Abstract :

The need for more and better education for students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields has been nationally proclaimed in the United States for years. I will describe the work we have done in Missouri to change students' science course-taking, while, at the same time, make this so-called "tough" science course effective and palatable. This process has led us to change the way we teach physics content in high school to a hands-on discussion-oriented method. This method removes the teacher from the role of being the sage on the stage, and places discovery in the hands of the student.