EDUCATION
New Text Paul Berry (left), Carbide research chemist, shows D . Mayfield West ( right ), chemistry professor at Sissonville High School, some of the equip ment Mayfield will use during his sum mer's employment with Carbide as part of a local ACS edu cation program
J. Y. Ibbotson's job with Sο conyVacuum's affiliate, Magnolia Petroleum, brought him up-todate on new labora tory equipment and practice
In Sun Oil's automo tive lab, science teacher Dick Smith (left) explores an unfamiliar field of experimental re search as he studies the effect of differ ent fuels and lubri cants on engine wear
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JOHN H . WOODBURN Assistant Executive Secretary, National Science Teachers Association, 1201 16th % N.W.r Washington, D . C
Is i t good to hire t-ea chers i n science-related jobs during the summer? Should teachers b e encouraged t o seek such jobs? Are there problems? Do the values justify t h e risks? The Future Scientists o f America Foundafion of the National Science Teachers Association, the American Chemical So ciety, and other professional groups think the question is worth studying
/-TpHREE YEABS ago a loeal section of -•• the ACS explored t h e possibility of science-related s u m m e r j o b s for teach ers in i t s locality. T h e exploration p r o duced no positive results at that time. I n the short time that has elapsed since then, definite changes h a v e occurred. Inquiries directed t o t l i e 44 firms which have supported the F u t u r e Scientists of America Foundation re vealed that 2 2 of them h a v e hired o n e or m o r e science t e a c h e r s during re cent summers. T h e experiences of these firms and local sections of t h e ACS indicate that t h e practice holds values. Consider first the possible values to t h e employing company. O n e value as stated b>y E. A . Paul of t h e Crown Zellerbach Corp. is " t h e advantage of b e i n g a b l e to employ men for vacation relief who ^svill not b e returned to the r a n k s of unem ployed in t h e fall." Another employer puts i t this w a y , "They filled i n during the vacation period w h e n extra hands are needed and their separation at t h e end of the summer fitted their plans and ours." Similar opinions are ex pressed by G. M. Brarnann o f OlinMathieson Chemical a n d L. S. Ώall of the Ford Motor Co. E. N. Rosenquist of Monsanto reports t h a t the employ ment of a h i g h school chemistry teacher has enabled t h e analytical section in
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the D a y t o n plant "to k e e p up with, s c h e d u l e d e s p i t e v a c a t i o n s o f the r e g u lar personnel." A s e c o n d v a l u e is t h e s i m p l e fact that the t e a c h e r s g e t work done. Q u o t ing H. A . W . K i d d of S o c o n y - V a c u u m . , "Most o f this w o r k w o u l d not h a v e b e e n d o n e at this t i m e w i t h o u t their assistance, or i t w o u l d h a v e b e e n p e r formed b y regular p e r s o n n e l at s o m e sacrifice of their regularly a s s i g n e d duties." H o w e v e r , not all c o m p a n i e s agree a b o u t this. Q u o t i n g J. B. A u s t i n of U n i t e d States Steel, " Q u i t e frankly, s u m m e r e m p l o y e e s in a research l a b o ratory a r e rarely e f f e c t i v e until t h e last f e w w e e k s of their stay -when t h e y h a v e acquired s o m e e x p e r i e n c e and b a c k ground. For this r e a s o n , it is difficult to p a y t h e m e n o u g h t o m a k e t h e joh> as attractive as s o m e o t h e r t y p e s o f summer e m p l o y m e n t . " R. L . W i l s o n of T i m k e n Roller B e a r i n g reports similar e x p e r i e n c e . Teachers Pay Their W a y Let's return to t h e p o s i t i v e s i d e o f this question. John C. S a n d e r s o f B o e ing says, "The teachers p a y their w a y / ' E. A. P a u l says, "Teachers of c o u r s e earn their p a y . " John A. Jones o f W e i r t o n Steel says, " W e g e t v a l u e r e c e i v e d s i n c e w e find t h a t t h e t e a c h e r s are very w i l l i n g a n d c a p a b l e , a n d t h e y do a fine job w h e r e v e r t h e y a r e e m p l o