As the importance of
educating children in scientific subjects and encouraging practical learning
rises up the agenda, Bayer is working to help pupils learn about some of the
basic scientific principles that underpin many turf management practices.
From 1 to 5 October,
over 100 local primary school children and teachers visited the Bayer
Environmental Science headquarters in Cambridge, for practical science lessons
from using a microscope and testing honey, to the role of bees and their life
cycles, delivered by the ‘Baylab’.
Steve Bishop, Bayer
group product manager, explains that the ‘Baylab’ provides an enhanced learning
facility, that is normally based in Reading. “The roadshow has been a huge
success, with students and teachers alike.
“The wider context for
the turf management industry is an increasing pressure from the regulatory
authorities. Not only have we lost key management products, but greenkeepers
are being challenged to maintain quality playing surfaces.
“Therefore, the
industry needs a steady stream of new professionals to continue and build on
the research and development that’s required to support turf management for
years to come,” he says.
“This is why we’re so
passionate about awakening an interest in science among young people from all
backgrounds at an early age, to boost their confidence, provide inspiration and
aid in development.
“It’s all about
capturing the imagination of children today, to make them the scientists of
tomorrow.”
Steve explains that he
hopes the children and teachers went away with a positive attitude, not only
towards science, but to the work that goes into maintaining the environments in
which they work, rest and play.
For more information
about the Baylab, please visit www.bayer.co.uk/en/baylab/
or the Bayer Environmental Science website www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk.
