At the first meeting of the Advisory Committee for the ICSU's Programme on Capacity Building in Science (Paris, France, 26-27 June 1997), Connect had the occasion to ask some of the eminent scientists participating in the meeting their views on Science and Technology Education, particularly in their part of the world. In this issue we present some of the reflections of Mr Leon Lederman (Chairman of the Advisory Committee), Director Emeritus, FERMI National Accelerator Lab, USA, on STE. Mr L. Lederman: Science Education and Technology Education are the driving engines for change in modern society. Having the capacity to understand and use science is economically, socially and culturally profitable. The 21st century is a turning point in history when there must be a major increase in the capability of all persons to cope with S&T culture that is shaping our lives and those of our children. There cannot be `science rich' and `science poor' sectors. Building capacity in science is to enable nations and regions to make use of S&T for the well-being of their citizens. In a world whose future depends on the advance of science and its wise application, to be scientifically illiterate is a terrifying and unacceptable situation. Science must be the core to all education, in all subjects, right up to the stage when children can think rationally. STE in USA: The basic problem with science education at the high school level has its roots in pre-primary & primary school. It starts with poorly trained teachers who communicate their insecurity to the students, starting a cycle of fear of science. The way out is by tackling the problem at the primary school level, which involves not only training the teachers, but also obtaining the support of parents, political leaders and the public. It is essential that the public in general be aware of the impact of science. The other problem in USA is that in the classic high school system one starts with biology and then goes on to chemistry and finally to physics. This is an antiquated system which should be changed since a knowledge of physics & chemistry is vital for biology. Besides, in schools where the order is reversed, it has been found that more girls take up physics/chemistry. It is true that in graduate schools at the learning and research level, USA has the best standards - though half the students in such schools are very often immigrants, of whom many go back to their countries. On the international level, USA is ahead in the cognitive sciences in elementary grades - many schools use a hands-on, introduction-rich approach. But at the high school level, the system is an outdated one, based on memorisation, which drives students away. And as the high school is very often the last formal education institution attended by a great part of the population, the general level and image of science are often not very positive. Gender: In spite of decades of encouragement, the the number of women scientists is still low - specially in physics and mathematics. Only 8% of physics scientists in USA are women. This is largely due to the attitude of teachers and parents who believe that girls aren't good at maths/physics. The reasons for this are deeply cultural and these attitudes are very hard to change. Though there is a biological difference in sexes, this does not seem to have bearing on the matter - specially in light of the evaluations done by a school for gifted children in Illinois, where the standard type evaluation showed a male superiority of 70%-80% in sciences whereas a non-standard evaluation showed an equal rating between boys and girls! |
This international conference is being organised by UNESCO and the Government of Greece for experts around the world as well as others active in the field. Its objectives are the following:
Expected outputs of the conference are:
The conference will include an Issues Forum and Innovative Practices Forum as well as workshops, poster sessions and an exhibition.
For further information contact: Organising Committee, MIO-ECSDE, Tripodon 28, 10558 Athens, Greece. Tel: 30-1-3247490 Fax: 30-1-3225245 E-mail:mio-ee-env@ath.forthnet.gr or UNESCO-EPD, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France. Tel: 33-1-45680868 Fax: 33-1-45685635 E-mail:epd@unesco.org
Organised by UNESCO's Asia-Pacific Centre of Educational Innovation for Development (ACEID) and the Asia-Pacific Programme of Education for All (APPEAL) in partnership with the office of the National Education Commission of Thailand (NEC), it will undertake an in-depth study into educational innovation for sustainable development by promoting discussion and helping to heighten an awareness of this focus as it relates to sustainable development.
The conference will interest education policy-makers, researchers and practitioners involved in and concerned with research and development on educational innovation for development.
