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Year of Science and Design Technology |
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The vast loneliness
up here is awe-inspiring and it makes you realize what you have back on Earth. The Earth from here
is a grand oasis in the big vastness of space. Jim Lovell (NASA astronaut, 1968)
In the 21st century, science and technology will
increasingly dominate our lives. There will be many challenges, not only
environmental, but ethical and moral as well. Science and Design and Technology
are key subjects for all children in helping them live in an increasingly
demanding world.
2009 is a special year for science. It will be the
200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the
publication of ‘On the Origin of Species’. It will also be the 400th anniversary of
Galileo's use of a telescope to study the night sky and 40 years since the
first moon landing.
Teachers are currently planning units of work for each term
in 2008-2009 that are based around six themes. But as well as celebrating our
scientific and technological discoveries and advances, we will also be asking
the children, ourselves and you to consider the issue of sustainability. Life
has transformed Earth and continues to support life. We all depend on Earth - but
at what cost and can we continue to behave in the same way?
The six themes are as follows, together with a hint of what
the children may be investigating:
The Story of Life - looking at plant and animal ecosystems
and human biology.
- 3...2...1...Blast Off! - exploring space.
- Planet Earth - looking at resources and climates.
- Materials and Structures - bridges, tunnels and buildings
from the past.
- Fizz, Bang, Wallop! - looking at chemical reactions and
properties of materials.
- How Does It Work? - electricity, magnetism, forces and
machines.
As this year progresses, we will be sharing more information about the
activities and visits that are being proposed with the children and
yourselves...so be prepared...our Year of Science and Technology promises to be
truly ‘out of this world!'
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