The Government hopes to improve science teaching with a new programme launched today.
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The Science Teaching Leadership Programme would partner teachers of children in years 1 to 10 with science organisations and train them to lead the subject at their schools.
Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said the $2 million-a-year scheme would help teachers maintain and develop children's interest in science.
"The key thing is to get much closer linkages between between the science community and schools, and the teachers.
"It's one of those things that when you see it happen informally it works, but it's a more concerted approach to make sure those linkages are there and the teachers can lean on the wider science community to help spark the curiosity, and retain the curiosity of the kids."
He said science was becoming more important to society, and the general population needed a better understanding of scientific issues.