Sparking scientists
Are you fearful of the chemistry set becomming an endangered species? Did you avidly watch How, Tomorrow's World and Johnny Ball and are wondering who sparks children's curiousity in science today?
An international study known as ROSE (Relevance of Science Education) doesn't look hopeful for the UK's young scientists. It ranks the quality of science teaching in British schools in 14th place, 10 places lower that the last time a similar survey took place in 2000.
We're hoping to talk to Director of Education at the Royal Society and Professor of Science Education Michael Reiss about the study.
But perhaps the internet offers a solution to children's declining interest in science. iPM listener and science communicator, Sharon Colpman, recommended we look at Planet SciCast - a website that makes creative films of science demonstrations.
On Saturday's programme, we'll be speaking to the website's founder Jonathan Sanderson and asking him how the web can help shape the scientists of the future.
Jonathan also suggested his top science links:
Brainpop is great. American, costs money, but crammed with good stuff.
The British Interactive Group is one of the best online resources. It's actually a mailing list which is sort of self-help (therapy?) for people doing informal science education in science centres and beyond.
The Naked Scientist, Physics.org and The Science Museum website (especially the Launchball game) are all fantastic.
I'm also a big fan of Grand Illusions
Email us
Our Twitter
Join our Facebook group
Listen to iPM
Technorati
Google
Ice Rocket
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~52~RS~)
Comments
I have no time for these silly do-gooders who go to work abroad like Mrs Gibbons, when - if they don't like English kids - there are so many Sudanese and other foreigners who they could work with here.
But I wonder if a Chinese teacher would have been treated so badly.
However the response to this nonsense in Sudan is obvious.
We should stop all aid to Sudan
We should freeze all Sudanese assets.
We should deport all Sudanese diplomats: asylum-seekers and immigrants now.
Having heard your interview about science learning, you could substitute the words 'foreign languages' for 'science' because the situation is exactly the same. They arrive at 11, enthusiastic, and this slowly wears thin as adolescence takes hold!
The BBC ruined science programming with its misguided equal ops policies when it took Raymond Baxter off Tomorrow's World and made the face of science some old hausfrau and a succession of soppy boys.
Having heard your interview about science learning, you could substitute the words 'foreign languages' for 'science' because the situation is exactly the same. They arrive at 11, enthusiastic, and this slowly wears thin as adolescence takes hold!
There is a guy in the US who teaches aspects of science as an entertainer. He is exactly that, entertaining. I have seen him in action and he is brilliant. He is self-styled as Dr Planet.
I know he is "over the pond" but I am sure there are some lessons for our teachers in there somewhere.
His website is: http://www.dr-planet.com/ but that doesn't really give you a full insight into his power to excite, interest and stimulate young people.
Steve Hennessy is coming over to the UK in 2008, perhaps the Department of Education, or whatever they are called this week, should host some seminars with him!
Enthusing youngsters about science and maintaining that enthusiasm is vitally important for the future of Science in the UK. That's why we have opened a lab specifically for use by visiting schools groups at the University of Liverpool. Reports of some of our activities are on the Web at http://www.liv.ac.uk/chemistry/Events/SchoolsEvents/Schools_Lab/Schools_Laboratory.html
Thanks for your comments and interesting links.
Listen to the interview with the Director of the Royal Society and Professor of science education, Michael Reiss, who featured in the programme.
I'm interested you feel the situation is the same for foreign languages Alison. Is the web offering some interesting ideas on this front too?