Science in Primary Schools: Improving society s scientific litteracy. Jose Miguel Rodríguez Espinosa Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias & COSCE

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1 Science in Primary Schools: Improving society s scientific litteracy Jose Miguel Rodríguez Espinosa Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias & COSCE

2 COSCE The Spanish Confederation of Scientific Societies (COSCE) groups ~75 professional scientific societies, representing ~ scientists COSCE looks into the needs of Spanish science Examines on a yearly basis the national budget allocation for science Carries in depth studies of the status and needs of science in Spain Sends feedback to the administration on scientific issues

3 COSCE is very concerned with the downturn seen in recent years in the number of college students getting into science In a time where knowledge is fundamental We also realize that Science education must be started from the very early years And that this is a long term endeavour

4 Science Education Science is key for the development of societies & nations Science education frees people: From poverty through better jobs From the dark tyranny of fortune tellers, black magic, superstitions, etc. Science is important for the economy of nations Science forms more demanding citizens, which in turn improves democracy The future belongs to those societies that are better prepared Unfortunately, in many countries including the so-called developed nations, the interest of young people in science is dropping to alarming levels

5 ENCIENDE ENCIENDE (light up!) is a project started by COSCE to improve science education in primary schools Starting points: Science is poorly or not at all covered in primary education in Spain Primary school teachers are often not trained in basic science Children inquiring minds are often left idle or even frustrated, specially at this early age

6 ENCIENDE Data inception through a questionnaire sent to primary schools, science museums, planetariums, What do children want to know of? Talks with scientists to cross-check with what children of that age should really know Talks with education experts to ascertain what children are actually capable of knowing at that age!

7 The goals Encourage children to develop their inquisitiveness, their excitement for discovery, their curiosity to experience every day phenomena, their creative minds Present science to children as something that provides answers to every day phenomena, as something funny, as something to experiment with, as something within their reach Treat children as potential future scientists Thus giving children an important head start

8 The means Produce educational material geared for both children and school teachers Produce a web based hot line for teachers encountering problems with science questions This project is being funded by Fundación La Caixa

9 Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy, we are starting with astronomy Then we will continue with Earth sciences Life sciences The brain The process

10 Astronomy, an example Why do people in New Zeeland or Australia not fall off to empty space? Why does the moon change shape from time to time? Why the Moon does not fall onto the Earth What will happen if the Sun stops shining? Why there are days and nights? Where do stars go during the day that can t be seen? Are there extraterrestrial beings? Can we travel to other planets and live there? How much oxygen do astronauts carry in their backpacks?

11 Conclusion Science is key for the progress and well being of nations Often science is neglected in the early years of education ENCIENDE is trying to bring science to primary schools, both for the enjoyment of children and to light up their creative minds

12 Thank you