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Education

Scientists oath (from George's Secret Key to the Universe) in school

20 replies

TeddyBare · 05/12/2013 18:32

I found out today that my dd's science teacher starts every experiment by getting the class to recite the scientist's oath from Stephen Hawkin's book for children. We're not in the UK, but I've found a translation of what they've been taught to say:

"I swear to use my scientific knowledge for the good of Humanity. I promise never to harm any person in search of enlightenment. I shall be courageous and careful in my quest for greater knowledge about the mysteries that surround us. I shall not use scientific knowledge for my own personal gain or give it to those who seek to destroy the wonderful planet on which we live. If I break my oath, may the beauty and wonder of the Universe forever remain hidden from me."

I don't have any objections to the content of the oath, I actually think it's quite sweet, I'm just puzzled about why they're doing it. This is a class of 10 - 11 year olds which is year 5 here but in the first year of secondary school, in case context is useful. Any ideas what this might be for?

OP posts:

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seafoodudon · 05/12/2013 23:55

For fun?

HerrenaHarridan · 06/12/2013 00:07

To help them her excited about science.

I don't k ow anyone else who has read this book so I think it's BRILLIANT!

Xmas2013MN7256 · 06/12/2013 00:33

Aww I think that's lovely!

I had no idea he had done a book for children (assuming you mean non fiction, I know he's done some stories with Lucy Hawking), off to look it up now!

Xmas2013MN7256 · 06/12/2013 00:34

Ah ignore that last bit I see what you mean now. Haven't actually looked at those books but will check them out!

indignatio · 06/12/2013 07:35

Love the sound of these books. Have read the amazon reviews. Two questions: What is the full title of book 1? I can only find reference to bk 3 on amazon. Also, up to what age would these books be suitable? I have an avid reader who is currently reading various Terry Pratchett books.

Sorry to derail, just loved the oath and wanted to learn more about these books.

Many thanks

msmiggins · 06/12/2013 07:39

I don't like Oaths in any form, and not this one either. Sorry.

Xmas2013MN7256 · 06/12/2013 08:30

www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/stephen-hawking/ list of books is on that page :)

HerrenaHarridan · 06/12/2013 08:52

Depending on the reading level and interest of the child I would say anywhere between 6-12

A six yo would enjoy and exciting story

HerrenaHarridan · 06/12/2013 08:55

And an older child would enjoy and exciting story and follow the fascinating and well explained science

Please do get then for your dc they are BRILLIANT

TheDoctrineOfSanta · 06/12/2013 08:59

Oh I am very excited to learn about these books.

HerrenaHarridan · 06/12/2013 09:04

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/055255958X?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

This is the first one. In the suggestion bit is the other 2 and some other good physics books for kids.

Did I mention that I think they're brilliant?

indignatio · 06/12/2013 09:08

Hh, many thanks. It is in my amazon basket. On the full site it says it is book 3 which is what confused me. I have also put "a briefer history of time" in my basket, do you know how accessible this one is? There seems to be a difference of opinions on the website.

Michaelahpurple · 06/12/2013 11:51

I run a school bookshop and I put the briefer history in the year 7 and 8 section. The George books are in our year 3 and 4, but the science sections in them are really too old or year 3- more like year 6 plus.

rasberryYoghurt · 06/12/2013 12:02

I'd disagree with Michaelahpurple about the science sections being too old for Y3/Y4. Our DS was watching Brian Cox's Wonders of the Universe with us at that age and being blown away by it, and loved these books around the same time.

rasberryYoghurt · 06/12/2013 13:06

p.s. OP, the oath is good, as far as oaths go, and reciting it in class might be fun once, perhaps at the start of term, but it's a bit extreme to do it before every experiment. It devalues it, and the kids will just get sick of it. If it was my DC I think I'd be inclined towards giving some constructive feedback.

HerrenaHarridan · 06/12/2013 15:29

I haven't read that one yet. Let me know

Seems odd that it says its book 3. Not sure what's going on there.

I don't know if they are standalone or not as until this thread I had only heard of the first one. I will be ordering them as soon as i can afford to

ThreeBeeOneGee · 06/12/2013 16:45

DS2 loves these books.

I think the oath would be a fun thing to do in the first Science lesson of a new school year. Every practical lesson is ridiculous.

Marmitelover55 · 06/12/2013 17:55

I've just ordered the first one

TeddyBare · 06/12/2013 18:31

I asked the class teacher about it in passing today. The reasons for doing it are because the dc like it, to encourage dc who prefer reading to science to get involved, to put them all in a good frame of mind for concentrating through using a ritual every time and to celebrate Stephen Hawkin as an example of someone who overcame a disability to do some amazing things. When she put it like that I totally see the value in it.

OP posts:

Michaelahpurple · 07/12/2013 11:00

My son read these in year 1 and enjoyed them but my point about the science was that it is targeted at a more advanced audience than the fairly simple stories, and I was guessing what general age would be right for the stories, if you see what I mean, as I know that year 1 isn't the main target

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