Why is Science Important?

Take some time and make a cup of tea – although this video is long, it is very rewarding. Remember back when you were in science class – maybe in middle school, maybe in high school, or maybe in both. You’ve probably asked yourself and your teacher, “Why is science important?” What is the point of learning science if you’re not going to become a scientist.

As you’ll soon see, science has far reaching implications for all of us – scientists and non scientists alike. If anything, we should all start realizing that we are all obligated to be scientists in some fashion, at least to the point where we can understand science. If we can’t do that, our world, our governments, and our species are at risk.

Text from the video:

Physics teacher and film-maker Alom Shaha sets out to uncover a genuinely satisfying answer to his students’ most common question: why is science important?

This film was made with funding from the Wellcome Trust, and is being broadcast in the UK on Teachers TV during March 2009. For more background and reaction, see the project website, whyscience.co.uk.

The downloadable video is Quicktime .mov format, H.264, 1280×720 resolution.