Shy students miss out on science

New research from life sciences company Bayer Plc finds that introverted students suffer disproportionately when it comes to practical science lessons in schools.

Almost half of teachers asked confirmed that introverted students were more likely to hold themselves back from taking part, rather than engage with hands-on experimentation, due to lack of equipment.

The study surveyed 500 teachers about their experience of science in schools, including their opinion on the importance of practical application and facilities.

Seventy seven per cent of those surveyed agreed that industry could have a large role to play in filling this gap.

The teachers questioned also raised specific concerns with regard to future career choices, with twice as many primary school teachers reporting that children talk most about becoming a vlogger compared to those who say children aspire to be a scientist.

Differences in attitudes and experiences between affluent and poorer areas were also highlighted by the findings. In affluent areas, 14 per cent of teachers said that a scientist was something the children aspired to be whereas this was only seven per cent in poorer areas.

The release of the research coincides with the launch of its new state-of-the-art school’s science laboratory – Baylab.

Ranging from giving children the chance to extract their own DNA to characterising the proteins of an enzyme, trying their hand as a formulation scientist and even working through crime scene forensics, the experiments have been designed to help give students insight into how science is used in everyday life.

Bayer has also launched the Inspiration Space, a high-tech interactive exhibition; through the latest motion sensor, touch technology, and body scanners, students will understand what constitutes sustainable food and provide informative insight into the complexity of the human body in relation to maintaining a healthy heart, skin and wound care.