Explore science in exciting ways
Science is getting an imaginative makeover for teenagers in Oxfordshire. Unfortunately amongst some teenagers science is considered to be boring, difficult, or both. However hopefully this is about to change thanks to some exciting new initiatives to explore science in different ways.Two projects are looking to engage teenagers in biological sciences. One particular field, genetics, is rapidly progressing and is also unravelling a series of complex personal, social and ethical questions, and headlines in the press like: 'DNA profiling: a threat to liberty?' (The Week 4/11/06) call for the need for debate. Science Oxford's new Wellcome Trust funded project Digital Discovery will delve into the world of digital technology to ignite interest in this and similar topics. Teenagers who are interested in making their own animated film or podcast will be trained by professionals in how to use state of the art digital technology. They will then use this to explore the bioscience issues that they care about, such as stem cell research or cloning and create an animated film or podcast. Project co-ordinator Sarah Richardson says "It's a great opportunity for teenagers to explore their creative sides as well as their own opinions on issues that are likely to affect them sometime in their lifetimes". The week-long workshops will run in the summer holidays at Science Oxford in St Clements.
Drama is capturing everyone's attention about medical genetics in Meet the Gene Machine, a lively drama and discussion event designed to raise awareness of the ethical implications raised by advances in medical genetics. The Oxford Trust has been delivering these sessions to 14-18 year olds in secondary schools across Oxfordshire. Jo Hodges, one of the presenters, says, "The drama is a great way to introduce the topic. It is entertaining but at the same time we set alight their interest in the issues raised."
There is currently a plethora of reality television shows like Dragons Den and The Apprentice, looking to find the next entrepreneur but often the link between science and entrepreneurship is overlooked. The Oxford Trust, in association with Venturefest a two-day conference celebrating innovation and enterprise in the county, are searching for the next entrepreneur among teenage science, technology and business studies students. In The Venturefest Apprentice, like the BBC's The Apprentice, teenagers will take part in a series of challenges testing their skills in creativity, sales and marketing, leadership and team working which will involve working with high-tech businesses and local entrepreneurs.
Events like this point up that the career for a scientist doesn't have to involve staying in academia. To help demonstrate this the Science Council is building a new website which as well as promoting studying science will highlight the career opportunities it can lead to. So far the project has been called 'Careers from Science' but a new name is needed that will appeal to young people, particularly 11-16 year olds. All young people are encouraged to vote for the name for this new resource. Visit www.sciencevote.co.uk to see the options and make your choice.
For more information about any of the above projects please call The Oxford Trust on 01865 728953.
Sarah Richardson wrote this article. This page is co-ordinated by Science Oxford.