Science and society
Alberts, B.: Hybrid vigor in science. Science, No.320, 11 April 2008 p.155
An editorial highlights the need for scientists to form partnerships with other key stakeholders in order to apply the tools of science to societal problems. Several examples from the United States are described. In order to enable such links, the author calls for initiatives that support science students in making career transitions to other sectors.
Bitgood, S. - Ahmann, K.: Science cafe: lessons from two years of evaluation. Informal Learning Review, The, No.21 July-August 2008 p.8-11
This piece discusses a two year evaluation of Science Cafes, events in which contemporary science is discussed with the public in a casual environment (such as coffee houses or bars, so that the public can get their information from real scientists,rather than from the mass media. It discusses what lessons have been learned and suggests a number of guidelines to be followed when organising such an event. It concludes that the best way to maintain a successful program is to continue to monitor its success between each meeting.
Campbell-Johnson, R.: Geeks and Guinness: the formula for sexy science. Observer, 13 April 2008 p.16
Informal forums for the debate of wide ranging topics, cafe scientifiques are succeeding in encouraging people's interest in science. The reasons for this are discussed as well as how the cafe's popularity is challenging the view that the general public are "disengaged from modern science".
Castelfranchi, C.: Six critical remarks on science and the construction of the knowledge society. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Vol.6, No.4, December 2007
Some propositions combined with personal views are discussed in relation to certain "perversions and disruptions" identified in the development of scientific knowledge representation. The main points examined include "Society of Knowledge" as "knowledge as capital"; science's subordination to production, and the necessity of knowledge for the good of society.
Cerroni, A.: Individuals, knowledge and governance in the 21st-century society. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Vol.6, No.4, December 2007
The dynamics and characteristics of the "knowledge society" in the 21st century are examined. Its formation has been the result of two long-term processes, namely "society of individuals" and "knowledge society" itself. The dynamics are shown to comprise a "social-economic process of knowledge" divided into four parts entitled generation, institutionalisation, spreading, and socialisation. The modern structure of knowledge is explored, which appears to have been overtaken by the alliance of nanotechnologies, biotechnologies, information technologies, and neuro-cognitive technologies (NBIC).
Desai, B.: Building new audiences: science cafes. Informal Learning Review, The, No. 75, November - December 2005 pp.12-16
The development of the science cafe network in conjunction with the outreach programme associated with the US-based NOVA ScienceNow television series is discussed. Each programme in the series, launched in January 2005, has a magazine type format that incorporates several short pieces highlighting a variety of scientific topics in current research. The use of science cafes extended the series' concepts beyond the television to provide an interface through which the public could meet representatives from the scientific community directly.
Dodds, R.E. - Tseelon, E. - Weitkamp, E.L.C.: Making sense scientific claims in advertising, a study of scientifically aware consumers. Public Understanding of Science, Vol. 17, No.2, April 2008 pp.211-230
An exploratory study that examines the attitudes of British consumers to scientific and pseudoscientific claims in advertising. All the participants had a fairly high level of awareness from working in scientific environments, but were not scientists themselves. The results indicated that where scientific claims were congruent with existing knowledge of health issues, they were generally accepted, however the participants were sceptical of pseudoscientific claims, particularly for cosmetics. Scientific awareness seems to influence consumer's judgement of science and pseudoscience in advertising.
Gallino, L.: Mass technologies and ignorance in the society of knowledge. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Vol.6, No.4, December 2007
How society should govern the impact and power of contemporary life-supporting technologies and the science therein is discussed. The key question proposed is whether society as a "Society of Knowledge" needs to fully understand the "power of science-driven technology" or whether further democracy needs to be introduced to influence the decision-making process. However, the concept of a "Society of Knowledge" requires a clearer definition in order to unify the politics of science and technology, and there is also a need to tackle the current level of technological ignorance through education enabling society to understand the long-term consequences of new discoveries.
Graur, D. - Macnaghten, P.: Should researchers welcome or avoid public engagement? Science & Public Affairs, June 2008 pp.4-5
Two academics: Prof. Dan Graur from the Dept of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston and Professor of Geography Phil Macnaghten from Durham University disagree about the need for public engagement in science.
Johnston, I.: Scientists rally against creationist ‘superstition'. Independent on Sunday, 1 June 2008 p.22
The 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin will be used to counteract the increase of creationism in Britain. A variety of initiatives are being organised to mark the event, including a mass experiment across Europe looking at evolutionary changes to snails, and a competition to design "Darwin's canopy", a new ceiling for the Natural History Museum.
Koolstra, C. M.: An example of science communication evaluation study: Discovery 07, a Dutch science party. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Issue 2, June 2008
An evaluation of a science party, Discovery 07, and its potential to improve the image of science and scientists amongst its guests was investigated. Organised by a group of scientists called Stichting Very Disco, Discovery 07 was held on the 27th September 2007 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and combined science and art activities with music. Web surveys were submitted to 149 participants to measure their perceptions of science both prior and after the event. Additionally, during the event 124 guests were interviewed about their experiences. Pre and post testing and participation in the event did not lead the guests to develop a more positive image of science and scientists.
Kyvik, S - Larsen, IM: The exchange of knowledge - A small country in the International Research Community. Science Communication, 18, 3, 1997, 238-264.
This article explores in what ways and to what extent a small country is integrated in international science. It gives an overview of various types of contact between academic staff members at Norwegian universities and their colleagues abroad, including which countries are the most important for such contact, and shows to what degree faculty members in different fields of learning publish internationally Faculty members in the social sciences and humanities have almost as many close contacts with foreign researchers as do their colleagues in the natural and physical sciences, but the extent of international publishing is considerably lower in the humanities and social sciences. The reasons for these field differences are discussed.
Powell, M. C. - Colin, M.: Meaningful citizen engagement in science and technology: what would it really take? Science Communication, Vol.30, No.1, September 2008 pp.126-136
Key questions in relation to the aims and preconceived goals for citizen engagement processes and facilitation in science and technology, particularly relevant to institutionally sponsored projects, were examined. The questions included whether engagement exercises achieve the aims laid down; the types of processes that could create an engagement that has real value as well as identifying the barriers and how they might be overcome to nurture the kind of engagement that fulfils its purpose. Ten recommendations for active citizen participation are given.
Priest, SH: Structuring public debate on biotechnology - media frames and public response. Science Communication, 16, 2, 1994, 166-179.
A study of themes arising within focus group discussions of U.S. lay publics (both student and nonstudent adults) in response to newspaper coverage of biotechnology is consistent with the assertion that media frames and reader schemas interact to produce an understanding of a newly emerging issue. Newspaper coverage heavily dominated by institutional sources and dealing with only a narrow range of issues may be limiting the terms of public debate in an unhealthy way. Readers reason by analogy with related and sometimes unrelated developments in trying to understand biotechnology, based on schemas reflecting their general understanding of science.
Russell, R. L.: Why the general public doesn't understand evolution. Informal Learning Review, The, No. 75, November - December 2005 pp.18-23
Current research was reviewed on how the influence of attitudes towards and understanding of scientific research, parental attitudes, and intellectual development affects a person's evaluation of evolutionary theory and its relation to creationism. It concludes that education professionals must reconcile their own beliefs with the reality of evolution and understand that most people have a poor knowledge of science. Moreover, educators must realise that different factors influence how the public perceives evolution.
