British Universities Film & Video Council

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Trouble with Science, The

Synopsis
Examines why it is that science is an unpopular subject with girls and explores how their behaviour in lessons reinforces sex-role stereotypes. Shows three schools and the University of Cambridge. At Grantham Boys’ Grammar school a 6th-form physics class are shown confidentally going about their business and discussing their career aspirations. At Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School a parallel 6th-form class is shown at work. Their more tentative approach is obvious as are their humble career aspirations, relating to their scientific interests. In Queen Elizabeth’s High School, Gainsborough, a mixed class is shown with girls playing predominately ‘helper’ roles. Examines the position of biology as a girls’ subject, its popularity with girls much in evidence alongside its reputation as a ‘soft’ science. Finally, Sian Phillips, Union President at the University of Cambridge and a geology graduate argues that science is still a man’s world.
Series
Exploring Educational Issues, Course E208
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.
Year of production
1989
Availability
OUT OF DISTRIBUTION
Subjects
Education
Keywords
equality of opportunity; science teaching; secondary education

Credits

Producer
Meg Sheffield

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web
http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
+44 (0) 1908 274066
Address
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
Notes
NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk

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