Chief Scientist Spruiks STEM for National Science Week. (August 15, 2012)

In an opinion piece for ABC Science Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, yesterday pleaded that its "Time to reignite our science spark".

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the piece is that so far it has elicited only two comments which we reprint below.

First several excerpts from Professor Chubb's op-ed.

National Science Week is a significant part of our year as it reinvigorates the discussion of the importance and prevalence of science in our everyday lives... As consumers and citizens in the modern world, we need the ability to evaluate critically claims made in the name of science. Being science literate doesn't mean you have to be a professional scientist, but it does mean that you can use the processes of science and draw conclusions from the evidence around you.

Scientific literacy is not just about grasping the technical concepts, it is about curiosity, a questioning approach, and a willingness to test rigorously claims with evidence. These intellectual skills should be taught explicitly to all students across all levels of schooling... A society with a flourishing scientific culture would also produce more practising scientists and researchers, which means sustaining economic competitiveness as we move into a knowledge-based economy.

We produce well-trained, well-educated and knowledgeable graduates in a broad range of disciplines... However... It has become apparent that we are raising a generation which seem to be losing their connection with the wonders of science. They are not as engaged now as they once were, despite having access to and making use of the outputs and applications of science in their everyday life.

[M]any students have an almost perverse view of science. And while I agree that science, maths and engineering hold the solutions to many of our future challenges, the assumption that science will always be there when we need it is risky, especially if we can't engage and inspire the younger generations to pursue science in the numbers we expect to need.

Australia should be an anticipator nation [in scientific research] and not a follower — we need to give as we receive in a two-way flow of knowledge and know-how. Investment needs to be a long-term commitment in our national interest as we ensure our nation reaches its full potential.

[N]ext time you are having a conversation at the water cooler, talk about science, talk about National Science Week and share the excitement about our nation's scientific future.

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And those two comments?

1.     I agree with you about more scientists (and engineers). But the fundamental problem is the jobs (or more accurately - training positions) just are not there. How many graduates don't get a job. What is the point in talking more graduates into a line of study that won't get them a job? That is the problem now.
    

2.     As a secondary school science teacher, I am amazed at the limited exposure to science students arriving at High School have. The AC [Australian Curriculum] may help to address this, but the first and biggest issue is the fear and loathing of science by the majority of primary school teachers. The anxiety is neither helpful for them nor their students.
       Science needs to be fun and rigorous from toddlerhood, not a crash course in years 7/8.