1) Study and discuss the following definition of science and the schematic diagram below

Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") is, in its broadest sense, any systematic knowledge-base or prescriptive practice that is capable of resulting in a prediction or predictable type of outcome. In common usage the word science is applied to a variety of disciplines or intellectual activities which have certain features in common. Usually a science is characterized by the possibility of making precise statements, which are susceptible of some sort of check or proof. The roots of science lie in the technology of early toolmaking and other crafts, while scientific theory was once a part of philosophy and religion. Science may be divided into several branches or categories: natural sciences, social sciences, earth sciences and applied sciences.

2) Listen to Laura Grant speaking about education of science

3) Are the following sentences true or false?

1. It’s not convenient to work with young people because they are always lazy.

a) True b) False

2. The door to scientific understanding is kept open only for old people.

a) True b) False

3. Watching TV or reading or visiting museums and galleries is learning.

a) True b) False

4. There aren’t much scientific festivals in the UK. The only possible way to learn science is to attend classes.

a) True b) False

4) Listen to the tape once again and fill in the gaps

1. I then focused not so much on stuff that went on within the classroom but what we talk about is .................... activities.

2. Most of my work has been ................... at young people.

3. I think learning about the .................... can just enrich your life.

4. Learning isn't just doing .................... in a book at school.

5. So I think that humans will generally take any .................... that's given to them.

6. So you don't actually have to persuade the young people .................... to come across like the young people in your television series.

7. And yet they'd go home and watch the ................... channel for hours.

5) Discuss the following questions in pairs or in small groups

1. What was Laura’s attitude to physics when she was a pupil?

2. What can get people excited about science?

3. Is it possible for old people to understand science?

4. What can give us learning about the universe?

5. What do you think about teaching science history in our country?

6. What is your personal attitude to science? Do you like it? Why? Why not?

7. Why do some people think that science is boring stuff?

Writing an agenda