The Committee has noted press reports that the number of practical experiments in science lessons in schools and science field trips may be in decline.
The Committee is carrying out an inquiry into practical experiments in science lessons and science field trips and invites written submissions from those with an interest in the subject, especially from pupils aged 11-18, their teachers and science undergraduates who have recently left school. To assist those who wish to make submissions, the Committee suggests the following questions as a focus.
1. How important are practical experiments and field trips in science education?
2. Are practical experiments in science lessons and science field trips in decline? If they are, what are the reasons for the decline?
3. What part do health and safety concerns play in preventing school pupils from performing practical experiments in science lessons and going on field trips? What rules and regulations apply to science experiments and field trips and how are they being interpreted?
4. Do examination boards adequately recognise practical experiments and trips?
5. If the quality or number of practical experiments and field trips is declining, what are the consequences for science education and career choices? For example, what effects are there on the performance and achievement of pupils and students in Higher Education?
6. What changes should be made?
7. Is the experience of schools in England in line with schools in the devolved administrations and other countries?
The Committee expects to put in place arrangements for an e-consultation to assist pupils in school to give their views to the Committee. An announcement will be made later in April.
The Committee invites written submissions on these issues by Wednesday 11 May 2011.
Each submission should:
a) be no more than 3,000 words in length
b) be in Word format with as little use of colour or logos as possible
c) have numbered paragraphs
d) include a declaration of interests.
A copy of the submission should be sent by e-mail to scitechcom@parliament.uk and marked "Science experiments". An additional paper copy should be sent to:
The Clerk
Science and Technology Committee
House of Commons
7 Millbank
London SW1P 3JA
Please note that:
- Material already published elsewhere should not form the basis of a submission, but may be referred to within a proposed memorandum, in which case a hard copy of the published work should be included.
- Memoranda submitted must be kept confidential until published by the Committee, unless publication by the person or organisation submitting it is specifically authorised.
- Once submitted, evidence is the property of the Committee. The Committee normally, though not always, chooses to make public the written evidence it receives, by publishing it on the internet (where it will be searchable), by printing it or by making it available through the Parliamentary Archives. If there is any information you believe to be sensitive you should highlight it and explain what harm you believe would result from its disclosure. The Committee will take this into account in deciding whether to publish or further disclose the evidence.
- Select Committees are unable to investigate individual cases.
More information on submitting evidence to Select Committees may be found on the parliamentary website at: http://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/have-your-say/take-part-in-committee-inquiries/witness/
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