STFC publishes the Barstow Report on bringing space into school science

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On behalf of the British national space centre partnership, STFC has published a report for national agencies by Professor Barstow, University of Leicester.

He consulted British science teachers and space education organisations to ask their needs, and makes ten key recommendations for national agencies such as the Department for Education and Skills and other members of the partnership.  The main aims are to use 'space' to improve teaching and learning of science in secondary schools.

Robin Clegg, Head of STFC's Science and Society programme, said "Space is a topic and a context that very many young people and teachers find inspiring, so it's a good handle to engage them with contemporary science, technology, maths, and even cross-curriculum topics such as citizenship.  The report is being widely disseminated, and has already raised interest within our partner countries in the European Space Agency.

"The UK effort needs to be more coherent, and there can be better links into what the European Space Agency has to offer British teachers and young people.  The British National Space Centre (link opens in a new window) partnership, including the DfES, will be looking at ways to support science education along these lines."

- View or download a colour version of the Barstow Report (PDF-11Mb)open in a new window/tab