Some kids will study science anyway, seeking out stimulation from various sources and mentors along the way. Many of the memories that stick with me from my science education are from some of my most venerable teachers and lecturers. I suspect that many of the people who subscribe to this list also would have studied science anyway - they did not need to be 'persuaded' into it.
Surely there are two key targets for science engagement efforts: 1) those that might not opt for a career in science because they see it as irrelevant and unimportant and 2) those that will not opt for a career in science but in whom it is important to encourage a respect for science and scientists. It is these groups of people who I think tend to see science in terms of the stereotype of scientists as elderly, eccentric gentlemen, and this puts them off. I suspect that the logic of looking for younger communicators is an attempt to break down this stereotype, rather than based on the assumption that only young people can communicate with young people.
Stephen
Stephen Foulger
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-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lesley Paterson
Sent: 15 November 2006 12:03
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] BA Award Lectures - nominations open
Is there any evidence or research that shows that 'younger people' are
seen as better role models than older people?
Take David Attenborough and Patrick Moore - massive young peoples
following. Surely the most important quality is to be inspiring and
engaging?
To add to Francis' comments - I was a 9 year old wanna-be marine
biologist once.... Horace Dobbs (man who studied solitary dolphins and
must have been over 50 at the time); Terry Nutkins and Johnny Morris
(born 1916) were who I looked up to. Didn't even think about their age
AT ALL - it was who they were and what they did that I was interested
in.
Lesley
Dr Lesley Paterson
Head of Public Engagement
The Royal Academy of Engineering
29 Great Peter Street
London
SW1P 3LW
[log in to unmask]
020 7227 0584
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Ingenious
engaging citizens; engaging engineers
Grants to develop and deliver initiatives to raise society's awareness
of engineering; and provide public engagement learning and training
opportunities for engineers. http://www.raeng.org.uk/engagement
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Francis Sedgemore
Sent: 15 November 2006 11:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: BA Award Lectures - nominations open
Jo
It's still ageism, which is a cultural disease rife in academia and
science as a whole that no amount of anti-discrimination legislation
will eradicate.
As for the BA's justification for imposing an age limit for the Award
Lectures, this mistakenly assumes that only young people can
communicate with young people, and act as positive role models for them.
When I was at school long, long ago, I was inspired by young and
older teachers alike, but many of the younger teachers' inexperience
manifested itself as an inability to communicate effectively with
their audience. I found that it was often older, more experienced
professionals whose delivery made a greater impact, and who commanded
admiration and respect from students. Talk to students, and you will
discover that the same applies today.
By imposing age restrictions, the BA is not only engaging in
discrimination, but shrinking the pool from which to choose the best
science communicators. This makes no sense.
regards
Francis Sedgemore
On 15 Nov 06, at 11:08, Joanne Coleman wrote:
> Hi Leslie,
>
> We impose an age limit because as a secondary aspect of the Award
> Lectures we also see them as providing positive role models for the
> many teenagers who attend the lectures, We don't specifically state
> this as we don't want to give the impression that people are being
> nominated for a schools lecture - it is very much communicating
> with a wide range of people.
>
> I did look into the age discrimination laws and couldn't find
> anything which related to the awarding of prizes or recognition. If
> anyone knows any different to this then please let me know.
>
> As I am sure you know, there are plenty of opportunities for anyone
> of any age, or at any stage in their career, to get involved in the
> Festival.
>
> Thanks
>
> Jo
--
Dr Francis Sedgemore
telephone: +44 (0)7840 191336
website: www.skysong.eu
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