#1328 Choice of Subjects

The lack of interest among adolescents in school science courses is a complex issue, but two [1] are particularly critical. Contemporary students live in a culture that increasingly emphasizes self-reflection and autonomy, and the range of subjects they are [2] with is far broader than in the past. Adolescence is a key period for the formation of identity, and ample evidence shows that the way subject choices contribute to one's sense of self—particularly in how they reflect personal [3] —is crucial for young people. Specifically, science curricula need to more clearly demonstrate the career pathways that science can offer—both within scientific fields and in science-related professions—and articulate [4] these careers are valuable, meaningful, and rewarding.