Why science is important

Alom Shaha teaches at an inner-city comprehensive school where science (physics, chemistry and biology, as well as maths), as in all UK schools, is compulsory for all students up to the age of 16. As well as trying to explain to his students electrical circuits or Newton’s Laws, he tries "to convey to them that science is important, that it’s something worth doing for reasons beyond the need to pass exams".

Hence his film and blog project “why is science important?”, accounts by people who feel the importance of science so deeply that they have dedicated their lives to it — working scientists, science writers and science teachers. The goal is to make it far, far easier for a teacher to answer the question "what's the point of all this?". The blog/website is a collection of videos, interviews and articles from leading scientists, public figures, and everyone. Take a look at some of the excellent entries, the complete film, and do leave your own comments.

Some contributors:

Marcus Chown, astrophysicist, writer and journalist.

Robin Weiss, professor of viral oncology.

Rosie Coates, PhD student in chemistry.

Alom Shaha, science education and communication.

Comments

[Norm]

I shall work my way through these links in the next few days.
I think it is the comparative difficulty of those exams that puts students off science subjects.
My interest in history is a rebellious reaction to a family where complicated mathematics books, biochemistry or medical journals were read for relaxation!

[Kerrie]

Maxine, there is an award for you on my blog

[Maxine]

Thanks, Kerrie - I'm honoured.

[Maxine]

Prof Petrona is currently reading a textbook on climate research for a bit of light relief. I am not joking.