Science
Science Course Programme
The Science course was run in parallel with courses for teachers of English and of History with a view to presenting the conclusions of all the discussions to a panel of educationalists on the final morning. These were;
- The quality of the Summer School experience is an inducement for Science teachers to develop more positive attitudes – to start thinking like scientists again – and to take greater control of their teaching.
- There is a need for greater creativity:
Ø in teaching, to find new ways of inspiring children without loss of rigour;
Ø in Professional Development, making greater use of contacts with other teachers, with academics, and with those, e.g. in industry, who use the applications of Science;
Ø in assessment, to develop a system which differentiates quality and not just quantitative results.
The Science programme included sessions addressed by eminent speakers, group discussions on current issues in Science teaching, and subject-specific seminars on a range of topics. There was also a joint History of Science seminar on Isaac Newton.
Topics addressed in discussions will include:
Values in scientific enterprise
Ethical issues in science education
The responsibility of being a scientist
Topicality and rigour