Real Science

This report looks at how to put innovative approaches to science learning at the core of science education in the UK.

This report looks at how to put innovative approaches to science learning at the core of science education in the UK.

Key recommendations:

  • For policymakers: Promote the opportunities for science enquiry learning that already exist in the curricula; and challenge misapprehensions among schools around risk, health and safety relating to the experimental aspects of science learning.
  • For funding and support organisations: Help innovative projects to evaluate their outcomes; and support the sustainability of innovative projects.
  • For teachers and schools: Use opportunities in curriculum developments to enhance science enquiry activities; network in order to learn about new approaches to science enquiry; and consider the key elements of effective practice in innovative projects in science learning.

Unless a more hands-on approach to science is adopted in schools, there are likely to be negative consequences for future scientific research in the UK.

 

Innovative approaches to experimental and investigative science learning should be at the core of science education in the UK.

 

This approach to learning has the potential to reverse the apparent decline in young people's interest and engagement in school science.

 

Author: 

Nesta