Practical education vital for future scientists
Summary
Concerns have been raised over the lack of time dedicated to taking science students on field trips and engaging them in practical experiments as it is an essential part of their education, an inquiry found.
The report ‘Practical Experiments in School Science Lessons and Science Field Trips’ (HC 1060-I) discusses schools’ reluctance to provide practical science education because there is a lack of qualified teachers and technical support, however, its absence has been blamed on health and safety concerns.
The Science and Technology Committee found no credible evidence to suggest that health and safety should hinder schools wishing to organise science field trips and practical in-class experiments, rather that it is a convenient excuse.
The Committee found that the availability of well trained teachers who are confident enough to lead practical science lessons to be poor.
The Government needs to encourage schools to maintain and develop their staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide students with a high quality science education.
In addition to training, science teachers require adequate facilities to carry out practical experiments as well as sufficient technical support to assist with any difficulties encountered with equipment.
Practical science is relatively expensive and is rarely a significant factor for parents comparing schools – it should therefore be integrated into the inspection regime to drive higher quality with more and better practical science lessons.
Students should not have to settle for a second hand experience of science through textbooks and word of mouth; it is a practical subject and real, hands-on practice should therefore be available.
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