The main outcomes of the conference will be:
For further information contact: International Conference: Educational
Innovation for Sustainable Development, UNESCO-ACEID, PO Box 967, Prakanong
Post Office, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Tel:(66-2)391.0291 Fax:(66-2) 391.0866
Internet: maclean@mozart.inet.co.th
It's up to you too - An International Competition of Films/Videos on: Nature & Landscape Protection; Sustainable life; and Restoration of the village programme. Uherské Hradisté, Czech Republic, 25 -30 November 1997. More information from: Klub kultury, Hradební 1198, 68660 Uherské Hradisté, Czech Republic. Tel/Fax:0042632/551079 E-mail:klub_kultury@pvtnet.cz Chemistry for Non-Chemists: Chemistry Basics for Today's Environment, Health and Safety Specialists (Williamsburg, VA, USA, 4-5 December 1997). The Environment 2000 Institute: Proactive Environmental Strategies for Forward-Thinking Organisations (Williamsburg, VA, USA, 8-10 December 1997). For information contact: Government Institutes, 4 Research Place, Suite 200, Rockeville, MD 20850, USA> Fax:(301) 921.03.73 E-mail:giinfo@govinst.com Website:www.govinst.com International Agricultural Centre. Two-week intensive courses: Technology for Ecological Agriculture: Tools for Policy Analysis in Rural Development (4-17 January 1998). For more information contact: Ms Marion van Schaik, Coordinator Environmental Training Programme, International Agricultural Centre, PO Box 88, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands. Fax:+31-317-41.85.52 E-mail:IAC@IAC.AGRO.NL Regional Conference The Prospects of Education in the Global Environment, Sacramento, CA, USA, 19-21 February 1998. For more information contact: The President, Sacramento City College/Coordinator, International Studies Program, 3835 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95822-1386, USA. |
XXes Journées internationales sur la communication, l'éducation et la culture scientifiques et industrielles (XX InternationalForum on scientific and industrial communication, education and culture) Chamonix, France, 23-27 March 1998. For more information contact: D. Raichvarg, G.D.S.O.-L.I.R.S.T., Bât. 407, Université Paris-Sud, F-91405 Orsay Cedex, France. Tel:(33-1)69.15.78.25 Fax (33-1) 69.85.54.93 HYDROTOP 98: Scientific & Technical Symposium - Trade Exhibition. Marseille, France, 21-23 April 1998. For information contact: HYDROTOP, 314, Avenue du Prado, 13008 Marseille, France. Tel:(33-4) 91.22.72.72 Fax:(33-4) 91.22.71.71. Utrecht/ICASE Summer Symposium: Bridging the gap between theory and practice: what research says to the science teacher. Utrecht University, the Netherlands, 3 - 5 June 1998. For information contact: Dr Onno de Jong, Utrecht University, Chemistry Education Dept., Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht, the Netherlands. Fax:+3130-253.74.94 E-mail: O.deJong@chem.ruu.nl First European Conference in Chemical Education (ECCE) on current issues in degree level European Chemical Education. Budapest, Hungary, 25-29 August 1998. For information contact: Miss Teézia Mihályi, The Hungarian Chemical Society, Budapest, Fo u.68. H-1027 Hungary. Tel:+36-1-201.6883 Fax:+36-1-201.8056 E-mail:h1153mke@ella.hun
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The following publications are available on writing to: Connect (address on last page).
Green Teacher (UK), No. 33, September 1997, marks the re-launch of this excellent thrice-yearly publication aimed specifically at school educators. The lead article is on Education for Sustainability. Other features include articles on Marine Pollution, Litter in Seas & Oceans, Democratic Education for Environmental Stewardship, Women and Peace as well as a practical resource - People v. Wildlife, a simulation game on food and development, Resource reviews and Noticeboard. Subscription: £12 (UK); £16 (Europe); £19 (World). Contact: Green Teacher, Swn y Mor, Pen yr Angor, Aberystwyth SY23 1BJ, UK.
The Stepping into Science Project Newsletter, Vol.6, No.2, Summer 1997, contains notably five science activities for primary school children: Acids and bases; Starch from potatoes; Sensory awareness: Hear a sound and Shake a sound; and Soil sorter. The Stepping into Science Project, run under the auspices of the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE) is targeted at primary schools and involves pupils doing a number of science activities which involve the science process as well as learning new knowledge. For more information on this project contact: Dr Sue Dale Tunnicliffe, ICASE Primary Projects Officer, Homerton College, Cambridge, CB2 2PH, UK. or 18 Octavia, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7YZ, UK. Tel: +44-1344-54283 Fax:+44-1344-305284 E-mail: 106013.1303@compuserve.com
Urban Ecosystems is a new international quarterly journal devoted to scientific investigations of the ecology of urban environments and their policy implications. It is dedicated not only to good environmental science, but to fostering communication between environmental scientists and managers. For more information contact: Chapman & Hall, Subscriptions Dept, ITPS Ltd, Cheriton House, North Way, Andover, Hants, SP10 5BE, UK. Tel: +44(0) 1264-342.713 Fax:+44(0) 1264-342.807 E-mail:stmsubs@itps.co.uk
EnvironScope is a new bi-monthly newsletter published by the Department of Physics and Environmental Studies Unit of the University of Guyana, focusing on local and international environment and development issues. Intended for all interested persons, it will initially target the academic community. The inaugural issue contains articles dealing with Spatial Information Technology for Natural Resources, Control and Regulation in the Mining Industry, and The Need for Environmental Education. Price US$10/year. For more information contact: The Managing Editor, EnvironScope, Environmental Studies Unit, University of Guyana, PO Box 10-1110, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel/Fax:+592-22-4180 E-mail:shivbalr@uog.edu.gy"
