Dear Science in School subscribers,

I am pleased to inform you that the third issue of Science in School is now available to read and download at www.scienceinschool.org. Those of you who have subscribed to a print copy will receive it shortly. If you haven’t yet subscribed, you can do so (free) online: www.scienceinschool.org/subscriptions

This issue, like the first two, offers a wide range of subjects and contributors: teachers, scientists, politicians and others from nine European countries cover topics as varied as bird flu, proteomics, solar fusion and what it feels like to discover your very own comet.

In our feature article, world-renowned geneticist Alec Jeffreys, the inventor of DNA fingerprinting, reminisces about his childhood passion for science and describes his current work on the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster – how profound are the effects and how long will they be felt? Meanwhile, deep below the ocean surface, scientists are using plankton to predict an even more far-reaching phenomenon: climate change. If you prefer something more hands-on, Graham Gardner is sure to entertain and inspire with his school detective mystery. Or why not help save European bumblebees, explore the behaviour of maggots, or investigate whether a good night’s sleep really does help you to learn?

In the events section, we review some recent and future activities in science education across Europe. Stephen Parker from the European Commission describes the excitement of the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Stockholm; Sabina Griffith reports on how EIROforum took a group of young people for a virtual trip around the world; and Douglas Pierce-Price invites school students to enter an astronomy competition and win a trip to Chile.

When several readers asked us to include articles on the history of science, we took up the challenge. This issue offers not only a consideration of the Muslim contribution to Western science and a fascinating project combining evolution and anatomy, but also a do-it-yourself (and then eat-it-yourself) geological map.

We would like as many people as possible to read and use Science in School. If you could tell your colleagues about the journal, and perhaps include information on your websites or in your newsletters, we would be very grateful. You could use the short description of the journal, below. Or perhaps you are able to distribute Science in School flyers (to visiting teachers, at conferences...)? If so, please let me know how many flyers you would like to receive.

If you prefer not to receive emails when subsequent issues are published, you can unsubscribe via the Science in School website. Alternatively, send me an email requesting your removal from the mailing list.

Best regards,

Eleanor Hayes
Editor: Science in School
www.scienceinschool.org

Short text for websites or newsletter:

Science in School is a European journal to promote inspiring science teaching. It covers not only biology, physics and chemistry, but also maths and earth sciences, highlighting the best in teaching and cutting-edge research, and focusing on interdisciplinary work. The contents include teaching materials; recent discoveries in science; education projects; interviews with young scientists and inspiring teachers; education research; book reviews; and European events for teachers.

Science in School is freely available. Online articles are published in many European languages; a print version is distributed in English. More details and all issues are available at: www.scienceinschool.org