Blogs

Article and letter in Nature on the role of algal diversity in ecosystem function and services.

The UK Parliament's House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology has announced a new inquiry into school science lessons and field trips.  Evidence by 11 May 2011. /...more

.../key questions of interest are:

1. How important are practical experiments and field trips in science education?
2. Are practical experiments in science lessons and science field trips in decline? If they are, what are the reasons for the decline?
3. What part do health and safety concerns play in preventing school pupils from performing practical experiments in science lessons and going on field trips? What rules and regulations apply to science experiments and field trips and how are they being interpreted?
4. Do examination boards adequately recognise practical experiments and trips?
5. If the quality or number of practical experiments and field trips is declining, what are the consequences for science education and career choices? For example, what effects are there on the performance and achievement of pupils and students in Higher Education?
6. What changes should be made?
7. Is the experience of schools in England in line with schools in the devolved administrations and other countries? 

Dawson, T P et.al (2011) Beyond Predictions: Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing Climate Science 1 April 2011: 332 (6025), 53-58. [DOI:10.1126/science.1200303]