y e d . " L. A . W e t l a u f e r o f D u P o n t says, "Our p e o p l e f e e l p r e t t y g e n e r a l l y that t h e s c i e n c e t e a c h e r s h a v e earned, the salaries t h e y h a v e b e e n p a i d . " J . Harold P e r r i n e of S u n Oil, V . H . L u d w i g of Gulf Oil, a n d N e l s o n R. B l d r e d of Carbide & Carbon C h e m i c a l s r e port a b o u t t h e s a m e d e g r e e of p o s i t i v e experiences. L . S. D a l i b e l i e v e s t h a t "industry h a s the possibility of r e c e i v i n g n e w i d e a s / ' (Presumably, good ones.) E. R. P e o p l e s of N a t i o n a l L e a d w a s i m pressed b y h o w little t i m e it t o o k t o break i n one o f Atlanta's science t e a c h ers. "Mr. Jones h i t it right of! w i t h h i s associates a n d in less t h a n t w o d a y s w e scarcely l o o k e d on him as a n e w employee/' A n i n t e r e s t i n g a n g l e is a d d e d b y J. C . K a n e of t h e C o r n e l l Aeronautical L a b o r a t o r y . K a n e r e p o r t s , The departments in which they w o r k e d felt that these employees proved valuable to C. A. L. For example, o n e man w a s
employed a s a draftsman but actually began work on preparation of a work manual for tradesman mechanics and, even t h o u g h his job ended and he went back t o school, he has been retained on a consulting basis to continue with the preparation of the manual. Companies Use Special Skills That A r e a Teacher's Stock in Trade O t h e r c o m p a n i e s find definite opport u n i t i e s to use the special skills that a r e a teacher's stock in trade. Monsanto, for e x a m p l e , uses t h e s e skills in h a v i n g teachers p r o d u c e instruction sheets for certain processes or e q u i p ment. A g e n e r a l i z e d s u m m a r y of opinions o n this q u e s t i o n w o u l d risk d e a l i n g u n fairly w i t h individual teachers in m a n y industries. K. L . Godfrey of M o n s a n t o does, h o w e v e r , attempt such a s u m mary. Q u o t i n g him, Does industry get value received in one w a y o r another from hiring teachers in the summer? I am glad 'one w a y or another' i s included in the question, for as regards on-the-job services rendered for wages received the answer is probably 'no/ This is understandable; many of t h e teachers have been engaged for years in elementary instruction in inorganic chemistry; naturally their knowledge of t h e more advanced technology required in much of the chemical industry is rusty or forgotten. Should an employer attempt t o g e t his money's worth in direct services, he can only place the teacher in a position w h e r e a simple routine can b e quickly learned and practiced during the f e w weeks the teacher is o n the job. But this completely misses the whole point of t h e program. The essential purpose of summer employment is to broaden the teacher's knowledge and appreciation of what i s involved in becoming a useful professional scientist, of what is expected and required of a qualified graduate chemist. Therefore, if the teacher is to receive t h e full measure of benefit, the period of employment must b e one of instniction and learning, of maximum exposure to t h e various phases of industrial practice in the short time available. This requires of the employer a measure of altruism and philanthropy. But the rewards of better teaching and counseling, of improved community relations, of greater student interest in the sciences are real enough, and even though projected on t h e future are understood and appreciated b y those with t h e long view. Godfrey's last s e n t e n c e i n c l u d e s t h e
Jo&n H. Woodburn, Assistant Executive Secretary of The National Science Teachers Association, d e v o t e s his time t o the program of t h e Future Scientists o f America Foundation. His work with the F S A F keeps him constantly o n t h e alert for action that w i l l help science teachers improve their teaching a n d t h u s e n courage more young people to look toward engineering, scientific, and technical careers. He also holds appointments as part-time lecturer in education at George Washington and Johns Hopkins Universities.
