A GOVERNMENT-BACKED drive to improve science education for primary school children begins this week. Making Sense of Science is a new television series aimed at bolstering teachers鈥� understanding of science. It will be shown on Channel 4 and distributed on video.
鈥淲e鈥檝e got to catch them young,鈥� said Ian Taylor, junior minister for science and technology, speaking at the launch of the series. 鈥淲e must do all we can to make sure that a much greater number of our brightest pupils see careers in science and technology as a truly attractive option.鈥�
The series is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, BT, Channel 4 and the Institution of Electrical Engineers. The DTI contributed 拢450 000, half the cost of the series.
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In July, the House of Commons Select Committee on Education identified primary teachers鈥� uneasiness with the subject as one of the most serious problems in early science education. Only one primary teacher in seven has a science background, says Taylor.
All primary schools are now being encouraged to devote a minimum of two hours a week to science. The School Curriculum and Assessment Authority recommends 54 hours of science a year for 5 to 7-year-olds and 72 hours a year for 7 to 11-year-olds.
The 10-part television series will include 30-minute programmes on topics such as light, sound, space and the environment. The first programme will be transmitted next Wednesday. Each programme will be distributed on video to schools 鈥� complete with an instruction package for teachers.
