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A eureka moment
What role do you feel science and technology plays in the modern classroom?
Simon Gage (SG). If you want to be engaged with many of the most pressing contemporary cultural, political, ethical and economic issues, you need to be in touch with what is happening in science and technology. Whether it is the global environment, climate change, new social media, healthcare or innovation, if you don't have a grasp of science and technology and the role they play in influencing our world it is hard to contemplate these issues in a meaningful way.
Anne Glover (AG). Science and technology are now an integral part of our everyday life so every young person needs to be scientifically literate to prepare themselves for the future.
Do you have practical examples where work you have been involved in (especially with students) in this area has made a lasting difference?
SG. Edinburgh International Science Festival tours to schools across the whole of Scotland with its Generation Science programme. We see around 55,000 children in their classroom each year and with every child we set out to give them an experience of science and technology that they would not normally have had at school and that they will never forget. Whether they are programming a robot, designing and making a rocket or concocting their own type of bouncy, smelly slime, we want to give them a moment that may change how they see these subjects for ever.
AG. I remember vividly experiments that I did in science classes. The thing that comes to mind is the Chinese proverb "Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand." Science is all about doing things, experimenting and to grow the next generation of scientists and engineers for Scotland, we need to give them the opportunity to do real experiments in the classroom.
Money is tight. Why should schools spend precious resources on science and technology equipment?
SG. Much of the joy of science comes from doing things with your hands - experimenting, making, investigating and testing ideas practically. You can't fully appreciate these subjects just with books and worksheets; you need chemicals, equipment and other resources. To do science without these materials is for me like doing an exercise class only by looking at pictures of people playing football.
AG. For me, the question is more, "can schools afford not to prepare their pupils for a 21st century life".
What resources, support or advice would you point teachers towards if they are embarking on this?
SG. I know most about what we do so look at www.sciencefestival.co.uk to find our touring programme and some of our Edinburgh based activities. We have around 20 touring shows and workshops for primary schools covering many areas of science. And we run the UK's largest science festival in Edinburgh every Easter - a place where any teacher that wants to refresh their knowledge of science and technology and get some new ideas should come.
AG. There is a lot of CPD out there and Scottish Schools Equipment Research Centre is a good starting point to access some very good ideas on practical teaching. Our four Science Centres are also great places to engage with CPD.
Anything else you'd like to add?
SG. Call us and ask for our involvement. We exist to help teachers deliver the science curriculum in primary schools across the country.
AG. Scotland invented the modern world in the 18th century during the Enlightenment and now it is inventing the future. The best thing we can do for our young people is to allow them to be a part of this.