Welcoming the news that the UK government plans to double the amount of students studying science at school by 2014, Dow Corning's UK site has brought fun back to the science classroom this week for over 200 local school children.
The government, as part of its science and innovation investment framework, has set out plans for 2014 to become the most attractive location in the world for science and innovation. The goal is to be able to have a strong supply of scientists, engineers and technologists, which is partly to be achieved through better science education, more students taking science and engineering subjects and a stronger demand from employers to attract the top scientific talent.
Towards this aim and Dow Corning’s commitment to supporting and promoting math and science education, a science education program was created 12 years ago to encourage and inspire a new generation of young scientists. The program came alive once again this week, as part of the UK National Science and Engineering Week. The program remains just as much a focal point in the schools’ calendars and this year had support from local Welsh Assembly Member and Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Jane Hutt, who attended during the week.
The scientific discovery this year centered on foams and a request from a customer to make antifoam for a new washing powder. The children made foamy water samples and tested various ingredients in their search for a suitable antifoam agent. The children also explored the properties of different materials using a set of science kits supplied by a hands-on science center.
Margaret Matthews, UK site manager said, “As we encourage children to explore science and math in our education program we are investing in future generations of scientists. This in turn is essential for innovation. Often children who gauge an interest at an early age are more likely to take science on to a further level. We have invested both time and money to help develop break-through educational resources which we hope will enhance the teaching and learning of science across the country.”