CompuServe Messages

Tom, A very good response, and who could possibly disagree with your reasoning. But, to what extent do we need to emphasize this scientific training? I don't need 3+yrs of calculus or a math degree to: >> "The important thing in math is to teach an awareness of manipulation of numbers, so when these students grow up and become decision making adults, they can understand what a trillion dollar budget is, what compound interest means, how to balance a checkbook, how to make a monthly budget, whether 16 ounces of peas at 55 cents is a better or worse deal than 12 ounces for 35 cents…<< Don't get me wrong, I love the sciences and agree we need to emphasize it more in the grade schools; however, I realistically do not need 3+ years of calculus/chemistry, and physics to be a success in this world. Not everybody has the same curiousity about how this world works(and I think this is also a sad fact). I get frustrated because from what I have seen after being in college for 5yrs is professors deliberatly trying to weed out students to the point of frustration. Many students have the desire to persue the sciences, but aren't given the chance and get fed up at some point and quit. And sure, maybe a lot of them don't have the tenacity, but I believe more is involved. It's appears that for the greater part you have to be in the top 5% before you can be accepted or get anywhere. I also remember posting a question in the Physics forum about a year ago in regards to job possibilities and careers in physics, and your response, like others, dealt with the lack of opportunity available in that field. So I continue to search, but I must inevitably follow my own instincts regardless of the outcome. Thanks for your response, and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!! gary