Appliance of scienceThe appliance of science
Issue 32
Science and technology has long played an important part of life in Scotland. In our special feature, we explore why this is still the case, examine some of the resources available to bring it to life, and discuss some of the challenges facing educational practitioners.
The importance of science and technology to our future cannot be underestimated. These two elements are regarded by many as being key to our economic, social and environmental success.
In the classroom, we all have a duty to introduce and encourage discovery and exploration of the opportunities that science and technology presents. Without encouraging those in our charge to view these areas as exciting and worthwhile, there is a danger that Scotland may lose its worldwide status as a champion of innovation.
This is not something that those running our country want, nor is it something that - given the resources listed here - we have any excuse to allow to happen.
To mark the end of Scotland's year of Homecoming, leading scientists and business leaders from around the world joined First Minister Alex Salmond to celebrate Scotland's achievements in science and technology. One of the five key themes of Homecoming is 'great Scottish minds and innovations', recognising the world-changing work of Scots such as James Watt, John Logie Baird and David Hume.
The event showcased Scotland as a 'science nation' and as the best place in the world to invest in technology and innovation.
First Minister Alex Salmond said recently: "Scotland has made an immense contribution in shaping the modern world - our record of science and engineering research and innovation is nothing short of astonishing for a country of our size.
"Scotland is a modern, knowledge-based economy with first-rate science infrastructure, and outstanding skills. We want Scotland to attract new talent and investment and be a global powerhouse of technology, innovation and enterprise."
Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland said: "Scotland's international currency is science, engineering and technology. We are helping to deliver solutions for improved health, sustainable energy, better communication and protecting the future for humans on our planet.
"There has always been an excitement about science in Scotland and we have never been more active and inventive as we are now. As well as the sheer pleasure of discovery, this offers great opportunities for our young people, our businesses and our overseas partners to use this knowledge to make a great difference in the world."
The recent Children in Europe Annual Conference, held in Scotland, took the theme 'Exploring the world and beyond: young children as scientists'.
Politicians, scientists and educationalists from across Scotland and Europe considered how best to develop and maintain children's interest in science and capitalise on their fascination with exploration and discovery. Delegates argued that focusing on early years when children's natural curiosity is at its height, and providing the necessary environments to allow children to learn effectively about science, are keys to success.
Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "The Scottish Government is placing science at the centre of Curriculum for Excellence - our new approach to teaching and learning - so we can increase Scotland's focus on science learning and give young people a better understanding and appreciation of science."
Bronwen Cohen, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, said: "The early years offer lots of opportunities to engage children and capitalise on their natural curiosity. Science is a broad and exciting subject especially for young children, and it is important to introduce children to a wide range of experiences at an early age so that they can begin to develop their scientific knowledge."
Meanwhile, Learning Teaching Scotland argues that being skilled in ICT is essential if children and young people are to be effective contributors, able to communicate and interact on a global scale.
It said: "The Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes ensure that skills in ICT will be developed in the context of the learning and teaching as appropriate to the child or young person's maturity."
LTS says that all teachers now have opportunities to apply, reinforce and extend ICT skills within and across curriculum areas to equip children and young people with the learning and employability skills required for the 21st century.
So the will, skills and resources are in place to make science and technology a part of the DNA not only in our classrooms, but in the nation.
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Comment on this article
Comments on this article are now closed.
We asked readers to tell us how they thought science and technology can be used to implement the Curriculum for Excellence:
Posted by John Samson on Wednesday 28 October 2009 at 20:36
Chemistry pupils should use the small end of the spatula. Saves resources and minimises risk. Creates responsible yet effective scientists. Low risk allows teachers to engage in the long lost art of heuristic learning (look it up, all you with post-Beatles birthdates). The CfE generation will have confidence to rival the genius of Watt and Logie-Baird; powerful and visionary.
Posted by Professor Anne Glover, Chief S on Monday 26 October 2009 at 12:44
Science, engineering and technology offer great opportunities for our young people, our businesses and our overseas partners to use this knowledge to make a great difference in the world.
37% OF VOTERS SAY
they do feel that fostering a sense of global citizenship in the classroom can have a long-term, positive effect on the wider world?
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would like to knowthe GTCS view on this scenario. I agree with Steve its a last option!
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