NESTA calls for more hands-on science in classrooms
25/04/2008
"If we want more young people to take an interest in careers in science we need to turn them on to just how relevant and exciting it can be."
Young people are being robbed of the opportunity to enjoy hands-on science experiments in schools and it is affecting their performance, according to a survey† published today by NESTA.
The survey† conducted amongst teachers across the UK reveals that while the vast majority (83%) consider science enquiry learning to be very important and feel it can have a significant impact on pupils' performance, only around ten percent feel there is ‘a lot of scope’ for it within the current curriculum.
Nearly seven out of ten teachers said a lack of appropriate equipment and space prevents them from carrying out more science enquiry work, double the number from a similar survey two years ago. Other key barriers cited were a lack of time (50%), and a lack of confidence (44%). Concerns over health and safety were also an issue of increasing concern, with 28% identifying this as a barrier, compared to 21% in 2005.
NESTA is using the research to call for more hands on science in today’s classrooms. It comes as NESTA honours the winners of its Planet SciCast competition, which challenges young people to make mini movies of exciting science experiments. Through the competition, NESTA hopes to increase creativity in and out of the classroom and boost science engagement.
According to NESTA CEO, Jonathan Kestenbaum: “The research shows that there’s a real appetite for science enquiry, with most teachers believing it helps improve valuable skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork. We need to give teachers the tools and time to make this happen."
"Ours is a highly technological society which makes it vitally important that young people understand and are engaged in the science that makes it tick. Being able to get hands-on experience in the classroom is critical to building this understanding and exciting young people about the possibilities of science”.
NESTA’s call has been supported by TV scientist Dr Laura Grant: “If we want more young people take an interest in careers in science we need to turn them on to just how relevant and exciting it can be. This is never going to happen if they don’t have the chance to get hands-on and really see for themselves what science is all about. I support NESTA’s call whole-heartedly.”
Entries for this year’s Planet Scicast competition are now open. To enter go to: http://www.planet-scicast.com/competition
To attend the Planet SciCast Awards ceremony or for interviews, please call Nicola Kane on 02074382608. NESTA spokespeople are also available for comment and interview.
† NFER Teacher Voice Omnibus survey conducted February 2008.
‡ ICM Research poll conducted October 2005.
NESTA
NESTA is the National Endowment of Science Technology and the Arts. Its mission is to transform the UK’s capacity for innovation. It does this by investing in early-stage companies, informing innovation policy, and encouraging a culture that helps innovation flourish.
Planet Science
NESTA’s Planet Science is a free popular online resource and newsletter for school students of science and their parents and teachers. It’s a mix of interactive features, games and teachers materials designed to engage and inspire, and a free weekly e-newsletter to keep in touch with its audience.