New funds for science teaching in Scotland

Teaching of science in Scotland will be given a boost following the government's announcement that it is to invest £250,000 in the cause.

Funds will go towards science centres in the country, which will be enlisted to boost the science skills of primary school teachers.

Education secretary Fiona Hyslop stated: "Our children must be inspired by the world of science and, in order for that to happen, they need the best teaching available."

The 2007 Scottish Survey of Achievement in Science suggested that achievement in this subject among young pupils has decreased, as they fail to meet targets.

In response to this criticism, the government has pledged these funds, to be distributed to science centres around the country on the basis of a successful bid.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh recently published a report about the quality of Scotland's science teaching, prompting Ms Hyslop to tell the Herald that she is planning to alter the published lesson materials for the subject.