2. Project Structure

2.1 The Project relates to Clifton Scientific Trust's concern to promote, develop and explore effective working partnerships between the experience of pupils in schools of all ages and abilities and the wider world of professional science, engineering and technology through "Science for Real" partnerships which transcend the world of school.

2.2 The Agreement under which this project was undertaken was formulated by Dr Eric Albone, Director, Clifton Scientific Trust (Research Partner) in consultation with Dr Jim McQuaid (Chief Scientist, HSE), Dr John McGuinness (Project Officer, HSE) and Project Advisors:

Mr Anthony Bandle, Health and Safety Executive and Member with Special Responsibility for Educational Liaison, Institute of Chemical Engineers
Dr Peter Borrows, Director of the CLEAPSS School Science Service and Chair, Association for Science Education Safeguards in Science Committee.

2.3 Ms Sarah Webster of Webster McCabe Market Research was contracted to undertake the qualitative research on behalf of Clifton Scientific Trust, and research was conducted in the period December 1996 and February 1997. Throughout Sarah Webster worked closely with Clifton Scientific Trust and the Project Advisors in structuring the Topic Guides (Appendix II) and in selecting the schools (Appendix I).

2.4 Sarah Webster's Research Methodology and Findings are detailed in Sections R1-R12 of this Report. Her findings were subsequently sent for comment to our Project Advisers, and to others, including a number of science teachers, and comments received from them are included in Section 4. The findings of the important Draft Review (1996) commissioned by RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) of the literature dealing the development of children's understanding of safety related concepts, "Spiralling into Control" and undertaken by Dr Jenny McWhirter of the Health Education Unit, University of Southampton, have also been taken into account.