Math + Science = Success campaign rolling out for public

A two-year public awareness campaign that aims to convince parents that science and math classes are crucial is about to make its television debut on television.

The Math + Science = Success campaign by the Carnegie Science Center, the Math & Science Collaborative, FedEx Ground, and WTAE includes online resources for parents, teachers and kids, public service messages on WTAE television and events at Carnegie Science Center.

“Parents are not always aware of the career opportunities available to their kids” if the children get math and science training, says Ann Metzger, co-director of the Carnegie Science Center. Fear of math and science “can limit a child’s opportunity as he or she gets into the higher grades … and will pay off in the end in perhaps college, or careers that don’t necessarily involve college” — or just in being informed, she adds.

One PSA, rolling out now, portrays kids saying to parents, “If you make me take math and science, I may not thank you now, but one day I will.” Another features scientists working in the field:

Next up for the campaign is a series of Web materials as well as the first event for kids and parents at the Carnegie Science Center.

“We’re looking at ways to extend the campaign into the community,” says Metzger. Before the campaign, WTAE surveyed parental attitudes about the importance of math and science. If they repeat the research after the campaign, she says, “we’ll be able to see if we’ve really moved the needle.”

Writer: Marty Levine

Source: Ann Metzger, Carnegie Science Center