Science centres to get extra funds
Updated on 30 June 2008
Scotland's four science centres are to receive extra cash totalling £250,000 this year.
The funds are to be used to help more youngsters become interested in physics, engineering and technology.
Science centres will work with primary school teachers to improve their skills, so they can in turn educate youngsters and inspire them to become the scientists of the future.
Scotland's four science centres - Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, the Glasgow Science Centre, Sensation in Dundee and Satrosphere in Aberdeen - currently receive a total grant of £2.56 million a year for the next three years from the Scottish Government.
The announcement of the extra cash comes after a survey last month highlighted that too few pupils in primary four to seven were achieving the expected levels of science in the classroom. It is hoped the additional £250,000 will help to address that.
The centres will make a bid to the Scottish Schools Equipment Research Centre for a share of the money.
Education secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Scotland's economic future is increasingly dependent on science, engineering and technology.
"It is therefore important that all of our young people gain a good understanding of science and that they understand its importance in the 21st century.
"Our children must be inspired by the world of science and, in order for that to happen, they need the best teaching available."
Professor Anne Glover, the Scottish Government's chief scientific adviser, said: "I welcome this new funding which will enable the Scottish science centres to put their experience into play to help develop the skills and confidence of teachers."
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