Saunders; Prof. P.: Peer review under the spotlight. Science in Society, Issue 38, Summer 2008 pp.31-32
The author argues that the peer review system in scientific research is important but can be very limited. Referees are often unpaid and under pressure of other work. There is also a double standard, where some research considered newsworthy by pressure groups or scientific bodies is published before being peer-reviewed. He suggests that lack of public scrutiny matters more than whether research is peer reviewed.
Schutz, H. - Wiedemann, P.M.: Framing effects on risk perception of nanotechnology. Public Understanding of Science, Vol.17, No.3, July 2008 pp.369-379
The article tests two hypotheses about potential influences on nanotechnology risk perception: 1. Risk perception is influenced by potential benefits perceived. 2. Risk perception is influenced by its context in large multinationals versus smaller enterprises. The authors found that different types of benefits made no difference to risk perception, but the type of enterprise involved did affect risk perception. They suggest that when personal knowledge about technology is lacking, people use familiar aspects of social context to evaluate risk.
Schmandt, J: Civic science. Science Communication, 20, 1, 1998, 62-69.
Civic science is built an the premise that many development issues are so complex that they require careful interdisciplinary assessment of current conditions, future trends, and possible solutions, and that stakeholders an well placed to advise on actions which incorporate community preferences and goals. The author outlines how civic science principles work in three contexts: Project ARIDAS (a plan for sustainable development in the semiarid regions of Brazil), water and development planning in the Rio Grande/Rio Brave Basin in Texas and Mexico, and environmental risk assessment for the Houston (Texas) area.
Small, H. - Kushmeriki, A. - Benson, D.: Scientists perceptions of the social and political implications of their research. Scientometrics, Vol.74, No.2, 2008 pp.207-221
The social and political outcomes of science are examined by analysing scientists' views of the social impact of their own highly cited research papers. Data was gathered via a questionnaire between October 2005 and November 2006 to which 153 scientists responded. Perceptions were categorised into a "typology of social and political implications for science" from which specific impacts were assessed followed by analysis of the structure and disciplinary relationships between the implications concerned. Overall, it was found that 78 per cent of those surveyed said that the research undertaken in relation to a highly cited paper had definite social and political implications for science with health associated implications being the most common.
Tait, T.: More conflict in life science. Science and Public Affairs, September 2008 p.10
Professor Joyce Tait, Scientific Advisor at the ESRC Innogen Centre at the University of Edinburgh gives her views on ‘upstream engagement' believed to be a more democratic approach to decision making in scientific research. She feels that although this approach is effective in some fields of scientific research others like stem cells and nanotechnology research need 10 to 15 years to develop and an open science and innovation period should be allowed until it is opened to wider debate.
Whitten, P - Collins, B: The diffusion of telemedicine - Communicating an innovation. Science Communication, 19, 1, 1997, 21-40.
Telemedicine, the use of telecommunication technologies in the delivery of health services, has literally burst upon the health care scene during this decade. However no study to date has attempted anything further than a cursory examination of the diffusion of this innovation. This article argues that a linear approach is inadequate to understand the diffusion of decentralized and continually reinvented innovations such as telemedicine. Instead, a communicative focus which privileges the role of participatory conversation is used to examine and explain the invention, diffusion, and reinvention of telemedicine.
Science and the media
Clarke, C. E.: A question of balance: the autism-vaccine controversy in the British and American elite press. Science Communication, Vol.30, No.1, September 2008 pp.77-107
Analysis of both British and American newspapers was conducted to examine whether "balanced reporting" of controversial scientific claims can actually create journalistic bias, which may be at odds with the general scientific perspective. Coverage of the autism-vaccine controversy was used as a case study particularly in relation to how the resulting discourse evolved over the study's eight-year duration. A total of 279 articles were analysed from February 1998 to June 2006. Generally US and British media coverage appear to offer balanced reporting, but significantly a large number concentrated on one perspective and the British press seemed to focus more on those studies purporting a link between autism and the vaccine.
Dhand, S.: MRSA in the United Kingdom: where science meets politics, and a sensationalist media produces a misinformed public. British Journal of Infection Control, Vol. 9, No. 2, March 2008 p.25
Dhingra, Koshi: Science on television: storytelling, learning and citizenship. Studies in Science Education, Vol.42, 2006 pp.89-124
Flagg, B. N.: Can 90 seconds of science make a difference. Informal Learning Review, The, No. 75, November - December 2005 pp.2, 22
The audience impact of "Earth and Sky", a short-format science radio series, was evaluated. The series consists of 90-second programmes, which explore a wide range of topics within environmental sciences, earth sciences, astronomy, and emerging technologies. The programmes are aired daily on more than 1000 commercial and public U.S. radio stations as well as satellite and the Internet. The evaluation assessed demographic characteristics as well as the frequency that listeners tuned in and the impact of the series on their engagement with the topic being discussed. It was found that 86% of the radio audience listen and considered the programmes highly appealing and understandable.
Goldacre, B.: Why reading should not be believing. Guardian Online, 21 June 2008
This article looks at the influence of newspaper coverage of health issues. A recent report by Gary Schwitzer of 500 health articles from mainstream media in the US showed that only 35% of stories were rated satisfactory for whether the journalist had "discussed the study methodology and the quality of the evidence". Articles routinely failed to give any useful quantitative information in absolute terms, preferring statements like "50% higher" instead. A systematic review from the Cochrane Collaboration found five studies looked at the take up of health treatments before and after media coverage of specific stories, and each found that favourable publicity was associated with greater use, and unfavourable with lower. Medical practice and academics are also influenced by the media. A seminal paper from the New England Journal of Medicine in 1991 said that if a study was covered by The New York Times it was significantly more likely to be cited by other academic papers.
Gunawardene, N.: Planet before profit for climate change films. SciDevNet, 4 November 2008
At a recent Asian media workshop in Tokyo in October, broadcasters and independent film makers called for the free availability of films and television programmes about climate change beyond their first broadcast, and that such material should be copyright free.
Hepeng, J.: Science journalism urged to be more locally relevant. SciDevNet, 27 June 2008
The results of a 2006 study examining science and technology coverage in the main stream media in Latin America have been presented at the 2008 Conference on the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST), Malmo, Sweden. It was found that in seven of the twelve major Latin American newspapers analysed, more than 40 percent of the science news reported originated from the developed world reflecting the fact that if science journalism was to have any tangible effect it needed to be more locally relevant and utilise local culture.
Jayaranman, K. S.: Reporting from science conferences. SciDevNet, 30 May 2008
Scientific conferences and meetings provide excellent forums for accessing and generating future news stories. The reasons for this are discussed as well as guidance on the techniques that can be used to elicit the information required.
Johnson, G.: Top ten greatest experiments. DailyTelegraph, 29 April 2008
Author George Johnson laments the dominance of "team sport" in modern science, which requires millions of pounds and large organisations of people to make new discoveries. He discusses his book, "The Ten Most Beautiful Experiments" in which he looks back at the old days when a single curious figure could devise and carry out an experiment and learn something new and fundamental about nature. His top ten are described in the article.
