Why Science should be a verb instead of a noun

Teaching the scientific method to Hatherop Castle’s pupils is teaching them how to think critically, how to make informed decisions and to enhance their understanding of the world around them.

These skills are integral to every aspect of a student’s education and life, from school to career.

In this day of instant and global information access, it has become increasingly important for pupils to develop science process skills instead of focusing solely on the memorisation of a body of facts. Science should be a verb instead of a noun.

As Albert Einstein is quoted as saying:

Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think

Thinking critically enables our children to make sense of the world around us and understand and see the true beauty of how nature works. From the changing colours of leaves in autumn to the celestial movements across the night sky, the wonder and excitement of it all can be greatly enhanced by a deeper understanding. This is not to say they cannot admire the universe for its undeniable aesthetic qualities, but also enhance their experiences. The sight of a rainbow alone may inspire awe and joy but an understanding of how the rainbow forms adds hidden depths to this wonderment. Why is the a sunset red? Why are bonfires hot? The answers to these questions hold as much intrigue and marvel as the personal enjoyment of these phenomena.

By answering these questions, scientists have enriched the world with multiple layers of knowledge and it is the hope that Hatherop Castle’s future scientific thinkers will make the world an even better place through the scientific method.