1. Research Objectives

1.1 This qualitative pilot research project aimed to provide within a very short time frame:

• preliminary information on the perceptions and attitudes which currently exist among young people in school towards risk, particularly in contexts which they or their teachers label as having a link with science.
   
• preliminary information on the origins of these perceptions, attitudes and understandings and their relationship to the nature of the student's own experience of science in school, including any participation in partnerships which bridge the worlds of school and science/engineering, and any use of curriculum materials which enhance the understanding of risk.
   
• a preliminary understanding of the attitudes of primary and secondary school teachers to risk in the context of the study, and of the role of these and other factors in shaping student perceptions and attitudes.

1.2 Throughout this Report, the term "science" is used in a broad sense to include its many applications in engineering, technology and other areas of life.

1.3 The study involved school pupils of all ages and abilities and of both genders from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.

1.4 While having "stand-alone" value, the study sought to recommend priorities for further more detailed investigation and exploration.

Next page...

Return to index...

Home page...