Scientists believe that the public would benefit by developing a broader appreciation of science and the research enterprise
According to a poll conducted by the Science Advisory Board, scientists believe that governments can best improve the scientific literacy of their citizens by 'teaching teachers to teach'.
60% of those surveyed believe that countries will get the most return on their tax payments by supporting teacher training programmes.
Teacher training programmes are instrumental in helping bring advanced technology into the classroom.
They assist educators in combining rigorous academic content with scientifically based research in their curricula.
"Preparing children for tomorrow depends upon a nation's willingness to invest - over the long term - in the training and tools teachers need to keep abreast with the leading technologies of today," observes Tamara Zemlo, executive director, Science Advisory Board.
While the clear emphasis was on supporting educators, 24% of respondents think that governments have a primary responsibility to supply scientific educational materials to children.
Half of that percentage purport that governments should instead focus on fostering student innovation through research competition.
Only 4% of those surveyed feel that governments should provide laboratory equipment to the classroom.
Regardless of the mechanism, scientists believe that the public would benefit by developing a broader appreciation of science and the research enterprise.
This knowledge should include an understanding of the following fundamentals: why science is important; the promises and perils of technology; the role of theory in science; the importance of experimentation; the cumulative nature of science; Current threats to science by anti-science movements; how scientific statistics can be used to make decisions; and the proper use of expert scientific opinion.
