SSCN begin The Stem Cell Roadshow Pilots in Secondary Schools

In recognition of the importance of science in policy development across its devolved responsibilities, the Scottish Government supports public outreach and educational activities through the Science Engagement grant programme run by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser. The key aims of this programme are to help promote better interaction between scientists and the public, to promote science's contribution to our economy and culture, and to inspire our next generation of scientists.

In the past year, SSCN has been in receipt of two grants from this programme. The first, awarded in June 2009, has focussed on the production of materials and activities which will be taken into schools around Scotland to support pupils in their learning about stem cells in the science and moral citizenship streams of the Curriculum for Excellence. This Roadshow consists of a presentation of the key scientific and ethical issues about stem cells which is given by a researcher active in the field. There are then some discussion activities about how stem cell stories are presented in the media and some hypothetical dilemmas for the pupils to assess. A clear theme of the Roadshow is to present the facts in a concise and accurate way and introduce how research is done and what being a scientists in this area means. On this background, some quite challenging ethical issues can be debated, with informed input from the scientists, leading to the pupils learning about the real potential of this research and being able to distinguish this from the hype that often surrounds it.

The first two pilots have taken place in the past few weeks at St Leonard's in St Andrews and Inverkeithing High School. Pupils and teachers alike have so far responded positively to the lessons and we will deliver two more pilots over the coming weeks. As the piloting phase comes to an end, we are keen to turn the roadshow into a permanent offering from the Network. If you are keen to be involved, either as a researcher (presenting the lesson) or a school wishing to access the roadshow, please do not hesitate to contact jenna@sscn.co.uk