The Importance of Science to Overall Education
There is little disagreement on the value of science and STEM education. Studies reveal that learning science develops knowledge and problem solving skills and boosts critical thinking. Science education is also critical to ensuring students are ready for a global economy. The Department of Labor projected STEM occupations to grow at almost 2x the rate of other jobs.

But did you know that science education also cultivates a passion for learning and benefits other educational disciplines? Walden University published an article entitled “The Importance of Learning Science” which stated “there are individual benefits to learning science, such as developing our ability to ask questions, collect information, organize and test our ideas, solve problems, and apply what we learn.” The article continued to extol the benefits of science education beyond science itself: “Even more, science offers a powerful platform for building confidence, developing communication skills, and making sense of the world around us—a world that is increasingly shaped by science and technology.”

Science fairs combine both of these benefits. NSTA notes that “Science fairs provide students the opportunity to apply scientific processes to problems or questions that interest them.” Additionally, it allows students to get ‘hands on’ with science which is often cited by science teachers as their most important achievement.  

We are proud that WCEF helps fund high quality science instruction from TK-8. Additionally, for high school students that want to pursue science as a possible career, Las Lomas High School offers AP classes across all science disciplines as well as a Medical Careers pathway. These WCEF funded opportunities are critical to developing the next generation of science-conscious thinkers and problem-solvers.
The most important thing to know: Prioritizing Computer Science
Computer science is growing in importance given that technological fluency is core to the way we live and work today. But, not only is computer science critical for today’s workforce, it is also a subject that engages students! A survey published by Code.org revealed that after the arts, Computer Science was one of the subjects students ‘liked the most.’

Unfortunately, EdSource notes that despite California’s leadership in the technology industry, nearly two-thirds of California high schools lack computer science courses, ranking 41st nationally. 

We are fortunate that Las Lomas offers Intro to Computer Science and AP Computer Science. In fact, Las Lomas just released new classes for the 2023-2024 school year and it includes an AP Computer Science Principles class which is open to sophomores as well as upper levels. 
March is Women's History Month!
Celebrating Women’s Progress in and Contribution to Science

Science.org recently published an article called “What does a scientist look like? Children are drawing women more than ever before.” A five-decade study that analyzed over 20,000 pictures drawn by children in the United States and revealed that children are increasingly sketching women. This is especially true of girls; in the past decade, more than half of girls drew women. You can read the article here.

However, despite this progress, women are still under-represented in science/STEM fields. A National Science Foundation report from 2017 noted that women accounted for only 29% of science and engineering professionals, despite making up over 50% of the college-educated workforce.  

Recently, Teach for America asked the question: “What would be the outcome of giving girls the gift of STEM and giving STEM the gift of girls?” The article noted that there was no difference in cognitive abilities between boys and girls in math and science, but “there is a significant difference in the capacity for empathy between genders—it’s higher for females.” This is critical, they noted, because “building empathy is a critical first step of the design thinking process—one frequently used by engineers and scientists to solve complex problems.” Overall, they concluded that “what girls contribute to the STEM field goes beyond diversification. They are capable of driving forward progress in STEM fields through their unique gifts.”

WCEF funding for STEM and science educational opportunities supports all students. This Women’s History month, we are proud to help inspire the next generation of female engineers and scientists.
Fundraising Events
C&T Recycling Event

  • Saturday, March 25
  • 10a-4p
  • WCSD office parking lot
  • Electronics recycling plus document shredding
FORE! Education Golf Tourney

  • Monday, May 8
  • Rossmoor Golf Course
  • Early birdie registration $150
  • Awards, contests, and the 19th Hole Reception...
  • Registration opens March 4
Did You Know?
Become a Citizen Scientist!
Easy consumer access to technology, specifically mobile technology, has led to a rise in citizen science. Citizen science allows regular people to gather, review, and analyze scientific data on everything from wildlife to weather to public health to space. Popular Science notes that “even though they aren’t professional scientists, their work can be incredibly important.”

Kids, in particular, make good citizen scientists. Science News noted “Kids tend to be curious and good at following precise directions.” Kids also benefit greatly from participating in citizen science because “it encourages greater community involvement and helps them build hands-on experience using critical thinking and solving problems in the real world.”

Interested in becoming a citizen scientist? Apps like iNaturalist (free to download) from the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society are a great place to start! Additionally, below is a list websites with additional citizen science projects to check out:

  • CitizenScience.gov: An official government website collecting federally-supported citizen science projects. 
  • SciStarter: A research affiliate of North Carolina State University and Arizona State University, SciStarter is a community of citizen scientists working across thousands of projects. 
  • Zooinverse: An online portal for “people-powered research” allowing anyone to either create a new research project or participate in an existing one. 
  • CitSci.org: Born out of Colorado State University, CitSci.org brings together thousands of volunteer researchers working across more than a thousand projects.

Whatever subjects or initiatives you choose to participate in, Popular Science advocates that becoming a citizen scientist “can help you reconnect with the native curiosity we all had as children, and teach your kids the importance of understanding the world around us.”