Leon, B.: Science related information in European television: a study of prime-time news. Public Understanding of Science, Vol.17, No.4, October 2008 pp.443-460
A comparative study, which assessed the quantity and quality of science-related information conveyed via prime-time news television programmes on leading public and commercial channels in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The study also examined the level of citizen interest in science to see if it equalised that in the medium thought to be the most important format for the delivery of scientific information. A sample of 218 stories were coded according to topic, length, explicit news values, scientific content and explanation during the third week of September 2003 and 2004. Results showed that the number and airtime of science-related news was significant as compared to other topics but did not match the level of citizen interest in science.
Lewison, G.: The reporting of the risks from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the news media, 2003-2004. Health, Risk and Society, Vol.10, No.3, June 2008 pp.241-262
Media reporting of the risks associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) were analysed between March 2003 to April 2004. Fifteen news print or Web-based media in seven countries including Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Spain, UK, and USA were examined. This study was part of a EC project led by Evaluation Partnership to investigate the communication of risk information to the public. Relevant news articles (1014) were analysed for their level of "scariness", type of risk, "the countries involved, and the documents, people and organisations cited". It was found that the degree of "scariness" within articles lessen as the epidemic progressed. Overall the findings reflected the need for a balanced risk communication strategy that is sensitive to public perceptions.
McCarthy, M. - Brennan, M. - De Boer, M. - Ritson, C.: Media risk communication : what was said by whom and how it was interpreted. Journal of risk research, Vol. 11, Issue 3, 2008 PP.375-394
The extent and type of past media coverage in the Irish press in relation to two major food risks, salmonella and genetically modified (GM) potatoes, was examined as well as how respective press releases and helpline data were incorporated and presented within the media reports. Following an audit of media messages on salmonella and GM potatoes compiled over a defined period of time, it was found that where press releases were used, their content was represented more or less correctly, demonstrating the importance of clarity in the information they provide.
Peters, H.P. - Brossard, D. - Dunwoody, S.: Science communication: interactions with the mass media. Science, Vol. 321. no. 5886, 11 July 2008 pp.204-205
A policy forum article discusses the results of a survey of scientists in five countries on their experiences of working with the media - suggesting that interactions between scientists and journalists are more common and less problematic than is commonly held to be the case.
Peters, H. P. - Brossard, D. - De Cheveigne, S. - Dunwoody, S. - Kallfass, M. - Miller, S. - Tsuchida, S.: Science-media interface: its time to reconsider. Science Communication, Vol.30, No.2, December 2008 pp.266-276
The findings of an international postal survey involving 1354 biomedical researchers in the US, UK, Japan, Germany and France, and conducted by the authors were analysed to determine whether the science-media relationship requires re-evaluation despite the main conclusion that this interaction has remained largely positive. Four key questions were posed including if researchers really cast their media contacts positively; whether it is truly surprising that the interface is less than rosy or are the results indicative that there is no basis for concern. Finally what conclusions can be drawn for practical science communication.
Reis, R.: How Brazilian and North American newspapers frame the stem cell research debate. Science Communication, Vol.29, N0.3, March 2008 pp.316-334
The author used media frames to analyse the different approaches of Brazilian and North American newspapers to presenting the debate on stem cell research. The Brazilian press took a more scientific (and positive) approach to the potential benefits, while in the United States press, the ethical and political debate dominated.
Saguy, A. C.: Almeling, R., Fat in the fire? Science, the news media, and the "obesity epidemic". Sociological Forum, Vol.23, No.1, 2008 pp.53-83
Schneider, S.H.: Mediarology. Cosmos, No. 20, April/May 2008 p.19
Climate scientist Stephen H. Schneider argues that the media tend to adopt an adversarial approach to reporting scientific stories, taking one position or another and even presenting information out of context to further their position without acknowledging that science, particularly climate science is a multifaceted. Scientists can counter this by acknowledging their own biases when giving expert opinion and addressing issues of risk assessment themselves rather than leaving it to non-scientists with less knowledge of the issues.
Ungar, S.: Global bird flu communication: hot crisis and media reassurance. Science Communication, Vol.29, No.4, June 2008 pp.472-497
Using a daily Google News Alert, this study looked at newspaper coverage of bird flu. Three stages were identified: an initial "sounding the alarm", followed by "mixed messages" of continued warnings and reassurance of government action plans etc., then "hot crisis and containment" in which efforts are made to counteract the worst of the initial dire predictions.
Veneu, F. - Amorim, L. H. - Massarani, L.: Science journalism in Latin America: how the scientific information from a scientific source is accommodated when it is transformed into a journalistic story. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Vol.7, No.1, March 2008
Case studies of how information in scientific peer-reviewed journals (Nature and Science) is re-presented in Latin American popular newspapers. The authors conclude that there is significant change in the content and the corresponding shift in the emphasis on the information can lead to a shift in the social impact it might have.
Watts, G.: Gene therapy is in danger of being overhyped, expert says. BMJ (British Medical Journal), No. 336, 3 May 2008 p.977
Following news reports about the use of gene therapy to correct a form of congenital blindness, researchers have expressed concern that media stories have been over-hyped and could increase public expectations about the potential of gene therapy ahead of real achievements.
Science communication
Aduke, L.: Women in science competition. SciDevNet
The aims, guidelines and entry requirements of the Women in Science Competition developed by a group of African-based organisations including the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) are highlighted. The competition recognises the achievements of women scientists in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) whose work engages with innovative research and communicates the outputs in such a way to aid regional agricultural performance. It also credits scientific staff that have communicated existing knowledge leading to the improvement of agricultural productivity and the lives of rural communities.
Baldi, A.: Science communication in India: status and challenges. Indian Journal of Science Communication, Vol. 6, No.2, July-December 2007 pp.30-33
With a growing science establishment in India, science communication activities have become an important issue for government and media. The article gives an overview of the state of science communication in India today, and considers the problems of communicating science to a mass audience with limited education. The article has a table of the chronological development of science communication in India that includes key publications and organisations in the field.
Bakir, V. - Barlow, D. M. (ed.), Communication in the age of suspicion: trust and the media. Basingstoke New York, Palgrave Macmillan, 2007
Carneiro. M. F.: The biography of scientists as a means of communicating science. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Vol.6, No.4, December 2007
The use of scientists' biographies as both a strategic and motivational tool for communicating science is explored. The neutrality associated with science is examined which by tradition has prevented any emotive factors from entering the sphere of science, thus separating the research from the scientist. It is therefore proposed that scientific biographies will break down this neutrality and create the necessary humanistic perspective to raise interest in science and bring scientists closer to their lay audiences.
Clark, F - Illman, DL: Dimensions of civic science - Introductory essay. Science Communication, 23, 1, 2001, 5-27.
A civic scientist has been described by Neal Lane. former presidential science adviser, as one who "engages the public in a dialogue about science and society." The concept of the civic scientist has received considerable attention nationally with the recent publication of a report on the subject by the National Science Board. But concepts and terms used in the literature and the press to characterize civic scientists and civic science have been ambiguous, if not conflicting. This article analyzes these recent articulations of the civic science concept, situating these ideas within the context of the existing science communication landscape.
