HOUSTON -- It is rather unusual to see students laughing and having fun during math and science. But that is the new strategy teachers around the Houston area are adopting, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Tuesday.

Big companies such as ExxonMobil are pushing school districts to make their math and science classes more exciting in order for students to be motivated to liking the complicated subjects.

"We need more engineers, scientists and doctors in the world. We are counting on these kids," said an ExxonMobil spokesman.

Whether it is building a raft out of foil and straws to measure its density or following instructions to build a windmill, the idea is for students to develop their skills to apply them in the competitive work force.

Experts said it does not matter what you want to do when you grow up, you will always encounter math and science, one way or another.

"We have this generation of kids that like technology, but it's like eating an egg sandwich and not knowing where the egg came from," said Tom Luce, CEO for National Math and Science. "The way to change that is by changing the way we teach it."

"You have to involve students and make sure they reflect on all their experiments and hypothesis," said Susan Williams with Teach Houston.

Education experts said students lose interest in math and science after the fourth grade.

Companies such as ExxonMobil and new teaching strategies are hoping that having fun along the way will change that trend.

For more information, visit www.nationalmathandscience.org.