A Possible Solution to the Shortage of Scientists

Abstract

An operations-research approach to the problem of the growing shortage of scientists is described. Of the many factors contributing to the shortage, the one chosen for pilot experiment concerns the high-school students' interest in and attitude toward science. High school students were given an opportunity to observe scientists at work, get to know scientists and how they think, and actually to complete an operations-research study. Although the success of the program, in terms of its ultimate aim to motivate students toward a science career, cannot be measured for many years, certain qualitative evaluations can be made in terms of changing student attitude, educational advantage, and the research product.