Condit, CM - Ferguson, A - Kassel, R - Thadhani, C - Gooding, HC - Parrott, R: An exploratory study of the impact of news headlines on genetic determinism. Science Communication, 22, 4, 2001, 379-395.
Critics have suggested that news headlines about generics with inappropriately deterministic content will produce increased levels of determinism in the public er en when news article contents are not highly deterministic. This might result from a replacement effect (headlines stand in for the content of the article because few people read it fully) or from framing effect (headlines frame the interpretation of the article content). A quantitative e impact study and an interview method were used to rest the impact of the framing effect in a news article on genes and diabetes. This exploratory study found no support for a framing effect. Directions for future research are discussed.
Cortinas Rovira, S.: Metaphors of DNA: a review of the popularisation processes. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Vol. 7, No.1, March 2008
The DNA molecule became an iconic concept in the 20th Century. The author considers the main metaphors used by scientists and science popularisers that have enable it to go beyond scientific usage and be taken up by artists, and wider society.
Dalziel, L.: New media, new audiences, new opportunities. STEMPRA Newsletter, Summer 2008
An article which urges universities and charities to invest in expert help when developing their websites especially in relation displaying to multimedia files. The author, who runs her own media company, feels that the development of audio and video file, like podcasts, is an effective way of connect with audiences which is far more important than the overall look of a website.
Davies, S.R.: Constructing communication: talking to scientists about talking to the public. Science Communication, Vol.29, No.4, June 2008 pp.413-434
Report of a study that examines how scientists and engineers talk about public communication. It tends to be one way communication, and seen as something that is difficult and dangerous. However, there area some approaches that suggest a more complex understanding.
Dearing, JW - Meyer, G - Kazmierczak, J: Portraying the new communication between university innovators and potential users. Science Communication, 16, 1, 1994, 11-42.
How do academics communicate their research to external constituents? As U.S. research universities seek to emphasize knowledge application through outreach, answers to this question increase in importance. This article describes an exploratory analysis of conversations between and perceptions of (1) nine university researchers investigating hazardous waste remediation and (2) sets of environmental consulting engineers, state government regulators, and industrial scientists. Implications for two types of outreach-university-based technology transfer and diffusion of innovations-are discussed.
Einsiedel, EF - Eastlick, DL: Consensus conferences as deliberative democracy - A communications perspective. Science Communication, 21, 4, 2000, 323-343.
Consensus conferences involve a small group of citizens who go through a learning process on a given technological issue, engage experts, and develop an assessment of the key issues they identify as critical. These models of technology assessment, intended to make the process more democratic, have increasingly been used in Europe. This study examines the first application in Canada on the issue of food biotechnology. It examines the consensus conference as a model of public deliberation with specific attention to communication processes.
Fabbri, M.: The role of scientific publications in science communication. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Issue 1, March 2007
Gurabardhi, Z. - Gutteling, J. M. - Kuttschreuter, M.: The development of risk communication. Science Communication, 25, 4, 2004, 323-349.
This article describes the development of risk communication in the environmental and technological domain by systematically analyzing the literature as it is available through scientific journals. In total, 349 articles published between 1988 and 2000 were, analyzed, with three research questions in mind: How can we characterize the risk communication literature? Do trends exist in risk communication literature? and What do scientific indicators tell us about the nature of the published papers on risk communication? The articles were sampled from the online databases of Web of Science. Results indicate that risk communication currently is dominated by a few important writers from the Western world and one very influential journal, and that desk research/narrative essays are published most frequently. This article also observes a steadily climbing number of publications, scientists from various backgrounds, and identifiable nodes of high production. Several recommendations for future developments in risk communication are made.
Hawking, L.: Finding the words to bring science to life. Times, Saturday 14 June 2008 pp.6-7
To mark the launch of the Big Science Read at Jodrell Bank (www.bigscienceread.org) where visitors can vote for their favourite science fact or fiction book, author Lucy Hawking discusses what makes a good science book, and considers examples by noted science writers, including her father, Professor Stephen Hawking. Several eminent figures also give their favourites.
Henk A. J. Mulder - Nancy Longnecker - Lloyd S. Davis: The State of Science Communication Programs at Universities Around the World. Science Communication, Vol. 30, No. 2, 2008, p. 277-287
Building on discussions at two workshops held at the recent 10th International Conference on the Public Communication of Science and Technology during June 2008 in Malmö, Sweden, this article proposes specific steps toward achieving a common understanding of the essential elements for academic programs in science communication. About 40 academics, science communication professionals, and students from at least 16 countries participated in this process.
Hepeng, J.: Communication is key to informed public participation. SciDevNet, 2 May 2008
The general consensus resulting from a SciDev.Net symposium,‘Science Communication and Scientific Policy Making' held in Beijing during April, concluded that effective science communication played an important role in informed and participatory policy making particularly in developing countries and where science and technology is used in sustainable development.
Hepeng, J.: Science communicators rise to climate challenge. SciDevNet, 1 July 2008
A series of recommendations for improving the communication of climate change effects and mitigation methods have been compiled following the Copenhagen Challenge Project, which took place at the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) conference on the 26th June 2008. Fourteen discussion topics were distributed amongst focus groups that each provided three recommendations to tackle any of the challenges. For submission to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the recommendations included the creation of public meeting places for climate discussions and using the arts as communication tools.
Jia, H.: Academy to promote science communication in China. SciDevNet, 9 June 2006
A seventeen-member committee has been established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences with the aim of encouraging its scientists to further their science communication activities and to promote their work to the public. However, although the Committee is being seen in a positive light, it is felt that involving more top scientists in the process would not necessarily benefit science communication overall.
Krishna, Y.B.M.: An overview of the state of science journalism in India. Indian Journal of Science Communication, Vol. 6, No.2, July-December 2007 pp.24-28
Indian science and technology has made rapid progress, however science journalism has not kept up with the rise of the scientific establishment in India. Coverage in the press is poor, and science magazines, both home grown and Indian editions of foreign titles have failed in the past. A major hurdle for widespread dissemination is the lack of professional translators for the regional languages. A lack of scientific knowledge among editors and sub-editors is also a factor in suppressing potentially interesting science stories. Newspapers without specialist science journalists often reproduce press releases full of jargon without making them understandable. Training opportunities for science journalists are very limited, and science correspondents often only exist in establishments in the major cities. There is a lack of transparency among Indian government and other organisations that makes it difficult for science journalists to gain access to information. The Indian Science Writers Association is the main professional body for science journalists in India. Organisations such as the National Council for Science and Technology Communication and the Indian National Science Academy are promoting scientific awareness to the public. With access to international resources via the internet and the increased interest in science there are new opportunities for science journalists in India.
Landry, R - Amara, N - Lamari, M: Climbing the ladder of research utilization - Evidence from social science research. Science Communication, 22, 4, 2001, 396-422.
In this article, the Knott and Wildavsky stages of knowledge utilization are considered separately and compared with the previous stage to find factors explaining why researchers are able to climb up the lander of knowledge utilization from the echelon of no transmission to transmission. then to cognition, reference. effort, influence, and application. The results suggest that there are barriers to climbing and that these barriers are primarily located between the stage of no transmission and the stage of transmission. These results carry theoretical and policy implications that are explored in the last part of the article.
