When I asked high achieving students who did not opt for chemistry and biology in Form 3 at Secondary Level the following questions, many did not know the answer.

The questions were: What is the difference between a chemical and nuclear reaction? Can you explain why not all radiation is harmful? There are many types of radiation: from a microwave oven and mobile phones, to heat from the sun and nuclear radiation. What is the difference between an atom and a molecule? What helps a house be energy efficient? What causes global warming? And what is depleting the ozone layer? What is coral bleaching? Some do not even know the different functions of the major organs in the human body.

I think that having this basic information and knowing how to use the scientific method to investigate the world around us and being critical thinkers is essential in modern society. The school should impart this knowledge and skills to students.

 

Joe Portelli

Nadur