What Should 21st Century Science Education Look Like?

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

The strength of the European economy in the future will depend on our capacity to develop and attract talent. Rethinking our education system thus becomes a priority in order to ensure that young people are ready for the very different world they will be facing. How can transdisciplinary collaborations support the development of new models? How can media support an increased interest and the development of role models in science?

In April 2013 Atomium Culture together with the European Commission, Der Standard, El Paìs, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Il Sole 24 Ore and The Irish Times launched the Special Initiative for Citizen Engagement in Science in 5 European countries (Austria, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain). The edition on science education over 90% of respondents confirmed their belief that science education is fundamental in preparing our children for the future.

However, the majority felt that the current education system is inadequate for the task. This session looks at innovative ways to combine formal and informal learning to cater for the needs of the 21st Century.

It brings together different stakeholders and key thinker to present concrete and innovative approaches to the issue.

For more background on this debate please see the chapter on Science Education (page 34) in the Report on The Role of the Media in Responsible Research and Innovation and the Report on HAVE YOUR SAY . . . ABOUT SCIENCE! Special Initiative on Citizen Engagement in Science available on this website:

http://2014.eisrisummit.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/report-eisri.pdf

http://atomiumculture.eu/Report-SpICES-HAVE-YOUR-SAY-ABOUT-SCIENCE.pdf