Science Today: Problem Or Crisis?

SCIENCE TODAY In this comprehensive text, key figures in the fields of science and science education critically discuss the role of science in public policy, in the school and in broader public education. Their contributions form an original dialogue on science education and the general public awareness of science, tackling both formal and informal aspects of science learning. Engaging with the socially contentious areas of this core curriculum subject, as well as the dichotomy between ‘science for all’ and ‘training professional scientists’, the authors of these articles uncover the prejudices which haunt the traditional view of science. They offer a range of detailed solutions. The editors argue that a better future for science must involve an open debate on its public role, and this can only happen by breaking down the barriers that divide scientists, schools and the public. SCIENCE TODAY Problem or crisis? Edited by Ralph Levinson and Jeff Thomas with a foreword by JOHN DURANT London and New York First published 1997 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2005. “To purchase your own copy of this or any of Taylor & Francis or Routledge’s collection of thousands of eBooks please go to www.eBookstore.tandf.co.uk.” Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 © 1997 Ralph Levinson and Jeff Thomas selection and editorial matter © to individual authors for their contributions All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book has been requested Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book has been requested ISBN 0-203-97482-4 Master e-book ISBN ISBN 0-415-13531-1 (pbk) CONTENTS List of contributors Foreword SCIENCE, PEOPLE AND SCHOOLS: AN INTRINSIC CONFLICT? Ralph Levinson and Jeff Thomas vi viii 1 Part I Views and conflicts 1 IN PRAISE OF SCIENCE Lewis Wolpert 5 2 A CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO SCIENCE PUNDITRY Henry Bauer 12 3 VISIONS OF EMBATTLED SCIENCE Mary Midgley 19 4 SCIENCE WARS: MY ENEMY’S ENEMY IS—ONLY PERHAPS-MY FRIEND Hilary Rose 28 Part II Democracy and the curriculum 5 INTEREST IN SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY: SOME THOUGHTS Tam Dalyell 36 6 SCIENCE OF THE TIMES: A 2020 VISION OF EDUCATION Guy Claxton 38 7 SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY: WHAT CAN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM ACHIEVE? Robin Millar 47 8 DEMOCRACY AND EXPERTISE: THE CASE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Les Levidow 55 Part III Science for all? 9 10 SCHOOL SCIENCE AND ITS PROBLEMS WITH SCIENTIFIC LITERACY Peter Fensham