Appliance of science

It is often said that a scientist is not the person who gives the right answers, but the one who asks the right questions. In light of this view, it is little surprise that many regard the understanding of science and scientific methods as vital components of the innovative thinking process.

Walter Isaacson, in his recent book on late Apple CEO Steve Jobs, highlighted the importance of science education, specifically the benefits of pairing that knowledge with humanities.

'The creativity that can occur when a feel for both the humanities and sciences combine in one strong personality type was the topic that most interested me in my biographies of Franklin and Einstein,' Isaacson wrote. 'I believe it will be a key to creating innovative economies in the 21st century.'

Principal Denise Jarrett at Anfield International Kindergarten has a similarly high regard for science, noting that 'it is a way to teach innovation and lateral thinking'.

'For students, each inquiry is a journey into the unknown where a skilful balance of teaching key facts and concepts, exploration, hypothesising, prediction, investigating and concluding, gives the child a spring board into innovative, lateral thinking,' Jarrett says.

English Schools Foundation's (ESF) primary teaching and learning adviser, Rebecca Clements, also points to a link between innovation and science, which she says is among the best subjects to spur creative thinking abilities in children. Science, Clements explains, promotes experimentation and encourages curiosity and ingenuity, enabling students to develop an understanding of the world.