Dr Brian Iddon MP to raise Science Education issues in Debate

Bolton South East MP, Dr Brian Iddon will today lead a debate in Westminster Hall on Science Teaching. Dr Iddon, who was an organic chemist before entering Parliament in 1997, will seek to stress the important role of science teaching in inspiring and capturing children’s imaginations and interest in the sciences subjects. Dr Iddon presented “The Magic of Chemistry, a 90 minute demonstration lecture, for 29 years all over Britain and abroad.

Dr Iddon said,

“I well remember the excitement of my chemistry lessons at school with the teachers making the chemicals as they described them to us and being able to get hands-on with the subject to really understand how it all worked.

It saddens me that many of today’s young people will not be able to experience this magic of science as the curriculum has become increasingly tight on time and teachers feel unable to lead the children in performing demonstrations whether due to a lack of confidence or through fear of health and safety issues.”

Dr Iddon continued,

“Many of the organisations involved in this area including the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Biology and the Field Studies Council have produced reports on the importance of hands-on work in the classroom and during field trips and also sought to give practical support to teachers to enhance their skills in leading these demonstrations.

I called for this debate today because I wanted the Government to notice and appreciate the need to make science inspiring and exciting for the children of today and consequently the scientists of tomorrow!”