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1955
final values w h i c h m a y c o m e from hiring teachers in s u m m e r jobs. His i d e a s appear i n t h e reports of many i n d u s tries. Specifically, Carbide expects, in t h e long run, to gain scientists from the b o y s a n d girls w h o a r e now taki n g h i g h school s c i e n c e courses from teachers w h o g a i n e d a d d e d respect for Carbide and a d d e d enthusiasm from their s u m m e r jobs. N o w let's look at t h e values w h i c h teachers get from science-related s u m mer jobs. Before d o i n g s o , h o w e v e r , consider this s t a t e m e n t of J. B. Austin's. H e says, " W e are quite willi n g to take on a h i g h school t e a c h e r or t w o for the s u m m e r i n order t o give them more experience provided they show some enthusiasm for this type of work." T h e italics have b e e n a d d e d t o e m p h a s i z e a fact which m a y b e buried in the quotations which foll o w . K e e p it in m i n d . Teachers' Confidence Is Built U p By Summer Employment Teachers w e l c o m e genuine, practical, a n d realistic identification w i t h t h e scientific enterprise. Benjamin J. N o v a k w h o worked for the A t l a n t i c Refining Co. says h e g a i n e d "the extra confidence that c o m e s from h a v i n g w o r k e d w i t h t h e full-time scientists." J. Y. Ibbotson w h o w o r k e d in trie field research labs of Socony-Vacuum's affiliated M a g n o l i a Petroleum C o . a p p r e c i a t e d "the opportunity of w o r k i n g w i t h s u c h a collection of scientists. ( T h i s is the first t i m e I had e v e r sat at a table and discussed a c o m m o n problem w i t h P h . D / s in mathematics, chemistry, electronics, and acoustics.)" T h i s i d e a is i n v o l v e d in two o f five points m a d e b y Morris Grodsky w h o w a s e m p l o y e d b y the medical c e n t e r of t h e University of California. G r o d s k y says, The teacher can feel as though h e is a legitimate member of the scientific fraternity. ( A thing about which, as a teacher, he may have considerable doubt. ) Association with people who are in t h e forefront of science and the opportunity to meet the men who are doing the things you may end up talking about in class is important, but you also have the opportunity oi: being one of these men. A related v a l u e w a s identified b y I b b o t s o n w h e n h e reported that "This w a s the first t i m e I h a d s e e n the scientific m e t h o d of i n v e s t i g a t i o n of a probl e m in industry p r o p e r l y a p p l i e d / * Frank C . Zeichner, employed b y t h e Institute of Cooperative Research at t h e Johns H o p k i n s University, s a y s h e g a i n e d "some i d e a o f research t e c h niques a n d t h e gathering of data." G e o r g e W . Conklin, whose s u m m e r job found Jiini conducting tours t h r o u g h a r e c o n d i t i o n e d gold m i n e , v a l u e d his "closer contact with t h e less professional m a n a n d increased appre621
EDUCATION dation of the world's needs for the common laborer. T h e teacher soon learns from the laborer that all knowledge cannot be adequately expressed in books and that first hand experience is t h e best source of knowledge." Elements of this point of view were also expressed b y Bayard Buckham, employed by Yosemite National Park, John Sidun, employed by Allied Chemical and Dye, and H. M. Louderback, employed by Drumheller Analytical Labs. Louderback adds that many of his new contacts are definitely interested in the schools and, as Novak put it, are "gathering forces to assist him in his efforts." Actual Experience Upgrades Teachers' Training
The upgrading of their training is the value emphasized most in teachers' reports of their summer jobs. Joseph S. Schmuckler, employed by Sun Oil, says, "I have found, as have many others, that I can talk better about those subjects with which I have had real experience than those in which my experiences are strictly academic." Zeichner says, "Helping in the installation of equipment and its servicing helped me see the practical application of scientific principles." Quoting Novak, "The teacher returns to his school from industry with renewed zest. H e realizes that his curriculum is generally on a sound basis, but he has acquired ideas to bring it up-todate and extend its practicability. " Richard Jones of Atlanta, Ga., says, Knowing that I had forgotten a lot of my college chemistry, I was a little hesitant to seek a job in the analytical lab of National Lead. This was soon overcome, however, when I saw how easy it was to learn what I was to do. For example, one of my assignments in the lead oxide department was to sample a batch, vibrate a 1-inch cube full, strike off the surplus, and weigh in order to help control the density of this product. A variety of such "chores" gave me many examples to use in making my teaching more realistic. You should sit in my chemistry and physics classes when we come to the pages in the textbooks that deal with the lead storage battery! I n her report to Monsanto, Rosa Craig emphasized the patience with which she was guided through her apprenticeship. She says, "I was a f r a i d but I was instructed until, although still awkward, I knew what I was about." A t this point recall what Austin said about teachers' enthusiasm for summer jobs. Could it b e that what Austin and many other potential employers interpret as lack of enthusiasm actually is lack of confidence? Again, is this 622
