another laughable experiment that most people have had to endure at far too late a stage in their education - growing a yam in a jar. This may be a great activity for children at a kindergarten and primary level, but certainly won't impress older students so be warned. It's time to get creative!
Science projects should be so much more than just putting two drops of one liquid into another and waiting to see the reaction, with one lab partner doing all the work and the other taking notes. In the 21st century, science projects and experiments have so much scope to be really captivating, hands-on experiences, building and creating structures and fully functional devices such as solar cookers and fruit batteries. These are fantastic ways of teaching children and teenagers about how the world has changed, and increasing their awareness of sustainable resources such as solar energy.
Many of these activities are best done or can only be done outdoors so the spring and early autumn months are best. Try to plan the syllabus accordingly.
Fortunately, with a bit of creativity, and the increasing availability of the internet, many science projects can also be carried out indoors.
Teaching resource websites provide interactive activities like building your own star, testing air resistance, and designing your own seismographs. These can be done both outdoors and indoors so are perfect for chillier times of year.
A noticeably enthusiastic teacher is much more likely to get kids interested in learning science. Practical activities will be fun for everyone, and informative.