European Youth Science Parliament 'Genes, stem cells and future of medicines'
Edinburgh, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th June
Free to S5 and S6 students
Organised by Edinburgh International Science Festival
To book free places for your students call Edinburgh Science Festival on 0131 553 0320 or email education@scifest.co.uk.
Venue: Appleton Tower and Reid Concert Hall, The University of Edinburgh
Share ideas? Discuss? Reflect? Debate...
This two day event will give your S5 and S6 pupils the opportunity to take part in a Youth Parliamentary debate. Working with around sixty students from other Scottish schools they will:
- Discuss and debate within committees, topics related to the social and ethical implications of genetic and medical research
- Cross examine expert advisors from the worlds of science and politics
- Agree and craft a written resolution on a specific issue
- Present, debate and vote on resolutions in the General Assembly
And of course they will have an interesting and sociable time with another 50, or so, pupils from across Edinburgh.
Trip to Brussels
Two students from the larger group will be chosen to go to Brussels in November to take part in a pan European Youth Science Parliament. This will be held in the Debating Chamber of the European Union. This trip will be all expense paid.
The Edinburgh Youth Science Parliament
The debates and discussions focus around genetics, stem cells and modern medicine. Students do not need to have a great deal of background knowledge of the area but some basic biology and an understanding of what a gene does, would be useful - but not essential.
The committees will discuss subjects under some of the following headings:
- The use of embryonic stem cells: Blessing or Curse?
- Using the results of genetic tests: what are the consequences for society?
- When genes trigger aggressive behaviour
- Personalised medicine: More diagnoses with the help of DNA analysis?
- Genetic tests on the unborn. Will my child be healthy or suffer from genetic disease?
- Genetically modified substances: What are the risks for health of humans?
This event encourages independent thinking, analysis of complex ideas, team working, develops debating and persuading skills and. It will be run as if it is a real parliamentary session.
Curriculum links
Biological Systems
I can debate the moral and ethical issues associated with some controversial biological procedures.
SCN 4-13c
Biological Systems
I have researched new developments in science and can explain how their current or future applications might impact on modern life.
SCN 4-20a
Topical Science
Having selected scientific themes of topical interest, I can critically analyse the issues, and use relevant information to develop an informed argument.
SCN 4-20b
Outline programme
Venues used will be the Appelton Tower, Crichton Street, and Reid Concert Hall, both part of The University of Edinburgh.
Wednesday 23rd June
Day 1 Opening and committee sessions
Start 10am
Opening
Welcome and opening talk
Introduction to the event and explanation of what will happen.
Committee work
Students break into a number of committees at this stage, each managed by a chair person.
The committees come together for the first time: team building activities and first brainstorming.
Discussion of the topic and preparation for the meeting with the expert.
Lunch
Discussion of the topic with an expert (scientists or politician).
Writing of the resolution, preparation for the general assembly.
End of first day around 4pm
Thursday 24th June
Day 2 General Assembly
Start 10am
Committee work
The chairs inform the committee about the procedure of the General Assembly
General Assembly
Debate and voting on resolutions 1,2 and 3.
Lunch
Debate and voting on resolutions 4 and 5.
Selection of two students to go to Brussels to represent the group.
Wrap up social event for all students and participants.
End around 5 pm.
Please see our Future Events andPast Events information.
