VOA标准英语2015--美国陷入数学危机?

Is America in a Math Crisis? 美国陷入数学危机?

NEW YORK—

It is often said mathematics is a cornerstone of learning.   Communications, computer science, the arts, the Internet, space exploration - all are based on underlying¹ mathematical concepts.  In its most recent international survey, the Programme for International Student Assessment² (PISA) ranked the United States in 27th place for student performance in math.  What are the causes and what is being done about it? 

Mathematics is more than arithmetic.   Scientists, and philosophers throughout history have called it the foundation of all knowledge, and praise its simple beauty.

Yet many Americans seem to have a problem with it.  In a recent survey, one in three Americans admitted that they're not good at math.

Here at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, outside New York City, nationally renowned³ mathematician⁴ and Dean of the School of Education, Albert Posamentier, knows why.

“Elementary school teachers in this country, and Europe as well, are part of that general population and consequently they bring that dislike of mathematics subconsciously⁵, sometimes consciously at other times, to the classroom and as a result the teaching mathematics at the elementary school level lacks motivation, lacks enthusiasm.  The enthusiasm of the teacher  is extremely important in turning kids on to the subject matter," said Posamentier.

Turning kids on to math is the goal of the National Museum of Mathematics in New York City.  It’s a one-of-a-kind museum that resembles a high-tech⁶ playground with more than 30 hands-on attractions.  

MoMath Executive Director, Cindy Lawrence:

“And as a nation we need to get kids more excited about math and about science, technology, and engineering because that’s our productivity, that’s our workforce," said Lawrence.

Every day the museum is filled with busloads of excited schoolchildren and adults.  You can sit on a chair at the center of “Hyper Hyperboloid” surrounded by colored cables that never touch;  or ride a square-wheeled trike or a coaster rolling on giant acorns⁷.

“I learn a lot more than I am learning currently but it's really just a lot of fun to see all the different things that look like just games when they’re actually just math," said Sera.

“It probably makes mathematics seem less scary than a lot of people think it is," said Lew, Sera's grandfather.

“It feels like I just learned something.  It’s like a huge thing for me because I just solved the difficult question," said Kevin.

The goal is to get students used to connecting cool exhibits like robot swarm⁸ with the math that makes them possible.

Dean Posamentier says it is important to remember that America’s relationship with math doesn't keep students away.  More than 800,000 foreign students come here each school year to study the sciences, business, and, of course, mathematics.

1 underlying   

adj.在下面的，含蓄的，潜在的

参考例句：

• The underlying theme of the novel is very serious.小说隐含的主题是十分严肃的。
• This word has its underlying meaning.这个单词有它潜在的含义。

2 assessment   

n.评价；评估；对财产的估价，被估定的金额

参考例句：

• This is a very perceptive assessment of the situation.这是一个对该情况的极富洞察力的评价。
• What is your assessment of the situation?你对时局的看法如何？

3 renowned   

adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的

参考例句：

• He is one of the world's renowned writers.他是世界上知名的作家之一。
• She is renowned for her advocacy of human rights.她以提倡人权而闻名。

4 mathematician   

n.数学家

参考例句：

• The man with his back to the camera is a mathematician.背对着照相机的人是位数学家。
• The mathematician analyzed his figures again.这位数学家再次分析研究了他的这些数字。

5 subconsciously   

ad.下意识地，潜意识地

参考例句：

• In choosing a partner we are subconsciously assessing their evolutionary fitness to be a mother of children or father provider and protector. 在选择伴侣的时候，我们会在潜意识里衡量对方将来是否会是称职的母亲或者父亲，是否会是合格的一家之主。
• Lao Yang thought as he subconsciously tightened his grasp on the rifle. 他下意识地攥紧枪把想。 来自汉英文学 - 散文英译

6 high-tech   

adj.高科技的

参考例句：

• The economy is in the upswing which makes high-tech services in more demand too.经济在蓬勃发展，这就使对高科技服务的需求量也在加大。
• The quest of a cure for disease with high-tech has never ceased. 人们希望运用高科技治疗疾病的追求从未停止过。

7 acorns   

n.橡子，栎实( acorn的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Great oaks from little acorns grow. 万丈高楼平地起。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Welcome to my new website!It may not look much at the moment, but great oaks from little acorns grow! 欢迎来到我的新网站。它现在可能微不足道，不过万丈高楼平地起嘛。 来自《简明英汉词典》

8 swarm   

n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入

参考例句：

• There is a swarm of bees in the tree.这树上有一窝蜜蜂。
• A swarm of ants are moving busily.一群蚂蚁正在忙碌地搬家。