Where did the curiosity go?
Science may be more popular in the media these days, but Phil Butler fears the same enthusiasm is absent among our school students.
WHEN does the wonder of exploring the natural world get replaced by textbooks and rote memorisation? When did society give up on making science fun, exciting and something to explore?
The numbers show young adults are dropping science topics as soon as they have the choice – typically around age 14.
The Big Science Day in Christchurch this Saturday is part of an effort to reverse this trend and reinvigorate the next generation of scientists.
The irony is that science has become more popular in the media in recent years, but we’ve yet to see this shift translate to a major turn-on to science in secondary schools.
Perhaps due to its strong link with rapid technological advancement, science is now a trendy alternative for adults; being a ‘‘nerd’’ is something to wear proudly on a T-shirt, and bringing up Mars exploration in conversation no longer creates an awkward lull in conversation.
This enthusiasm needs to be cultivated to ensure New Zealand has a growing scientific workforce. Our science and technology industries will continue to move forwards so long as there are people who care enough to be trained to do so and pass on their enthusiasm to others.
Recognising this, early this month the Government launched its National Statement on Science Investment.
It had previously issued a lesspublicised strategic plan for science in society called A Nation of Curious Minds.
Both documents depend on schools, non-government organisations and the community taking the lead.
This is the clarion call that the many hardworking and dedicated people behind Christchurch’s Science Alive! not-for-profit science and technology centre have been sounding for more than 30 years.
Currently, the search is on for a new site for a Christchurch-based National Science Centre, with Science Alive! as its anchor, that realises its original intention to foster the zeal and curiosity for the natural and technological world among visitors of all ages.
Such a centre also has an important role to play in teaching the teachers, as well as the scientists and technologists who have a public engagement requirement attached to their grants.
With so much interest from the wider community in the ‘‘coolness’’ of technology and related sciences, now is the time to enlist the support of Kiwi entrepreneurs to share the excitement of discovery and innovation.
The first-ever Big Science Day harks back to the 1987 and 1988 science and technology extravaganzas in Christchurch’s former King Edward Barracks. Some of those attending the Big Science Day will trace their career in science back to these extravaganzas.
As chairman of the Canterbury Science Teachers’ committee that organised those events, and now as chairman of the Science Alive! Charitable Trust, I feel immense satisfaction to have been part of these early expositions.
The Big Science Day is a taste of the new Science Alive! It will be free and open to everyone. It will feature innovative businesses that have capitalised on the curiosity and drive of their founders. We will have drones, electric vehicles, jetpacks, pyrotechnics, robotics, aviation and jet-engine simulation – and yes, there will be displays and demonstrations, spectacular science shows, and hands-on, have-a-go workshops.
A range of careers advisers from local tertiary and education providers will be on-site to explain the range of skills needed to create New Zealand’s science and technology leaders of tomorrow.
The goal is to inspire people facing the crucial decision of what to study and give them accessible information.
To benefit the future of New Zealand, we must foster interest in science and technology within our communities. All those who give their time on Saturday will be helping promote the value of science – hopefully long enough to make it back into the classroom on Monday, where it will be nurtured and encouraged.
The Science Alive! Trust is planning a new science centre. We will bring the best of local science and technology innovation to everyone in an accessible, fun, and engaging way. We must do all we can to keep the wonder alive.
‘The irony is that science has become more popular in the media in recent years, but we’ve yet to see this shift translate to a major turn-on to science in secondary schools.’ Canterbury University physics professor Phil Butler