Laszlo, P.: On the self-image of chemists, 1950-2000. Hyle: international journal for philosophy of chemistry, Vol.12, No. 1, 2006 pp. 99-130
The changing self-image of chemists within the period 1950 to 2000 is examined. These changes are discussed in relation to key "tools": the strong iconic dimension of chemical language; the focus on landmark achievements; the consideration of eminent chemists; topographic factors, and the vogues and fads associated when a large number of chemists head towards the same aims creating individual self-interest. Analysis revealed that the image chemists have of themselves is very different to the stereotypical public image.
Logan, RA: Science mass communication - Its conceptual history. Science Communication, 23, 2, 2001, 135-163.
This article provides a conceptual history of science mass communication, which is seen as divided into the scientific literacy and interactive science traditions. The origins of the ideas that underlie the scientific literacy and interactive science traditions, as well as some of the issues researchers have raised, are introduced. The author argues the two traditions are not mutually exclusive, although the interactive tradition is a response to the applied problems within the scientific literacy model. It is argued that the pace of research might be accelerated if there were a more comprehensive collaboration among science communication, health communication, and risk communication scholarship.
Logan, RA - Zengjun, P - Wilson, NF: Science and medical coverage in the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post - A six-year perspective. Science Communication, 22, 1, 2000, 5-26.
A content analysis of the science, medical, and environmental news reported in the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post in biennial periods from 1989 to 1995 explored seven hypotheses about science reporting, news selection, and writing that were derived from the qualitatively based literature. Outcome variables were the percentage of news stories that are generated by events or are episodically generated, of news stories that are generated by science issues, of news stories with an embedded human interest component, of news stories with an embedded educational/informative component, of conflicts between scientists embedded as a writing motif, of news stories with a focus on pioneer science, and of news stories with a focus on textbook science. Five of the seven hypotheses with regard to the overall frequencies of science-reporting motifs within both newspapers were rejected. Expected qualitative patterns received only partial and equivocal support within the rime periods surveyed. The findings suggest that science journalism performance, if assessed over longer period of lime, may vary from some qualitative case-study presumptions. Case studies of science news may not reflect a news organization's overall reporting, editing, and news selection trends, which appear to be more broadly prudent and responsible within the newspapers surveyed than some previous scholarship suggests.
Maienschein, J: Commentary: To the future - Arguments for scientific literacy. Science Communication, 21, 1, 1999, 75-87.
Even while demanding improvements in science education because of a deplorable lack of scientific literacy advocates do not agree about what they mean. "Scientific literacy" has become a buzz phrase to capture different things, a confusion that is useful at times because it allows people to think they agree when they really do nor. Yet, hiding disagreements also keeps us from understanding how We might make things better: This commentary explores the most common meanings and distinguishes scientific literacy-or the democratic having of creative, scientific "habits of mind" by everybody-from science literacy-or the having of particular scientific knowledge by trained experts. Both are important, and we must nor lose track of the more difficult and long-term goal of achieving scientific literacy for everybody in the urgency of producing short-term results in the form of scientific knowledge by the few.
McCain, KW: Mandating sharing - journal policies in the natural-sciences. Science Communication, 16, 4, 1995, 403-431.
Of approximately 850 natural science, medical, and engineering journals, 132 have at least one policy statement in their ''instructions to authors'' concerning (1) deposition of sequence or structure data in a data bank before publication, (2) deposition or sharing of research materials upon request and (3) the availability of supplementary publication services. Compliance enforcement mechanisms include refusal to publish without evidence of deposition and editor author negotiation if research materials were denied. The enhanced ''gatekeeper'' role of these journals is a response to expressed concerns that research-related information continue to be available to the research community.
McInerney, C. - Bird, N. - Nucci, M.: The flow of scientific knowledge from lab to the lay public - The case of genetically modified food. Science Communication, 26, 1, 2004, 44-74.
This article reports on a study of how scientific knowledge about genetically modified (GM)food flows to the American public, focusing on language and message genres in the scientific literature, newspapers, and popular magazines. A comprehensive search of these literatures from 1992 to 2002 revealed a publishing pattern of scientific communication that contrasted with that found in the lay press. Examination of this difference led researchers to a scientific study on the effect of GM corn pollen on the Monarch butterfly. The case study of the discourse surrounding this event demonstrates how press releases affect what is published in the popular press. The role of this event in generating subtle repercussions in the perceptions of U.S. consumers, similar to the ripple effects found in Kasperson's social amplification of risk theory, is analyzed and reported.
Mountcastle-Shah, E - Tambor, E - Bernhardt, BA - Geller, G - Karaliukas, R - Rodgers, JE - Holtzman, NA: Assessing mass media reporting of disease-related genetic discoveries - Development of an instrument and initial findings. Science Communication, 24, 4, 2003, 458-478.
Objective: To develop an instrument to assess the content and balance of media stories about genetic discoveries relevant to human diseases and assess its ability to detect variability. Methods: Consumer focus groups to help develop the instrument, and surveys of scientists and journalists to evaluate the items. Ratings by at least two readers assessed reliability. Variability was measured by comparing scores of 47 stories emanating from two discoveries. Results: Reader agreement on content items was good (kappa = 0.74). Consumers, scientists, and journalists were in substantial agreement about what content items should be included. Some items deemed essential by journalists appeared in very few stories. One-third of stories exaggerated the benefits of the discovery and one-third presented a balanced selection of expert opinion. Coverage of specific items varied from 11.5 percent to 84.6 percent. Conclusions: The instrument is reliable; contains items deemed important by consumers, scientists, and journalists; and detects variability.
Mulder, H. A. J. - Longnecker, N. - Davis, L. S.: The state of science communication programmes at universities around the world. Science Communication, Vol.30, No.2, December 2008 pp.277-287
Two workshops involving representatives from sixteen countries were convened at the 10th International Conference on the Public Communication of Science and Technology held in June 2008 to debate the issues that influence the development of science communication programmes within universities. Prior to PCST-10 views was sought worldwide using the PCST mailing list to compile information on science communication programmes in other countries. Cumulatively four steps were identified including a register of science communication programmes; development of a core framework; formation of a database of teaching resources, and provision of a major prize for science communication.
Nepote, J.: The other books: a journey through science books. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Vol.7 No.2 June 2008 pp.1-6
A follow up to a piece in a previous edition of this Journal on "why should we care about science books?" This article looks at" many of the other books, science books, those that do not find easily their place in bookstores and libraries".
Newell, S - Swan, J: Professional-associations as important mediators of the innovation process. Science Communication, 16, 4, 1995, 371-387.
Innovation depends on new ideas entering an organization and being translated into something implemented and used. This article identifies the determinants of this knowledge acquisition and transfer. Knowledge is diffused through a variety of networks. One potentially important network is formed by professional associations, which diffuse a specific body of knowledge to practitioners and create informal networks of weak ties, linking members from different organizations. A survey of a particular association's members is used to identify the variables that predict the level of two types of technological innovation. Results show that professional association networks are important for innovation in specific, operational technologies, although infernal communication factors and organization size are also significant predictors For more complex technologies that have implications for the overall philosophy of operations, different predictors-the existence of a technology strategy, the level of external communication, and the level of influence of individuals-are relevant.
