“We want more practical classwork and we want to debate the ethical implications of the science we’re learning.”

These are two of the initial messages emerging from a radical pupil-led survey aimed at finding out how school science could be improved from the point of view of pupils themselves. It is hoped that the final results will inform valuable changes in the science curriculum.

The Curriculum Review is the brainchild of the Science Museum in London, and is being funded by Science Year as one of its key projects. So far, the project has involved 2,000 students. This is groundbreaking work - such a survey has never before been carried out in Europe.

The review takes the form of an online survey for people who have studied science at school in the past, and the questions themselves were devised by current AAS pupils. Their objective was to encapsulate trends in opinions and ideas about how science is taught and how it could be improved. They were also trying to explore how these experiences related to pupils’

motivation, understanding and attitude to science subjects at the time of leaving school.

Asking pupils to publicly comment on the curriculum has led to a range of surprising results, and the student involvement has been impressive and instructive.

Interim findings were announced in mid-March, at a meeting in which 100 students presented their work to Schools Minister Catherine Ashton, members of exam boards, professional bodies and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. In their first session outside of Parliament, the Science and Technology Select Committee, which is currently investigating the 14-19 curriculum, heard formal evidence from the students.

“These new findings into the science curriculum are dramatic and fascinating,” commented Catherine Ashton after the meeting. “At a time when the Government is trying to improve the take-up of science courses and the recruitment of science teachers, it makes sense to listen carefully to these views.”

And the more views the better. The survey is still online and many more entries from schools across the community are needed. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete. And if having an impact on the education of future generations is not enough incentive for classes and individuals to take part, all participants will also be entered into a draw to win digital microscopes, IMAX cinema tickets and various other prizes.

The Curriculum Review survey can be found at www.sciencemuseum.org.ukreview

More Science Year activities: Scale Everest Physics teacher Chris Mothersdale is climbing the world’s highest mountain in the name of science. As he ascends, he will be sending physiological and meteorological data back to the UK and you can register to follow his progress and carry out an analysis on how his body is coping with the challenge at: www.new-media.co.ukscienceyeareverest.asp

Ready Steady Science Edu-tainment is the idea behind this selection of easy, fun science activities - from erupting your own volcano, to creating craters and blowing bubbles like never before. Ingredients at: www.science year.comoutthererssindex.html

Planet 10 Check out the galaxy’s best 3-D online learning adventure. In it, you will be able to navigate a virtual fly-through of our solar system, then build your own planet, launch it into position and see how it fares. Nail-biting stuff! www.scienceyear.complanet10index.html

Next Steps Careers, role models, a fun science personality profile quiz are on the Science Year website at: www.scienceyear.comnextsteps Cool School Science Ideas From five-minute activities, to assemblies and day-long events, here’s a range of pupil-tested inspiration from one teacher to another. www.scienceyear.comsciteachcool.html

Newsletter Do you know which two high street shops are giving away free science resources? When and where the next free Science Year lecture is being held? Which organisation will lend you a lunar rock sample to show your class? What free equipment you are eligible for through Science Year? How physics teachers could get a free trip to CERN in Geneva? Sign up to be sent the free weekly Science Year e-newsletter so you don’t miss out on anything else. Subscribing is easy, just go to: www.scienceyear.comabout_sylist2.html

Anne McNaught is web manager for Science Year, 11 Tufton Street, London SW1P 3QP. Tel: 020 7233 4051. www.scienceyear.com