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7 - Public engagement with science and technology (PEST): good principle, difficult practice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2010

Nicholas Russell
Nicholas Russell
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
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Summary

A GARDEN IN SUBURBAN HERTFORDSHIRE, JANUARY

Stage whisper, “There's a greenfinch!” from Emma.

“Oh kid sister, I don't think so,” from Rob the worldly-wise 12-year-old.

“I'm sure it is,” from Emma louder.

“Hush up Emma, you've frightened it,” from dad, “It's flown off.”

“Not a greenfinch though dad, eh – Emma gets so excited.”

“Rob, I think she was right, mark it on the chart.”

Rob tried to ignore his sister's sarcastically extended tongue, realizing for the first time just how cold he was, notwithstanding two sweaters, windcheater and bobble hat after standing still for three-quarters of an hour behind a bush. He had spotted the first robin and the only coal tit, but yielding the most exotic tickbox of the afternoon to Emma was almost too much to bear.

A KITCHEN TABLE IN RURAL SOUTH DEVON, JULY

Len: “I ought to walk as far as the copse more often.”

Jo: “Only if you're careful, the ground's uneven and you nearly fell last week.”

Len: “Don't fuss, I was fine with the new stick. Best thing though was a definite stag beetle on that pile of old logs by the lightning oak. That's the second this year.”

Jo: “Isn't it three or four? Didn't Matt see some when he was here?”

Len: “I'm not sure with young Matt, he's claimed to have seen an eagle in the garden before now, I think maybe he saw Cockchafers because there were lots of them flying in the evening when he was here. […]

Type
Chapter
Information
Communicating Science
Professional, Popular, Literary
 , pp. 83 - 98
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2009

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