It seems to me that Christie Davis makes some good points but following
through his logic would mean giving up some things our society hold precious.
What about the children who sparkle during science but retreat into dull
carelessness when faced with History or English? Many students leave school
confused about which countries fought the second world war and the plot of
MacBeth but "this does not hinder them in any way when it comes to earning,
buying and selling, taking care of their children, playing elaborate games on
their computers, tinkering with their car engines, giving up smoking or
choosing between one fool and another at election time."
Why do our children need to spend so much time at school anyway? Perhaps only
the very brightest pupils should stay on beyond 14. The slackers would be
expected to work to help support their younger brothers and sisters. This
would reduce the education budget considerably and perhaps encourage children
work harder for the priviledge of their education.
It seems to comes down to a pretty fundamental question. What does our
society think childhood, adolescence and education is for?
>===== Original Message From "psci-com: on the public understanding of
science" <[log in to unmask]> =====
>Well I don't know anything about Christie Davies or his motives but the
>Devil's advocacy is rather effective, whether intended or otherwise?
>
>I certainly know plenty of scientists fitting the typical career path
>out of science itself he describes. I think he has boiled down widely
>prevailing private and public prejudices about science with mischievous
>alacrity and added a suitable dose of British cynicism into the mix for
>effect.
>
>The challenge is to counter it with similar panache.
>
>Cheers,
>Jonathan
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------
>Dr Jonathan Tedds, Tel: +44 (0)116 252 3502
>XMM-Newton Survey Science Centre (XID), Fax: +44 (0)116 252 3311
>Department of Physics and Astronomy,
>University of Leicester, Email: [log in to unmask]
>Leicester LE1 7RH, UK http://xmmssc-www.star.le.ac.uk/~jat
>--------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>On Fri, 24 Sep 2004, Kat Arney wrote:
>
>> Wow! Can you spell "bitter and twisted"?!
>> Kat
>>
>> Dr Kat Arney
>> Scientific Information Officer (Liaison)
>> Cancer Research UK
>> 2nd Floor
>> 61, Lincoln's Inn Fields
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>>
>> Direct Line: 020 7061 8456
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>>
>> "Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at
>> it" Albert Einstein
>>
>> ***Don't forget to check your bits! Most cases of testicular, breast and
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>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: psci-com: on the public understanding of science
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Wendy Sadler
>> Sent: 24 September 2004 12:24
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: [PSCI-COM] [big-chat] why should children learn science??
>>
>>
>> Apologies for cross-postings
>>
>> I was just sent this article via a physics teaching network I am on….I
>> thought it may prompt a lively discussion amongst those of us who try to
>> encourage children to study science.
>>
>> Why should children learn science?
>> http://www.socialaffairsunit.org.uk/blog/archives/000166.php
>>
>> Look forward to hearing your views!
>>
>> Wendy
>>
>>
>> www.science-made-simple.co.uk
>>
>> Wendy Sadler
>> 98 Fairwater Grove West
>> Cardiff CF5 2JR
>> tel/fax: 029 2091 4813
>> mob: 07811 424531
>>
>>
>>
>>
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