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TOPIC Island need embrace sc 10 Businessupdate Isle of Man Examiner, March 2006 It’s widely accepted that the Island’s economy would benefit from schoolchildren studying science. But is enough being done to generate excitement in the subject and is it feasible to expect more to be done Jenna Caldwell reports You decide the agenda and we’ll provide the setting Corporate Events • Training • Conference Facilities • Syndicate Rooms • Boardrooms Private Dining • Special Day Delegate Rates Centrally located in the heart of Douglas, just moments away from the Island’s business and retail centres, our three hotels offer excellent conference facilities. The Claremont, The Chesterhouse and The Rutland have all been lavishly updated and offer flexible room configurations. All locations provide international standards of facilities and service that will exceed your expectations! Call our Conference Manager on 01624 698800 for further details. Why does the Manx cat have no tail It’s a question that’s spawned many colourful theories. Some say it’s the result of Noah accidentally severing the tails of two cats when he slammed the gate on them in his haste to secure the ark. Others maintain that the Irish invaders cut off the Island cats’ tails and used them for helmet decoration. Science demands the absence of the appendage to be the result of an evolutionary change, the mutation of the gene responsible for the development of the spinal column. This factual explanation behind the ‘cat with no tail’ is indeed much less fanciful than the magnificent Manx myths and fairy tales. The question is, does this reflect the Island’s perception of science in general, where scientific understanding ‘takes away the beauty of the rainbow’ With the growing mistrust evident in an unforgiving and frequently sceptical Britain, some representations of science have become weak and flawed — science responsible for worldwide disasters such as the atomic bomb, pollution and the thinning of the ozone layer. The Isle of Man does not stand separate in such negative visions of science. However, is the Island keeping up to date with attempts to change the perception of science into one of promise Are we adequately educating the public on beneficial scientific advances and explorations, reinforcing the potentials of science in our everyday lives and more importantly our future An important question, ‘what is science’ A question faultlessly answered by a school child aged 12 from QEII High School: ‘science is all about how the world works’. Science cannot simply be defined as the periodic table of classroom chemistry, the mind-boggling mitosis of biology, or the equation, worthy forces of gravity defined in the physics laboratory. Science is all around us. Our modern world depends on telephones, electricity, cars and countless other scientific advances and discoveries. Science explores the universe, searching for the ‘who, what, why, where and when’ of the world and how we can make use of its resources to improve the quality of life. Chris Corlett, chief executive of the Department of Trade and Industry, says that science is the engine for economic success, underlining the importance of building a knowledge-based economy in a science and technology-dependent world. He believes that increased public engagement in science in the Isle of Man will serve to enhance and harness the talents of Manx citizens, inevitably improving economic ability. Building on this position is an organisation called ManSat that provides tailored business services to meet the needs of the international space industry. The company is a strong supporter of space and science education in the Isle of Man and is working in co-operation with the Department of Education. ManSat jointly sponsors an annual scholarship programme for Manx students to attend NASA’s International Space School in Houston, Texas. It also offers undergraduate scholarship opportunities through the ManSat Foundation and offers an annual graduate scholarship for Manx students to the International Space University (ISU) in Strasbourg, France. Ian Jarritt, finance director for ManSat, believes the company schemes are a brilliant way to spark interest in the vast world of science and technology. He believes that an additional scholarship offered to teachers in the Island would be of great benefit for the promotion of science. ManSat, with headquarters in London and Houston, is certainly succeeding in maintaining the Island’s connections with worldwide advances in scientific exploration. However, apart from the few that are fortunate enough to be selected for the space venture, how is the Island engaging its public in science The Manx National Heritage (MNH) museums do feature many aspects of science — from engineering feats such as the Laxey wheel to the geology, archaeology and zoology of ‘Mann’. However, is this enough to engage the Manx society in the realms of science — sufficient to inspire and excite The heart of scientific exploration seems to be in the shadows of Manx natural and cultural history, arts and crafts. Education Minister David Anderson believes that the appreciation and reawakening of science must begin in education, ‘the source of lifelong learning’. Stephen Lillie, MNH’s education services assistant and qualified scientist, takes great pleasure in helping in science-based learning in Manx schools. Mr Lillie runs hands-on curriculumbased workshops for school classes of varying ages on topics such as geology and botany. He encourages a ‘see, think, do’ style of teaching. However, such interactive learning sessions are restricted to one seminar
