Moray Council is poised to enter into partnership with a charity, established by an Aberdeen oil and gas luminary, to boost science lessons in the region.
The local authority could become one of just five in Scotland to take part in a scheme being piloted by the Wood Foundation – which was created by Sir Ian Wood to help support Scotland’s children.
It is hoped that the move could inspire a new generation of keen scientific minds.
As part of the initiative, a science development officer will be appointed to improve lessons across the area’s primary schools.
The post is worth about £100,000, but the Wood Foundation has pledged to fund half of that amount and the Scottish Goverment is expected to make extra funds available to cover some costs.
Moray Council will be expected to pay about £45,000 towards the appointment between now and June 2018, but officers have confirmed those costs can be met by existing budgets.
The authority’s children and young people’s services committee will consider adopting the two-year pilot scheme next week.
The Wood Foundation’s UK manager, Alison Maclachlan, stressed the benefits of sparking a passion for science in children when they are young.
She said: “We have conducted research that shows there could be some inconsistency out there when it comes to teaching young people about science and have formed a programme to change that.
“Moray would be the only north-east authority to be taking part in the first tranche of the scheme.
“It’s all about helping children engage with science at a young age, so they make the transition more easily into those subjects at secondary school.
“We want them to understand how science relates to so many different careers and industries.”
The Moray-based science development officer would be encouraged to liaise with counterparts across the country, and share ideas and examples of good practice.
Council officers have recommended that elected members approve the proposal when they meet on Wednesday.
A report says: “The objective of the new programme is to build the confidence, skills and capacity of primary school practitioners to secure improved outcomes for learners in relation to science.
“It is fundamental that we support schools to deliver high-quality learning across all areas, but particularly those linked with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
