Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 April 2011
Education research strongly indicates that students make decisions in their mid- to late adolescence that impact the general direction of their careers, including choices about pursuing studies in science and mathematics. Educators can play an important role in these student career choices. By creating and implementing teacher professional development programs that increase teachers’ awareness/understanding of materials science and providing materials science-based classroom materials, researchers can take concrete actions toward improving the number and quality of students entering materials science and engineering departments as undergraduate students. No matter where you live or work throughout the world, there is a school nearby and abundant opportunities for researchers to make a difference in K–12 science education.