hesitancy to seek a summer job due to an exaggerated idea of what teachers will be called upon to do or how highly trained they will need to be? Do they know how willingly the employer checks them out in new procedures and equipment? A little placement counseling should minimize this hazard. In general, teachers seem to exploit the educational values of even the most routine procedures and yet some of them can go along with projects pretty far out on the frontiers of science and technology. Summer Jobs Aid Counseling a n d Guidance Abilities of Teachers
Summer jobs do wonders for the counseling and guidance abilities of science teachers. Fred T. Pregger says, I certainly do consider myself a better counselor for having held this job. I have a concept of the nature of a highly technical industry, the necessity for research and development, the importance of group work, and the vast machinery and technology required to bring an idea developed in the research laboratory to Fruition in commercial and /or military use. A Detroit teacher, Gerald M. Bees, who worked for the Army engineers, rather colorfully expresses some opinions on this subject: I would not only advise, I would almost wish that summer employment be a requirement for teachers; we tend to live in an unrealistic, school-dominated world. Too many teachers have gone directly from college to teaching, without a real understanding of what the things they are teaching are going to be used for in the outside world. Assuming that the values in hiring teachers outweigh the difficulties, how can potential employers and employees get together? The problem seems to b e one of initiative. For some reason or other, teachers need encouragement before they will approach industrial employers and ask for a summer job. Employers have, in general, given cordial consideration to all applicants but only recently are taking initiative in contacting teachers. As G. T. Halberstadt of Procter and Gamble p u t it: Up until this year our employment of high school science teachers has been on a hit or miss basis. Early last spring, at the invitation of Robert H. Carleton of the National Science Teachers Association, we had lunch with Kenneth Vordenb -g, head of the science program for the Cincinnati schools. The question of employment of science teachers arose. Ï suggested we could use a few teachers who ( 1 ) were interested in teaching and planned to stay in it and ( 2 ) were the kind of men who wanted to improve their teaching standards and who could profit
by some experience in industry. Mr. Vordenberg followed through by referring two men to us. Careful planning goes into Sun Oil's selection of science teachers for summer work. Quoting Harold Perrine: Our initial contacts are with the building superintendents or supervising principals in the districts we serve. These men discuss the matter with building principals who then nominate teachers who they think will be interested and can do an adequate job of carrying the industrial laboratory story back to the youngsters. The teachers are then interviewed. Incidentally, it is made clear in our initial talks with the schools that we consider the teachers ineligible for employment in the fall. Through cooperation with 20 representative trade and professional associations, t h e F u t u r e Scientists of America Foundation distributed 10,000 copies of "Let's Help America's Science Teachers Find Science-Related Jobs." This flier e n c o u r " ^ u both teachers and employers to take the initiative. T h e National Association of Manufacturers and the Detroit Schoolmen's Club are representative examples of national a n d local groups that are helping out. Through its local sections, the ALMERICAN C H E M I C A L SOCIETY has
been active. In his newsletters to education and manpower committee members, B. R. Stanerson often mentions this "meritorious activity." H e also exchanges experiences gained by individual sections. An example is t h e report from the Kanawha Valley Section. This section began with inviting to dinner all chemistry teachers in a 10-county area. Conversation revealed that several wanted summer employment. Local chemical industries were canvassed for available positions. Application forms were prepared and distributed. Eighteen teachers indicated interest, eleven completed applications, and nine were placed in summer jobs. The Delaware Section makes a point of gaining the cooperation of local school administrative officers. The D u Pont and Hercules Powder companies, two of t h e industries that are active in this section, provide job opportunities, placing strong emphasis on assignments which permit them to make tangible contributions and thus gain a sense of achievement. T h e need for active efforts to help science teachers has matured beyond the "let's talk about it" stage. It is reassuring to see that science-related summer jobs provide a kind of action that is effective, has good public relations effects, and requires no special machinery to operate. What are you local science teachers going to do this summer?