Nisbet, MC - Lewenstein, BV: Biotechnology and the American media - The policy process and the elite press, 1970 to 1999. Science Communication, 23, 4, 2002, 359-391.
The authors present a quantitative content analysis of biotechnology-related coverage appearing in the New York Times and Newsweek between 1970 and 1999, examining patterns of media attention and evaluating the source impact of various political and social actors on the themes, frames, and tone of coverage. Although media attention to biotechnology steadily increased across the 1980s and most of the 1990s, it has been highly episodic, peaking and plummeting in response to major scientific announcements. Even in its peak years of coverage, biotechnology still rests rather modestly on the overall media agenda compared with other issues related to science, technology, or popular culture. The character of biotechnology-related coverage has been overwhelmingly positive, with heavy emphasis on the frames of scientific progress and economic prospect. A departure from this trend only occurs in correspondence to the late 1990s debate over cloning, as a greater media emphasis on ethics and controversy emerges.
Picardi, I. - Regina, S.: Science via podcast. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Issue 2, June 2008
The expansion and role of podcasts in science communication are reviewed in relation to a survey conducted alongside the module ‘Science via Podcast' involving second year students of the Masters in Science Communication course at the International School for Advanced Studies, Trieste, Italy. Interviews with the authors of a range of science-based podcasts in Italy and abroad, and with communication experts were carried out. The review showed that podcasting is widely used within different ‘communication scenarios' and alongside other new media can help to influence opinion in social, political and scientific debates and provide a means to effectively convey information.
Poliakoff, E. - Webb, T. L.: What factors predict scientists' intentions to participate in public engagement of science activities? Science Communication, Vol.29, No.3, December 2007 pp.242-263
An "augmented version of the theory of planned behaviour" was used to determine those factors which influence a scientist's decision to participate in public engagement activities. The theory proposes that the proximal indicator of an individual's behaviour relates to a person's decision about how to behave. Data was compiled via a questionnaire circulated in August 2005 to 851 academic staff and 149 postgraduates within three science faculties at Manchester University. Results revealed that four factors affected the scientists' participatory decisions, which included past behaviour, attitude, "perceived behavioural control' (scientist capability of taking part in engagement), and "descriptive norm" (the quantity by which scientists perceive that their colleagues participate).
Priest, SH: Misplaced faith - Communication variables as predictors of encouragement for biotechnology development. Science Communication, 23, 2, 2001, 97-110.
Science communicators and the broader scientific community often expect media information campaigns to mold attitudes about science and technology in predictable ways. But resistance to technology is not always based on ignorance, and the ability of media-based education to directly shape opinions is actually quite limited. This article uses data from a recent U.S. national survey on opinions about biotechnology to argue that trust in institutional actors is a bigger factor than genetic knowledge in predicting encouragement for specific applications of biotechnology. The results have implications for the practice of science, as well as for the practice of science communication.
Rajput, A.S.D.: Effective science communication: evaluation and appropriation of basic principles. Indian Journal of Science Communication, Vol.6 No.1January-June 2007 pp.17-23
An article evaluating the communication of science and the difficulties those scientists have of making the complex language of science and technology understandable for the public. There are many complications that make the popularisation of and communication of science a difficult thing. The article lists basic guidelines to help science communicators to do their job effectively.
Ramani, D. - Pitrelli, N.: The output for the master' degree in science communication at SISSA of Trieste. Issue 1, March 2007
Rich, RF - Oh, CH: Rationality and use of information in policy decisions - A search for alternatives. Science Communication, 22, 2, 2000, 173-211.
In the field of knowledge acquisition, dissemination and utilization/impact, few studies have examined the appropriateness of rational actor theories as a theoretical framework. Rather the rational actor perspective has been simply taken for granted as a relevant analytical tool for explaining the use of information in policymaking. This article singles out one major set of assumptions imbedded in rational actor theories, those dealing with information acquisition and processing in individual decisionmaking, and empirically examines to what extent the assumptions are realistic. It then puts forward an organizational interest and a communications perspective as alternative explanations for information processing in individual and organizational decisionmaking. The findings of this article show that decisionmakers' behavior does not conform to the assumptions put forward by the rational actor theorists. Instead, the organizational interest perspective is far more promising in accounting for the actual behavior of individuals in processing information in making policy decisions.
Rier, DA: The versatile "caveat" section of an epidemiology paper - Managing public and private risk. Science Communication, 21, 1, 1999, 3-37.
Are toxic-exposure epidemiologists influenced when writing the "caveat" portion of their articles, by how the media, public, and courts might use their work? Qualitative interviews with 61 epidemiologists revealed that they relied on caveats to manage "public risk"-inappropriate use of their work by nonscientists. However,few considered caveats effective for this task. Caveats may be more important for managing professional risk, as subjects used caveats to preempt criticism, to advertise their credibility, to adhere to conventions, to hedge, and to deflect attention from flaws in their articles. The data bear implications for the definition of science, the demarcation of scientists from nonscientists, and the issue of scientists' responsibility.
Smith, B.: Breaking a golden rule of science PR: promoting reserach that has avoided the peer review process, STEMPRA Newsletter, Summer 2008
The reasons why the scientific and PR communities should not be so quick to overlook research, which under exceptional circumstances has been published without peer review are examined. A report compiled by Terry Marsh, one of the UK's leading hydrologists, which investigated the flooding that occurred in the Summer 2007, is used as a case study to illustrate how avoidance of peer review can ensure that vital information is conveyed to key stakeholders working on fundamental issues using expertly devised public relations and media strategies.
Swain, H.: Spice up your science. Guardian, 19 February 2008 p.12
An article reviews the growing interest universities are showing in engaging with the public, highlighting Cambridge University's initiative ‘Rising Stars', which teaches students how to communicate complex ideas to a wide audience.
Tatalovic, M.: Student science publishing: an exploratory study of undergraduate science research journals and popular science magazines in the US and Europe. JCOM [Journal of Science Communication], Vol.7 No.3 September 2008 pp.1-9
This article discusses how contributing to student-run science magazines can help graduate science students to improve their communication skills which can benefit their future careers.
Ten Eyck, TA: Shaping a food safety debate - Control efforts of newspaper reporters and sources in the food irradiation controversy. Science Communication, 20, 4, 1999, 426-447.
Numerous studies of contacts between reporters and scientists have been undertaken, although few have focused on the degree to which these actors become embedded in their own control efforts. This study consists of interviews with sources-both scientists and nonscientists-and newspaper reporters involved in the coverage of food irradiation at two regional newspapers, if reveals the processes of boundary construction and the building of common knowledge among these actors, which prevent others from voicing their opinions on this particular postharvest technology. An interpretation of this data questions the prediction that food information wars will subside and the assumption that newspapers are public arenas.
Thomas, J.: The world's first open-science unconference. Science & Public Affairs, June 2008 p.21
Report on an unusual event in Toronto, Canada. Over 100 people turned up for the opening of SciBarCamp, the world's first open science "unconference". This was a user generated gathering of scientists, artists and technologists. Organisation and registration were carried out by wiki. On the opening night participants proposed workshop topics for the weekend, and voted on them to produce an agenda for the event. The emphasis was on interactivity rather than lectures. SciBarCamp offers a format for science communities to engage with a wider public in discussions about science. Its appeal lies in the mix of people involved: scientists, artists, librarians, writers and activists.
