On generating scientific maturity [engineering education]

In order for the United States to better prepare its citizens for the future, that is to enable them to scientifically mature, the members of the mathematical sciences must try to de-mystify science at the earliest possible level of education. The proposal is to foster understanding of science using digital electronics. Boolean logic is essential, useful, and interesting in its own right; it is felt this knowledge needs to be taught at the earliest possible level of mental development. The following paper details how Boolean logic can be taught to children in the 3/sup rd/ grade, and subsequently used to generate scientific sophistication through to the 12/sup th/. Teacher preparedness, as well as the issue of digital labs, is also addressed. It is felt that the essence of digital logic, two distinct states, and the ease at which simple digital circuits can be constructed makes this approach ideally suited to educate.