Hansard

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.