Survey shows students want to discuss ethical issues in science lessons

Brussels, 22 April 2002

An online survey of 2,000 UK students aged between 16 and 19 has shown that they want more opportunities to debate controversial science topics such as cloning and genetic engineering.

Over half of those questioned in the survey, carried out as a part of the UK's Science Year through science museum websites, thought that such ethical issues should be compulsory for children under 16.

More than half of participants thought science lessons should place more emphasis on why, rather than how, things work, and three quarters called for more real life practical examples to help them understand science.

'These new findings on the science curriculum are dramatic and fascinating and show those in the education community that students have clear, informed and valuable opinions,' said acting head of the UK's Science Museum, Roland Jackson.

For further information about the UK's Science Year, please consult the following web address: http://www.scienceyear.com/home.html

CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001