s to MARCHspecialreport EDUCATION ience are we making the most of the resources At the 112-year-old research Marine Biological Station in Port Erin (funded by the University of Liverpool) marine biology students work on a daily basis on projects involving the rich biodiversity on Manx shores. However, the station has only one open day a year — only one chance for the public to witness the life of a marine biologist and learn about the creatures in our surrounding oceans. Unfortunately the station is set to close at the end of September 2006. Laboratory director Professor Trevor Norton said: ‘The decision was purely financial. I’m very sad and disappointed. If the place was a complete failure I could understand it, but it’s been a great success. ‘Hundreds of students from around the world have studied at the lab and 200 scientists from 32 countries backed the campaign to save the lab.’ The Wildlife Park in Ramsey is another example of an opportunity. On-request talks at the park are available for a range of groups young and old. Could such talks/ presentations become incorporated into a science educational programme, introducing and stimulating interest in subjects such as zoology Publicity and availability is also a crucial factor that must be considered. If sciencerelated events, talks, field trips and so on are being held in the Island, schools and the public must be well informed. Opportunities for public engagement in science and technology must be enthusiastically advertised. It is also important not to exclude those who are not part of a society. For example, in 2005 only members of the Natural History and Antiquarian Society could attend the lecture ‘The Ecology on the Manx Salt Marshes’ held by a PhD research assistant from Liverpool university. In January 2006, Howard Parkin, chairman of the Isle of Man Astronomical Society and leading teacher in the field of astronomy, held an evening of stargazing at the Isle of Man Observatory for the society members. If membership is vital for the funding of such events, can the membership be reasonably priced and well advertised to those not yet aware of such exciting fields in science Let the Isle of Man bring science out of the shade and into the light of our Island life. On awakening the beauty of science, the Isle of Man will not be left behind in a worldwide era of scientific exploration. 0% . Competitive rates all year 0% commission on foreign currency and travellers cheques room of classroom size at the Manx Museum. Mr Lillie believes that more can be done to improve public engagement in science but reinforces that starting ‘small and useful is the key to success’. Could MNH increase science-based resources and education For example, by scheduling lectures, debates, weekend workshops and summer courses for schoolchildren and the general public Alternatively, could the Island support an individual science centre/museum In recognition of the small population of the Island and low influx of visitors, the centre could incorporate educational programmes for primary and secondary schools, as well as for the public. It could hold stimulating workshops, changing interactive exhibits, thematic special events, field trips and up-to-date programmes that cover many curriculum areas not just in science, but also in technology, art and design, geography, mathematics, and ICT. Live and exciting science demonstrations, presentations on topical issues and dialogue-provoking debates could be hosted at the centre for all age groups — teachers, biologists, chemists, physicists, engineers, oceanographers, geneticists, doctors, astronomers, archaeologists and environmentalists bringing to life the work that they do and its relevance in our society. Mr Anderson adds: ‘Anything that broadens educational knowledge places the Island in great stead for an ever-changing environment, an environment dominated by scientific processes and progress.’ From boat building, hair-raising electrics, illuminating light shows, electron microscopy, multimedia experiences, hands-on human anatomy, computer animation and space ventures, to exercise rooms, where heart, respiration and reaction rates are calculated, the centre would encourage different styles of learning. For example, spatial and physical learning, styles not always appropriate or viable in the confines of the classroom. With fewer schoolchildren in the Island opting to study core science subjects, the centre would encourage greater understanding of scientific concepts, inevitably highlighting the interesting prospects of a career in the vast fields of science. Mr Corlett is in favour of establishing a science centre. However, he stresses the difficult reality in terms of funding. He noted that while government spending is on the increase, a science centre would have to compete with the demand of areas such as health and education. With no universities and a population of under 80,000 the Island faces the problem of a low critical mass of expertise, research and development. Therefore, public and private investment would prove difficult. SLS Optics Ltd in Tromode is a sciencebased company, which designs, manufactures and tests optical components for a worldwide customer base. But only two of its 20 staff are science graduates. Lionel Skillicorn, director of SLS, says: ‘Science companies in the Isle of Man are basically not large enough to drive scientific research and development that will absorb the Island’s science graduates. With limited opportunities for Manx science graduates, is this why the Island's movement with science is being delayed’ If a science centre is not a feasible option, the Island certainly has the potential to embrace science in effective ways. However Order online at www.iompost.com for next day delivery to your home, work or local Post Office . Order online for next day delivery to an Isle of Man address of your choice . Full Bureau de Change service at Douglas Regent Street and Ramsey Court Row Post Offices . Euros available at all Post Offices Terms and Conditions apply People to People T:698444 E: customer.services@iompost.com www.iompost.com
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