A growing number of Canadian teens enjoy science, but few of them are interested in continuing their studies beyond high school, according to a new report.

Let's Talk Science and Amgen Canada report that, while there is a growing appreciation among students for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), there is limited interest in studying the subjects at a post-secondary level, or pursuing a STEM-related career.

The report surveyed 818 Canadian students between the ages of 13 to 17 last May. It found the following:

  • 72 per cent of students think science is fun (compared to 34 per cent in 2010);
  • 78 per cent think STEM offers many career options;
  • 74 per cent think STEM is important for adult life;
  • Only 22 per cent of students express a lot of interest in pursuing science at the post-secondary level;
  • Only 12 per cent of students are very interested in working in science related jobs.

Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, president of Let's Talk Science, said her organization is "thrilled" to see the interest level in the STEM subjects increasing, but more needs to be done to hold that fascination as they get older.

Schmidt told CTV's Canada AM that students' interest in the STEM subjects appear to decline as they age. For example, the study found that 79 per cent of students at the age of 13 say science is fun, but by the end of high school only 68 per cent of students say the same.

"Overall, more young people seem to think (the subjects) are fun, they're just not staying with it," she said.

The study notes that many of the students were reluctant to further their education in STEM because they felt like their grades weren't good enough and the subjects are too hard.

Students also had misperceptions about how STEM learning translated into the workforce. For example, students are more likely to associate engineering jobs with machinery than with problem solving, the study found.

Schmidt said abandoning STEM learning at a young age can result in missed career opportunities, as STEM graduates will be highly employable over the next two decades.

The report includes a list of recommendations for parents, educators, industry and governments to help change students' attitudes towards science learning.

The recommendations include:

  • Having parents talk to their children about the importance of studying STEM subjects;
  • Helping students make the connections between the sciences taught in school and everyday life;
  • Educating students on what types of STEM-related careers exist;
  • Creating STEM-learning programs that ensure students are prepared for academic and workplace success.

The report notes that Canadian teens have much of the necessary "foundation" to pursue STEM-related post-secondary education and careers, they just need better guidance.

"If these beliefs can be nurtured by educators, parents and other societal influences, then students will find a bigger world of opportunities ahead, for their well-being and for Canada's," the report says.

And one of the best ways for parents to get started is by speaking with their children, Schmidt said.

"Parental influence remains the most positive force for young people in their decisions at high school and at post-secondary. And if parents don't have those conversations, what a missed opportunity," she said.