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Science education has a rich history, the most important of which has taken place over the past 50 years. During the past five decades many nationally recognized programs have been developed for grades K-12 along with a large number of science teacher enhancement programs that have been conducted across the nation. In addition, a plethora of innovative instructional materials that have been produced to improve science teaching. Further, the profession has amassed a large body of informative research on teaching and learning science.

There are great challenges in science education, though. In the greater Houston metropolitan area, school populations have grown to the point where districts are struggling to provide classroom space and qualified teachers for their students. The cultural and economic diversity of school-aged children varies widely. Many along the Gulf Coast region of Texas are mobile and switch schools frequently. All of these students need to learn about science and technology in order to function as useful citizens and to understand the natural, mechanical, and electronic world in which they live.

A common goal for Science Education has been to produce a scientifically literate society, which necessitates the preparation of educators who can make this outcome a reality. Achievement of this aim requires a critical mass of individuals with: (a) an understanding of the nature of science, (b) an in-depth knowledge of science content, (c) proficiency with many pedagogical skills, (d) an understanding of inquiry-bases instruction, and (e) a scholarly dedication to research. Facility with these competencies is necessary for the advancement of the field through dynamic research, writing, and teaching.