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.EDUCATION Young Scientist Wins Essay Prize "Science requires long and detailed studies which extend way after h i g h school. Colleges a r e expensive, t h e r e fore I must and will save not only dimes b u t every penny to build u p a saving account which with, interests may d e fray the expenses o£ college researches. T h e small amounts I can save now do not discourage me, because I k n o w they will eventually accrue t o a size able sum." These are the words of Peter L e Nard, named winner of t h e first weeklycontest of essays on savings, sponsored by the First Federal Savings and L o a n Association of Washington, 610 13th St. Peter is 12 years old a n d a sixthgrader at Bancroft School. He w a s awarded $25 in t h e Hans Christian Andersen Essay Contest. H e also has a chance to win the 10-week contest's grand prize, an expense-free trip w i t h a parent to Denmaxk. Peter's first scientific love is chemis try; his second, botany. Bom in B u d a pest, Hungary, and now a staunch American boy who admits to liking school, Peter also h a s a high regard for scouting. H e has been a full fledged scout for a year, after serving one and a half years training as a Cub Scout. Peter's economic sense has been in stilled by his father, Leslie LeNard, w h o came to his adopted country with his wife and two children, a few short years ago, after having h a d his family estate confiscated by the Hungarian Govern ment. A professional man with jT ee doctor's degrees, L e N a r d is equally at home in law, political science, or agri culture. Hence Peter has every assur ance of sympathetic guidance in his scientific ambitions. Education of Women Engineers a t Snail's Pace A shortage of technically-trained American women today was given as one of the reasons w h y t h e U n i t e d States is losing its scientific m a n p o w e r advantage to the Soviet Union. John T. Rettaliata, president of Illi nois Institute of Technology, says t h a t education of women in engineering has been progressing a t a "snail's p a c e " when compared with Russia, where a n estimated 2 5 % of? the engineers are women. In this country, less than 1% of t h e approximately 500,000 engineers are females. T h e number of Russian engi neers of both sexes is estimated at about 100,000 fewer than t h e Ameri can total, but, Rettaliata added, in t h e last four years the Soviet Union has graduated about 154,000 engineers, VOLUME
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compared with only 116,000 here. Last year's engineering graduates from American colleges a n d universities were put at only about 20,000, against 54,000 for the Russian institutions. Commenting on women's opportuni ties in technical occupations, Rettaliata says the scope and variety of work of fered in engineering is almost limitless. T h e r e is an engineering position suited to almost every temperament, talent, and taste. H e said that most young women probably are not aware that about 75% of all engineers are in administra tion, management, design, research, and development, and that t h e mi nority remainder are employed in manufacturing, production, construc tion, or other operating functions.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technol o g y is establishing a new type of "double major" course in which under graduates may combine studies in sci ence or engineering with humanities and social sciences. It will be possible for a student to obtain a bachelor of science degree by qualifying in both liberal arts a n d tech nological fields. The new plan of study will be open to freshmen enter ing M I T next fall. Students choosing the course will not only be required to take two years of calculus a n d two years of physics, as are all M I T un dergraduates, but will do advanced work at once in technological subjects and in the humanities and social sci ences. • Norelco
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1955
Hillside, New Jersey
School
• Adelpfv College's evening division has a new program leading to the bachelor of science degree in general studies. Twelve science concentration courses will b e offered with t h e pro gram. They may b e selected from the fields of biology, chemistry, mathe matics, and physics. 14,
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will hold its 20th session at t h e plant of North American Philips, Ν. Υ., dur ing t h e week of April 4 to 8. • Massachusetts Institute of Technol o g y is offering a n intensive program in infrared spectroscopy from July 18 to July 29 during the 1955 summer session. It will consist of t w o inte grated one-week courses, one on the Technique of Infrared Spectroscopy (July 18 to July 2 2 ) a n d the other on the Applications of Infrared Spectrosco P y (July 2 5 to July 29) under the direction of Richard C. Lord, director of the spectroscopy laboratory a t MIT, and Foil A. Miller, in charge of the spectroscopy laboratory at the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research.
FEBRUARY
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