Why science for children must be nurtured in the UK
Recently a collective of some 29 Nobel prizewinners wrote to the Prime Minister expressing concerns that a hard Brexit would cause a ‘significant setback for science’ in the UK. A concern shared by Developing Experts from a science for children perspective.
Recently a collective of some 29 Nobel prizewinners wrote to the Prime Minister expressing concerns that a hard Brexit would cause a ‘significant setback for science’ in the UK. A concern shared by Developing Experts from a science for children perspective.
As an EdTech business our mission is to inspire more youngsters into science, while celebrating scientific expertise, but a hard Brexit could have a serious detrimental impact here in the UK in terms of learning, research and, importantly, career opportunities around our science for children mantra. Former headteacher, Sarah Mintey, launched Developing Experts to bring the expertise and lesson wisdom of some 100 global scientists and industry leaders to pupils around the world, delivered with a mindset of science for children.
Our rationale has always been about wanting to help children and younger people become greater lovers of science, and to provide them with fabulous interactive science education, direct from industry specialists.
The collective concerns among the science community are that funding for research would be put at risk, and that scientists, especially children in science, may be more likely to leave the country and take their expertise away from the UK. The knock-on effect would darken career aspirations for children thinking about science as a career path.
This collective call to the Prime Minister expresses concerns which Developing Experts and the entire science field has. There is a great deal of nervousness about what might happen if the deal becomes more and more complex, and whether this will ultimately result in scientists receiving less funding in the UK, and in them feeling less empowered to continue their work and their teaching here.
Naturally, we’re concerned about anything happening in the political landscape which may restrict the ability for young people and children to advance in science careers, or for them to learn from the very best. At the same time, it’s critical that children in science grow up in a world where they are getting to see a constantly changing landscape, where research of the highest calibre is happening all around them and is benefiting the world they live in.
Our team of 100 science experts has been pooled from all over the world, and provide science for children through online lessons and demonstrations to help teachers, pupils – particularly those who are home-schooled, and parents, learn subject matter in a fun and engaging way.