Science communication: towards a proper emphasis on the social aspects of science and technology

The weaknesses in compulsory school science education are summarized and used to explain the lowerthan-desired uptake of post-compulsory courses and the lack of interest in matters scientific by the general public. Against the background of a model for 'interactive science communication' which addresses these weaknesses and which focuses on the key theme of 'the social aspects of science /technology', two approaches to improved provision are presented. The first is the use of 'context-based' courses within formal provision. The second is the much greater use of informal provision, namely that made through museums zoos and botanical gardens, TV, the internet., newspapers and magazines, books. The challenges to be faced in using these two broad approaches, namely: the nature of science, of technology, and the relation between them; the treatment of risk; the treatment of contemporary issues, are evaluated. Finally, ways to bring about these desirable changes are summarised.