Increase Student Interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

The National Science Board reports that American students score low internationally in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  The Edutopia Poll, by Sara Bernard, suggests that the reason for this is simply a lack of interest.  She addresses the possible solutions to this problem.  One option is to illustrate how these subjects correlate to many different careers in hope of inspiring students to become interested.  Another option is to prepare teachers with more exciting lessons in these areas.  The thought process here is that more engaging activities will lead to greater interest and achievement.  A combination of these methods could also be used.  However, some feel that neither of these options will work because teachers don't have the time and have too many other issues to deal with in the classroom.  I think administration is the key here.  They need to provide the time and training for the teachers to be able to interest students in these subject areas.