Trumbo, CW - Sprecker, KJ - Dumlao, RJ - Yun, GW - Duke, S : Use of E-mail and the Web by science writers. Science Communication, 22, 4, 2001, 347-378.
The authors report data from two surveys of the National Association of Science Writers conducted in 1994 and 1999 to investigate e-mail and Web use by science journalists. Results show that task and social e-mail use have expanded dramatically. Also. the Web has become a regular pan of science journalism. Enthusiasm for the use of the Web is a function of a positive orientation toward the quality of Web information. trust in the sources behind Web information, and individual characteristics of connectedness. The authors conclude with qualitative interviews with five science writers who provide supporting anecdotal evidence.
Turney, Jon: Teaching science communication: Courses, curricula, theory and practice. Public Understanding of Science, Vol. 3, No. 4, 1994, p. 435-443
Science communication teaching is a growing area in the UK, and a recent conference brought together teachers on existing and proposed courses to share information and experience. Their courses were of several types, from purely media skills courses for working scientists to theoretical and academic courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students in science, science studies and journalism. The conference stressed the value of skills but also of a theoretical background, and delegates welcomed contributions from fields such as the sociology of scientific knowledge and cognitive psychology. The conference established an electronic network, and formed a committee to maintain the group's interest and activities in the development of course materials and curricula.
Valenti, JM: Commentary: How well do scientists communicate to media? Science Communication, 21, 2, 1999, 172-178.
On the basis of a review of traditionally reported "differences" between journalists and scientists and ongoing research, the author argues that organizational or professional culture dissonance may not present an impermeable barrier to communication. Findings from application of an ethical motivation scale and interviews with environmental journalists, science writers, and their science sources suggest shared goals create the basis for a much-needed two-way conversation.
Van der Sanden, M. C. A. - Meijman, F. J.: Dialogue guides awareness and understanding of science : an essay on different goals of dialogue leading to different science communication approaches. Public Understanding of Science, Vol.17, No.1, January 2008 pp.89-103
An examination of how the different functionalities of "dialogue" provide new modes and possibilities in science communication. It is shown how the public awareness of science (PAS) and public understanding of science (PUS) can both be used in science communication by analysing their successful utilisation in health communication. Using two examples, asthma and predictive DNA diagnostics, it is confirmed that PAS dialogue deals with conceptual notions, whilst PUS dialogue covers scientific facts. In conclusion, differing knowledge levels and concepts require "dialogue with different goals".
Vashlishan, A.: Grad students create popular outreach program. Science Writers (the newsletter of The National Association of Science Writers), Vol.57, No.3, Summer 2008,pp12-14
Article about an initiative from Harvard Medical School called 'Science in the News' (SITN). Graduate students from the school give weekly two hour lectures on topics in medicine, technology and the environment. The lectures are informal and offer the opportunity for discussion. Feedback suggests that the lectures are attended by a wide range of people from all ages and backgrounds. The lectures are advertised in the greater Boston area. The program has expanded with an off shoot called 'Science in the News On the Road', these aim to take the lectures off-campus and reach a wider audience. The program also aims to reach teachers and educators and provides supporting classroom materials. There is also a monthly electronic newsletter - 'STINflash' that describes a recent research finding in non-technical terms. Further information is available on the website: www.SITNboston.org
Ward, V. - Howdle, P. - Hamer, S.: You and your body: a case study of bioscience communication at the University of Leeds. Science Communication, Vol.30, No.2, December 2008 pp.177-208
A case study in which the Faculty of Medicine and Health at Leeds University organised five public engagement events to identify the obstructions and facilitators for stimulating adult public interest in the Faculty's biomedical research and the University. The events were staged between October 2006 and June 2007 and incorporated talks by experts, Q&A sessions, exhibits and demonstrations as well as focusing on an area of the body and health. Observations, questionnaires, one-to-one interviews and focus groups evaluated the audience's perceptions of science, learning and the University. Key facilitators such as accessible information were found to aid public engagement but particular barriers including public preconceptions would need to be redressed if universities collectively endeavour to communicate more with their publics.
Weigold, MF: Communicating science - A review of the literature. SCIENCE COMMUNICATION, 23, 2, 2001, 164-193.
This article provides an overview of science communication, which is a vital area of mass communication scholarship. The review is organized around the key players, including news organizations, reporters, science information professionals, scientists, and audiences. Also reviewed is the problem of science communication, which may be partly responsible for widespread science illiteracy. Ways of improving the practice of science communication and an agenda for future research are offered.
West, K.: PR stays true to science. Newsletter of the NASW, Vol.57, No.1,
Review of a paper given at the US National Association of Science Writers annual Science & Society meeting in October 2007. The joint paper argues that communicating new science discoveries is the same for both journalists and those in public relations for scientific organisations. It involves selecting worthwhile scientific stories and translating and communicating them to a non-scientific audience. Many of those who have changed from science journalism to public relations did so because news outlets are increasingly reluctant to cover 'good' science stories, and science sections are being cut from some newspapers. Working in public relations allows them to be positive about science and promote increased coverage of science in the media.
Science education
Barmby, P. - Kind, P.M. - Jones, K.: Examining changing attitudes in secondary school science. International journal of science education, Vol.30 No.8 25 June 2008 pp.1075-1093
A research report of a study examining the difference in attitudes towards science pupils during their first three years of secondary school in England. 932 children completed a questionnaire as part of an evaluation of the "Lab in the Lorry" project. The study found that pupils‘ attitudes to science declined the further they continued through school. The decline was more pronounced in female pupils. The study then uses the data collected to pinpoint why pupils lose interest in science and what must be done to improve children's attitudes in schools.
Bloom, A.: Britain 2028: who needs physics? TES (Times Educational Supplement), No.4795 July 4 2008 p.5
In response to the British government abolishing Advanced Extension Award exams, examiners have put a satirical question in to one of the final physics papers. The question, which is set in 2028 when science is no longer studied beyond primary age, asks pupils to write a letter to the school governors arguing the case for studying physics.
Garner, R.: University to offer science courses for students who bypass A-levels. Independent, 23rd May 2008
Pupils will soon be able to study science at Newcastle University without having to take A-levels. Under the proposed scheme, students will start studying degree-level courses with the Open University (OU) in the sixth form, instead of taking A-levels. They will be guaranteed a university place provided they can complete the modules. Sixty places at Newcastle are being set aside for students who opt for this approach. The agreement, is a partnership with the OU and Monkseaton High School, a leading comprehensive school in the North-east.
Hanley, P. - Osborne, J. - Ratcliffe, M.: Teaching twenty first century science. School Science Review, Vol.90, No.330, September 2008 pp.105-112
One of three independently commissioned reviews of the Teaching Twenty-First Century GCSE Science pilot. This review assessed those strands related to classroom practice and teaching approach over the course of the 3-year pilot from September 2003 involving 78 schools. It focused on the interrelationship between the components of the core science structure, ‘science explanations' and ‘ideas-about-science'. Qualitative and quantitative methods covering questionnaires, lesson observations, interviews and focus groups were used. Overall teachers and students found the course interesting but felt that more resources, interactive techniques and explicit teaching would enhance teaching and learning.
