Science matters. . .

A matter of national importance

At the heart of this drive is a series of innovative projects designed to promote science education in schools. Funded by the Scottish Executive as part of its Science Strategy, the measures include everything from Continuing Professional Development opportunities for science teachers to 'ISE 5-14', a major programme geared towards improving science learning and teaching for 5 to 14 year-olds. Other projects include BA ScienceLive, a handy online directory of science presenters and outreach shows; and the BA Young People's Programme, which is dedicated to making science exciting, accessible and relevant to young people by providing support for teachers, resources, awards schemes and events for all ages. For the very young, meanwhile, there's SciTots – a programme of quality science workshops for nursery-aged children delivered by the Strathclyde Science and Technology Forum.

Shaping the future of science

To provide a fresh perspective, a special advisory committee has been set up. Established in May 2002, under the auspices of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), The Scottish Science Advisory Committee (SSAC) provides independent advice to Scottish Ministers on science strategy, science priorities and science policy. Amongst its initial recommendations are calls for: a comprehensive programme of curriculum change (with an emphasis on developing scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills, rather than simply cramming facts); investment in infrastructure; and mechanisms for developing high-quality science teachers for the future.

Regional highlights

The same commitment to succeed is evident at a local level. The Dundee City STEM Partnership, for example, includes not just local universities and colleges, but also Careers Scotland, Science Centre, the local education services and enterprise company and so on. Established in 2002, the group aims to provide schools and the public across Tayside with access to a wider range of activities, enabling them to take a greater interest in the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in society. Activities organised so far include mini-science festivals, summer schools, shopping centre demonstrations, science centre visits and business breakfasts, together with a host of other activities, competitions and events in schools and the community.

Centres of Excellence

Taking science education out of the classroom can be a stimulating and exciting exercise in itself of course. Dedicated to working in partnership with teachers, the award-winning Glasgow Science Centre runs live science shows, workshops, planetarium shows and 3D IMAX films for pupils – all directly linked to the Scottish curriculum. What child wouldn't want to see a show entitled 'Blood, Bile & Body Bits'? For those who can't come to them, the Science Centre offers a lively, interactive outreach programme. Delivered with assistance from the four West of Scotland universities, The Royal Bank Science Circus travels to primary and secondary schools throughout the West of Scotland.

Equally interactive and fun is the Sci-Fun Scottish Science Technology Roadshow managed by the Faculty of Science and Engineering at The University of Edinburgh. SCI-FUN visits three or four schools every week, introducing children from as far afield as Dumfries and Galloway to the Shetland Islands to the fascinating and exciting world of science.

Edinburgh to Shetland seems like a stone's throw compared to our next destination, the NASA Space Camp in Houston, Texas. What's the connection? Each year a group of young people from high schools across Scotland get a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend The Scottish Space School. Here, they spend ten days working with teams from NASA on a full itinerary of science workshops, lectures and social activities. The trip, which is organised by the Scottish Space Foundation – a partnership involving Careers Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Executive and the International Space Community – has proved so popular that a residential summer school is soon to be launched at the University of Strathclyde for those students who don't quite make it onto the final shortlist.

Science for all seasons

Continuing the international theme, 2004 marks the 15th year of the Edinburgh International Science Festival. A world-class event, the Festival brings together many of the top thinkers and great science entertainers of the day in what is the UK's largest public celebration of science and technology. This year, children had the opportunity to design their own computer game, extract DNA, handle meteorites and meet Dr Bunhead – half scientist, half-baked. The Festival isn't just for kids either. Among the 100 or so stupendous events on offer is a specially selected programme of talks and debates for adults covering the hottest topics of the day.

Although undoubtedly the highlight of the scientific calendar, the Edinburgh International Science Festival is by no means the only entry. Every March, for instance, the whole of the UK celebrates National Science Week, nowhere more enthusiastically than in Scotland. Co-ordinated by the BA (the British Association for the Advancement of Science), this year's packed programme of events included public lectures and exhibitions in Glasgow; hands-on Science Discovery Days in Aberdeenshire; Science Fairs in Dumfries; talks and workshops on the Isle of Skye and Orkney; a lecture on Bugs, Brews and Bevies at Heriot-Watt University's brewing facility; sessions for teachers at Edinburgh's Royal Observatory; displays at shopping centres in Paisley and a Science and Technology Internet Quiz run by Strathclyde University.

The other 51 weeks of the year may be quieter, but in Scotland you'll never have to wait long or travel far for your next slice of science action. Upcoming highlights published in the Institute for Science Education in Scotland's bulletin include conferences for Careers Guidance Professionals; Saturday morning Science Masterclasses organised by the RSE; practical workshops for teachers on DNA Technology and Water and Waste Water Treatment; public exhibitions and lectures on everything from science fiction and current science to future predictions; RSE Discussion Forums on Energy; and regular slots for P3-P7 pupils at Science Zone @ Royal Museum in Edinburgh. What's encouraging is that most of these activities aren't linked to any particular festival or event; they happen simply because science matters.