Good morning

The number of physics students in senior high schools is collapsing , posing a major dilemma for Australia as it faces challenges – such as dealing with climate change, switching to new energy sources, and building and running nuclear submarines – which require high-level expertise in physics.

David Blair, a University of Western Australia physicist who was part of the global research effort  that made the landmark discovery of gravitational waves in 2015, has raised the alarm. He points out that if the near linear fall in year 12 physics students in WA continues, there will be no year 12 students studying physics in the state by 2035. Professor Blair, who was a 2020 Prime Minister’s science prize winner, says the picture is similar in other states.

He and others are trying to reverse the trend. Professor Blair is part of Einstein First, an initiative to teach modern physics to year 3-10 students in engaging ways which will motivate them to choose the subject in year 11 and 12.

Also to this end, the Australian Academy of Science has launched new online “toolboxes” to help primary school teachers teach science and maths well, even if they don’t have a background in the subjects.

Australia needs to embrace these initiatives, and more, to ensure we retain the high-level skills needed for our advanced and competitive economy.

Until next Wednesday