Chamber
Plenary, 03 Mar 2004
03 Mar 2004 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
Institute for Science Education in Scotland
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on lodging the motion.
We are looking to exploit, nurture and encourage the natural curiosity of children and young people about the world around them. We need to put the bang back into science laboratories. We should restore the things that make people wonder, be interested and be enthusiastic. I favour the appropriate health and safety measures that are essential for education, but we have removed much of the curriculum content that young people found interesting and cutting edge. If we do not put the bang back into science, young people will not be enthused.
Wendy Alexander quite rightly referred to a range of things that are happening, but they should not happen in schools only. I am delighted that the universities are involved, as they need to reach out—many of them do—to encourage young people at school who are interested in science to see what actually happens in universities. It is fine for us to reiterate the litany of major scientific successes that have resulted from the work of Scots, at home or abroad, but that is history. We need Scotland's science future to be as bright as its past was—and that will not happen if many of our young people continue to turn their backs on science.
We have had significant debates in recent times about population changes in Scotland. It is true that we have fewer young people. If we are to compete to engage the interest of young people so that they become involved in science, which is hard work, we will have to be more creative. Scientists should join teachers in going to schools to encourage, develop and nurture the natural curiosity of young people. I welcome the fact that Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has initiated this debate.
We are looking to exploit, nurture and encourage the natural curiosity of children and young people about the world around them. We need to put the bang back into science laboratories. We should restore the things that make people wonder, be interested and be enthusiastic. I favour the appropriate health and safety measures that are essential for education, but we have removed much of the curriculum content that young people found interesting and cutting edge. If we do not put the bang back into science, young people will not be enthused.
Wendy Alexander quite rightly referred to a range of things that are happening, but they should not happen in schools only. I am delighted that the universities are involved, as they need to reach out—many of them do—to encourage young people at school who are interested in science to see what actually happens in universities. It is fine for us to reiterate the litany of major scientific successes that have resulted from the work of Scots, at home or abroad, but that is history. We need Scotland's science future to be as bright as its past was—and that will not happen if many of our young people continue to turn their backs on science.
We have had significant debates in recent times about population changes in Scotland. It is true that we have fewer young people. If we are to compete to engage the interest of young people so that they become involved in science, which is hard work, we will have to be more creative. Scientists should join teachers in going to schools to encourage, develop and nurture the natural curiosity of young people. I welcome the fact that Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has initiated this debate.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Trish Godman):
Lab
The final item of business today is a members' business debate on motion S2M-870, in the name of Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, on the Institute for Science Ed...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the widespread concerns about the future of science education in Scotland; believes the declining popularity of science subjects in...
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton (Lothians) (Con):
Con
Science education in Scotland is vital because of the tremendous contribution that Scots have made to science. Scots are responsible for almost one quarter o...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
Lab
A considerable number of members wish to speak in the debate, so I will stick to three-minute speeches.
Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab):
Lab
I thank Lord James Douglas-Hamilton for initiating this debate. The fact that the Presiding Officer is already limiting the length of time members have to sp...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on lodging the motion.We are looking to exploit, nurture and encourage the natural curiosity of children and young...
Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD):
LD
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on initiating a debate on this extremely important subject. I welcome the establishment of the Institute for Scien...
Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab):
Lab
Like others, I very much welcome this debate on science education and I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on securing it. I had to laugh when I heard ...
Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green):
Green
When I was in Kenya, I was the principal teacher of a physics and chemistry department. I can assure Brian Adam that my main job was to try to keep the bangs...
Dr Sylvia Jackson (Stirling) (Lab):
Lab
I welcome the debate. Although the central subject is the Institute for Science Education in Scotland, it is also very much about school science education an...
Brian Adam:
SNP
Does the member share the enthusiasm of some of our new universities for attracting students to forensic science courses? In such courses, people who might n...
Dr Sylvia Jackson:
Lab
I agree entirely, which is why I said that science, engineering and technology should be grouped together, because applied science is important. As Brian Ada...
Nora Radcliffe (Gordon) (LD):
LD
I thank Lord James Douglas-Hamilton for introducing the debate. The institute is fundamental to how we progress.If young people in education perceive science...
Dr Sylvia Jackson:
Lab
Does the member agree that one of the big issues is that primary school teachers often have little science knowledge, given their training and background?
Nora Radcliffe:
LD
That is one of the big issues and it is why I find the fact that primary school teachers can access the pool of expertise so exciting. That access will give ...
Mr David Davidson (North East Scotland) (Con):
Con
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on securing the debate. I am an applied scientist, although I should point out that I had the privilege of burning...
Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab):
Lab
I was about to train to become a physics teacher when I began a political career 10 years ago through being elected to Strathclyde Regional Council. I had a ...
Mike Pringle (Edinburgh South) (LD):
LD
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on securing this debate on an important subject. I speak in support of the development of the Institute for Scienc...
Mr Keith Raffan (Mid Scotland and Fife) (LD):
LD
I, too, congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on securing this important debate and welcome the establishment of the Institute for Science Education in Sc...
The Deputy Minister for Education and Young People (Euan Robson):
LD
I am grateful to Lord James Douglas-Hamilton for securing the debate, which has been very interesting. The Executive is always pleased to debate science educ...
Meeting closed at 18:12.