British Science Week 2022
Today begins British Science Week 2022! British Science Week is a celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths that encourages young people to see the importance of these fields. In honour of the week, we thought we would talk about why science matters, and how we engage young people in science at Red Balloon.
Why Science Matters
We’ve picked the brain of one of our Science Teachers at Red Balloon of the Air to get an inside look at the importance of science not just at Red Balloon, but all over the world.
Science is vital to society because the application of the knowledge we learn from scientific research helps satisfy human needs and improve the world around us. Especially in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has proved the value of the scientific method and critical thinking. We wouldn’t be in the position we are now – not just with vaccines, but with better treatments – if it weren’t for science. Even before the pandemic, science was crucial in developing the field of medicine, neuroscience, psychology, and research evolves all the time. Our knowledge of the world around us has improved drastically because of ecologists, palaeontologists, astronomers, and others.
Science is also the key to solving problems on this planet, and beyond. We’ve seen that when climate scientists, businesses, policymakers and the public work together, we can find solutions to mending the ozone layer. It was scientists who analysed the problem, proposed the solution, and persuaded the public and policymakers that action was necessary.
We might not realise it, but science is present in our day to day lives. Science is very apparent in the medical fields and outer space, but scientific knowledge also helps with everyday tasks like cooking, driving, talking on the phone, using the internet, or playing video games. Science allows us to make tastier and more experimental food, dye our hair funky colours, put on makeup and even wash our hair. It’s hard to imagine life without the contributions from the scientific community, as it has become so enmeshed in our lives in the modern world.
Engaging Young People With Science
“Whether we are talking formal science lessons, informal science clubs and student hubs, nothing beats the hands-on approach”
and we find that many of our young people enjoy engaging that way. Asking simple (and sometimes silly) questions is a fun and scientific way to learn about the world around us. Do you know how to make your own bath bombs? How many drops of water can you fit on a penny? Who can build the tallest jelly tower? What happens to the temperature when you add slate to ice?
By engaging young people with questions that they can relate to or are curious about, it encourages them to ask questions about the forces that shape the world around them. We love when our students ask why and start seeking out solutions and explanations.
Growth
The theme of Science Week this year is “Growth.” At Red Balloon, growth is what we’re all about. Personal growth, educational growth, and wellbeing growth. We want our young people to flourish and be comfortable not only with who they are but with learning. Students can negotiate their curriculum to ensure their interests and goals are being met, and their personal development achievements are highly valued. Science at Red Balloon ranges from students making their own pinhole cameras to how to make yeast respire as fast as possible. Through engaging with Red Balloon, students can grow as individuals, restore their confidence, develop resilience and build the skills they need for success, no matter what success looks like to them.
Find Out More
To learn more about British Science Week, you can visit their website.
