Taking and Talking Science

Kristin: The Advertiser reported today (on the front page) that student uptake of science and mathematics is falling, leaving many out of contention for future careers in growing technology areas and other skilled professions.  It also featured a vox pop where two of the three people interviewed expressed a preference for English and other subjects over science.  It is interesting that submissions to the Australian Government’s science and technology skills audit in 2005 recommended more interdisciplinary and communication skills for scientists.  This was also echoed in an education paper presented at Nanotech 2007.  I wonder whether this skills emphasis would also attract a broader base of students to consider science in the first place?