Sir, - Anne Byrne details some disturbing trends in the number of second-level students shying away from the core science subjects (Education and Living, December 1st). Her report shows that the system is focusing increasingly on maximising the points/effort ratio, and losing contact with the idea of fostering a scientific culture in our young people. Clearly we need to reverse this trend by increasing the appetite for science and improving the way it is being perceived in the classroom.
Media coverage such as The Irish Times's Science Today page, which presents a little of the magic and depth of science and technology, has an important role to play. But there is much more that can be done. Well researched and imaginatively presented TV science programmes can strike sparks in the minds and hearts of a young audience. The BBC has been presenting excellent science programmes for years, but the coverage on Irish broadcast media falls far short by comparison.
It's not that we lack the material to draw on. For example, Ireland has a fantastic history across the whole spectrum of science and engineering, but very little of this reaches the general public. Here is an opportunity to combine science with history and inspirational stories of real human endeavour and achievement - the sort of stuff that makes good TV.
Science encourages us to ask questions, find answers, develop critical thought and discover the joy of learning a little about how the universe works. As such it appeals directly to the sense of wonder and curiosity about the world inherent in every child. Learning science can, and should, be fun, but it seems to me that in the scramble for points we are losing sight of this. - Yours, etc., Paul Normoyle,
Castle Farm,
Shankill,
Co Dublin.