Biodiversity II: Understanding and protecting our biological resources, edited by M.L. Reaka-Kudla, D.E. and E.O. Wilson, is a follow-up to Biodiversity published in 1988. An update on how much we already know and how much remains to be identified scientifically, it explores new strategies for quantifying, understanding and protecting biodiversity reinforcing the idea that the conservation of our biological resources is within reach. 1996, 560pp, £28.95. Other recent publications of interest: Biotechnology - Science, Engineering and Ethical Challenges for the 21st Century, ed. F.B. Rudolph and L.V. McIntire (1996, 296pp, £28.95); and Chemical Ecology - The chemistry of biotic interaction, ed. T. Eisner and J. Meinwald (1995, 224pp, £40.95).Order from: National Academy Press, 12 Hid's Copse road, Cumor Hill, Oxford OX2 9JJ, UK. Tel:+44(0) 1752-202301 Fax:+44(0) 1752-202333 http://www.nap.edu
The Association Science, Technologie, Société (ASTS) has published the proceedings of its Fifth Meeting on Scientific and Technical Communication held in Paris, France, on 29 January 1997. Entitled Paradoxes du progrès, the Proceedings comprise two main themes: The role of science in the progress of societies and the role of society in the progress of science. 1997, 56pp, 50FF. In French only. For copies contact: Association Science, Technologie, Société (ASTS), 19 place de l'Argonne, 75019 Paris, France. Tel: (33-1) 44.89.82.82 Fax: (33-1) 40.35.27.73 E-mail:101773.545@compuserve.com
The Little Green Book is an environmental handbook for schools compiled and written by Michèle Martin of the Environmental Education Unit (Curriculum Development Section, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Seychelles). The rationale is that students, teachers and others must be enabled to develop a sense of caring and respect for the environment as well as knowledge, skills and commitment to participate in its conservation. 1995, 30pp. For copies write to: Michèle Martin, Asst Curriculum Development Officer (Env. Ed.), Science Unit, CDS, Ministry of Education & Culture, PO Box 48, Mont Fleuri, Mahé, Seychelles.
Environmental Engineering and Science: An Introduction by Ram S. Gupta (600 pp, 1997, US$79) covers the basic science and engineering concepts environmental professionals need to comply with regulations, manage resources and technology and control pollution. Order from: Government Institutes, 4 Research Place, Rockeville, MD 20805, USA. Fax: 301-921-0370 E-mail:giinfo@govinst.com Internet:http:// www.govinst.com
The New Learning Models: their consequences for the teaching of biology, health and environment, ed. André Giordan and Yves Girault (235 pp., 1996, US$30) is a compilation of research contributions presented at the IUBS-CBE Convention of European Didactic Association of Biology. The contributions are grouped under four heads: theoretical aspects of learning; use of concepts in scientific teaching; environmental education; and the role of images in learning. Order from: Z'Editions, 2 rue Bavastro, 06300 Nice, France. Tel:92.04.29.28 Fax:92.04.29.44.
OUTREACH Information Packs No.s 100-102 are devoted to Land Degradation. Part 1 (No.100) treats Soil Basics; Part 2 (No.101) Causes and Consequences and Part 3 (102) Some Agricultural Solutions. The materials can be used for non-commercial, educational purposes in low-income countries provided credit is given to OUTREACH or to the sources indicated. For a list of OUTREACH packs and more information contact: Dr James Connor, OUTREACH Director, Teaching and Learning Center, 200 East Building, 239 Greene Street, New York University, NY 10003, USA or Mr Richard Lumbe, OUTREACH Coordinator, UNEP, PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya.
The Television Trust for the Environment (TVE) has published its latest Moving Pictures European Catalogue in collaboration with the European Commission. The catalogue gives résumés of 55 films and videos on the environment encompassing a large range of products from classic documentaries to short educational films and cartoons for children as well as a suspense-fiction on the Chernobyl accident. More information from: TVE International, Prince Albert Road, London NW1 4RZ, UK. Tel:+44-171.586.5526 Fax:+44-171.586.4866 E-mail:tve-dist@tve.org.uk URL:http://www.oneworld.org/tve
Children's Participation by Roger Hart carries the sub-title The theory and practice of involving young citizens in community development and environmental care. Published by Earthscan in association with UNICEF who commissioned it, the book is written on the conviction that children can play a valuable and lasting role in sustainable development if their participation is taken seriously and planned with thought for their developing capabilities and unique strengths. Detailed case studies are provided from urban and rural, poor and middle class communities from both the North and the South. Aimed at teachers, group facilitators and community leaders, it presents organizing principles, successful models, practical techniques and resources for involving young people in environmental projects. 208 pp, 1997, £18.95. Order from: Earthscan Publications Ltd, 120 Pentonville Road, London N1 9JN, UK. Fax:(0171)278.1142 E-mail: earthinfo@earthscan.co.uk or UNICEF, 3 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA. E-mail:pubdoc@unicef.org http://www.unicef.org
The Proceedings of the International Symposium Science, Ethics and
Society (Paris, 16-18 September 1996) organised by the World Federation
of Scientific Workers (WSFW) under the auspices of UNESCO and in collaboration
with the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), the International
Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences and the International Council
for Social Sciences have been published. For availability contact: World
Federation of Scientific Workers (WSFW), Case 404, 93514 Montreuil Cedex,
France. Tel: (33-1) 48.18.81.75 Fax:(33-1) 48.18.80.03 E-mail:100764.427@compuserve.com