Hunt, V. - Friday, M. - Costello, K.: Sparking off each other: subject special science. TES magazine, 4 July 2008 pp.27-311
A special subject feature on science in which teachers suggest ideas to make primary and secondary level science more stimulating.
Jia, H.: Chinese scientists push for science in schools. SciDevNet, 30 April 2008
Ten leading Chinese academics have sent a petition to China's education authorities calling for science to become a more fundamental part of primary education. The perception of education generally and the fact that science is seen as less important in relation to other subjects has lead to the marginalisation of science in China.
Mansell, W.: Pupils draw on science knowledge to keep the focus on fun. TES (Times Educational Supplement) The Big 5 special series pull out, No. 4780, March 21 2008
Report on a novel approach to science teaching at West Park Primary in Hartlepool, where pupils participate in subject themed days. In this case they were involved in 5 days of science activities such as finding out the science behind music. The aim is to combine achievement with enjoyment. The Head, Mark Parry, notes that such enrichment activities are not always compatible with the demands of test scores in core subjects.
Mansell, W.: Girls pass up the chance of a science career. TES (Times Educational Supplement), 18 October 2008 p.15
A Royal Society study has found that girls who gain A* in physics or double science GCSE are far less likely take the subject at A Level than boys. The study also found that boys receive most of the A-C grades awarded in Physics and Maths. There were also major differences between the four UK nations, with England having greater gender differences than the other three nations.
Mansell, W.: Leave politics out of science. TES (Times Educational Supplement), 5 September 2008 p.4
A report published by the Royal Society has warned that science education must be protected from the "assault" of politically driven change. It argues for an independent body responsible for curriculum reform to be set up to stop schools suffering from "politically motivated knee-jerk reactions and constant change". The report produces figures which show that the number of pupils leaving school with science qualifications has fallen over the last then years.
Marley, D.: Combined science courses are soft option after all. THES (Times Higher Education Supplement), 7 December 2007
Professor David Jesson of York University has conducted a research project which investigated the exam performance and grades achieved at GCSE by the top 40 per cent students studying single science subjects and combined science courses. Students were divided into five ability categories and in each case, students taking the single subjects outperformed those on the combined courses. The results have undermined the commonly held belief amongst the educational community that separate science courses are more difficult than combined subjects.
Midgle, S.: University turns toymaker. Guardian, 27 November 2007 p.2
Middlesex University's teaching resources unit has teamed up with the Science Museum to produce a series of learning aids intended to help explain scientific principles to children, to coincide with the opening of the museum's new Launchpad Gallery. Launchpad in a Box, designed to illustrate the principles of physics to 14 year olds, is a set of experiments and gadgets which help children understand the principles of the new exhibits. The resources unit has been successfully producing teaching materials for 30 years and became a limited company 5 years ago.
Osborne, J.: Engaging young people with science: does science education need a new vision? School Science Review, Vol.89, No.328, March 2008 pp.67-74
There is general concern about students' lack of interest in studying science at school, and the effect this may have on the availability of science graduates in the future. The article examines both these issues and concludes that the primary concern of school science should not be about meeting the demand for new scientists from research and industry. The focus of science education should be on the importance of gaining knowledge of the material world and how this has contributed to society. A vision of why science matters is more likely to motivate young people to study science for its own sake as well as pursue careers in the sciences.
Paton, G.: University introduces four-year degrees for weak students. Daily Telegraph, 12th June 2008
The engineering and science degree courses run by Imperial College London have been extended by a further year to teach students the basic skills in remedial maths and science, which they were not taught at school. David Robb, Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial has stated that the University had no plans to accept applications from teenagers who had taken the new-style diplomas and that A-levels no longer provided an assured system by which to select the best students.
Piggott, A.: Across the generations or 100+ years of stories! School Science Review, Vol. 89 (329), June 2008 pp. 83-89
Story telling is a great way to enable children to relate science and technology to their own lives. Teachers can use family histories, personal experience and timelines to compile stories that children can research further or personalise. The article contains outlines of 15 stories based on topics such as medicine, computers and telecommunications.
Plummer, J.: Professionally testing. Times ( Supplement ), 11 June 2008 p.3
A feature on opportunities in science and technology in the UK suggests that career prospects in science are broadening, with an increasing demand for people with science degrees as the UK moves towards a knowledge economy. The future may be bright, but the article argues that the profession needs to do more to sell science to young people.
Science graduates ‘reject' teaching. Daily Telegraph, 25 January 2008
Official figures just released have shown that the number of science graduates who became science teachers has dropped by a third since the Labour Party has been in office.
Steinke, J - Long, M: A lab of her own? Portrayals of female characters on children's educational science programs. Science Communication, 18, 2, 1996, 91-115.
Television teaches children gender-specific behaviors, attitudes and characteristics. By observing male and female characters on television, children learn to label certain characteristics and behaviors as masculine or feminine andro assign traditional gender-role stereotypes to careers. This study examines the portrayals of female characters on four popular television series for children and discusses those portrayals in the light of other research on television and socialization. The study found that over twice as many male characters as female characters and twice as many male scientists as female scientists were shown these series. Females were most often seen as pupils or apprentices, laboratory assistants, or science reporters, and less often as expert scientists. Of the 86 females appearing in these programs 68 were portrayed in secondary roles as students or laboratory assistants.
Swain, H.: How can the hard sciences attract more PhD students? Independent Postgraduate, 10 April 2008
According to a report published by the Royal Society earlier this year, there has been a serious drop over the past ten years in the percentage of UK students studying PhDs in science, from 65% to 57% of all doctorates awarded. This could affect the UK's competitiveness because it cannot produce a proficient and scientifically trained workforce. Key incentives such as better industry and university collaborations may help to reverse the decline.
Turner, S.: School science and its controversies; or, whatever happened to scientific literacy? Public Understanding of Science, Vol.17, No.1, January 2008
The advancement of the public understanding of science (PUS) as a movement and research specialty, and its relationship to the curricular reform of K-12 (5-18 years) to incorporate "civic scientific literacy" during the 1980s was examined. Reform debates are analysed, focusing on "civic scientific literacy", "the introduction of science, technology and society (STS) issues into classrooms and the gradual retreat from STS-orientated reforms". It is revealed that PUS and science education research have developed along separate routes during the 1980s but there is evidence that PUS had influenced educational reform at some key points with the chance of closer connections in the future.
Woolcock, N.: More exitement planned for double science. Times, 25 January 2008
In an attempt to halt the decline in science graduates, and consequent fall in the number of science teachers, the government has revealed a new drive to boost interest in the sciences. £140 million will be spent in the next three years in an attempt to recruit more teachers and make science more exciting for pupils.
Young, S.: Light their fires. TES magazine, 05 September 2008 pp.19-20
In the wake of an Ofsted report which has reported that school children are "bored and demotivated" by science lessons, this article looks at what is being done to spark pupils' interest in the subject. The Government, the Wellcome Trust and some of the UK's largest businesses have invested £50 million into the new Enthuse and Impact Award bursary schemes. Run by the National Science Learning Centre, the scheme gives teachers the opportunity to attend courses to help them improve their skills and some of them may also be eligible for Enthuse awards which will cover their expenses.
