Category Archives: Science

Twig on Glow Summer Challenge

This summer term, Twig is offering Scottish students the chance to tackle some ‘Big Questions’ that even the best scientists struggle with today. Using Twig Studio, a brand new film editing resource, students can create their own films in these topics. Professor Robert Winston will be judging all entries and winners will receive personal commendations from the renowned scientist.

The challenge helps deliver levels 2, 3 and 4 experiences and outcomes from the broad general education including those from topical science. It is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of the sciences. For more information, please visit the Summer Challenge page on the Twig On Glow site.

The Scottish Government

Funding for science programme

The Scottish Government has announced that a national programme of science events and exhibitions will take place across the country to celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland. The activity will take place in Scotland’s four science centres in 2013.

Full programme details are still to be announced but highlights are set to include:

  • A series of community and school events celebrating sustainable living and new technologies at Dundee Science Centre.
  • A festival focusing on sustainable science at Glasgow Science Centre, with hands-on workshops and ‘meet the expert’ sessions.
  • Workshops and exhibitions at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh celebrating the beauty of Scotland’s natural environment.
  • A ‘Green Energy Discovery Weekend’ and a symposium for primary pupils at Aberdeen’s Satrosphere Science Centre.

Find out more here

Engage for Education – Scots space mission ready for launch

The First Minister says, ‘Last week I was delighted to meet Scottish scientists and research teams who have been doing important work to help us understand the world and the universe.  First, I met Professor Peter Higgs, one of the most famous figures in Scottish science. Prof Higgs famously developed a theory into the basic building blocks of the universe and a particle that was named the ‘Higgs boson’, while working at the University of Edinburgh in the 1960s.  Last year researchers at the CERN laboratory in Switzerland confirmed the discovery of a previously-unknown boson whose behaviour so far has been consistent with the ‘Higgs boson’.  

To recognise Prof Higgs’ achievements and help inspire a new generation of scientists among today’s school pupils around Scotland, we have launched anannual Higgs Prize. This will give outstanding young school physicists the chance to win a trip to the CERN facility, where work continues on researching the Higgs particle.’

Find out more here

Twig wins prestigious industry award for second year running

Twig World, the creators of Twig on Glow, have been awarded a prestigious BETT Award in the Digital Collections and Resource Banks category. For the second year running, the Glasgow-based start up has won this top education award for outstanding digital content. 

Judges praised Twig for a “well-designed and presented resource that can be used to support the curriculum as well as independent learning”. Twig is provided free to all Scottish local authority schools via Glow, at www.twigonglow.com.

Association for Science Education

Family science extravaganza returns to Perthshire  


A free, family fun day aimed at highlighting the excitement and relevance of science is taking place in Crieff in March.
 
‘Science Fun Factory’, which will showcase the weird and wonderful elements of science in all of its forms, will be held at Crieff Hydro on Saturday 9 March 2013. Last year, the event attracted around 1,000 visitors.
 
The event, which will run from 10 am until 4 pm, is being organised by the Association for Science Education. The event celebrates the Association for Science Education’s 50th anniversary year.
 
For more information, please contact Steuart Cuthbert – telephone 01764 670751, email steuartcuthbert@ase.org.uk or website

Higgs Prize kicks off FM science showcase

An annual prize to honour the world-renowned Edinburgh University scientist who has given his name to the Higgs boson is to be announced by the First Minister, launching a week showcasing Scottish science.
 
The annual Higgs Prize will be open to Scottish school students who excel in physics. It will be formally launched by the First Minister and Professor Peter Higgs at a reception at the First Minister’s official residence on Tuesday 5 February.

Find out more here

Fife’s CLN-Free CPD opportunity

Curiosity and Creativity: Science, Art and Writing

Tuesday 29th January

4-6pm

Auchterderran Centre

Brought to you by Fife’s Creative Learning Network, get creative with the cross-curricular session and learn how art and writing can contribute prositively in science and learning. Be inspired and stimulated with some fresh ideas that incorporate art and writing techniques in your projects! Ideas from this session can be used for all ages of pupils.

In this session, delegates will learn about science, art and writing projects and how to go about delivering them in the classroom, with key techniques and resources to support these projects.

Additionally, participants will become familiar with two of Dundee Science Centre’s loan boxes which are based around science and literacy projects.

CfE links: EXA 0-02a/1-02a, EXA 0-04a/1-04a, EXA 0-05a/1-05a/2-05a, TCH 1-08a/2-08a, TCH 0-15a

Click here to register

Understand the science of fireworks

Twig on Glow – the free resource for Scottish schools – is preparing for Fireworks night with a special feature.

 • Explore the science behind explosions
• Discover how different chemical elements produce bright colours
• Understand how fireworks make such fantastic shapes in the sky

Visit the site now to explore this seasonal content, it’s free to all Glow users at www.twigonglow.com

Medieval Construction Science Show comes to St Andrews!

Historic Scotland are bringing their Medieval science show to St Andrews Cathedral, Fife. 

This interactive show aimed at P4-S1 pupils follows the journey of a block of stone from a quarry to its place at the top of an arch, exploring the science behind medieval buildings as it goes and covering topics such as friction, gravity, pulleys, levers and arches.

We have the following slots available on a first come first served basis (shows last 50 minutes):

Tues 6th November – 1.00 pm

Thurs 8th November – 10.30 am

Mon 12th November – 1.00 pm

Tues 13th November – 10.30 am

Thu 15th November – 1.00 pm

Shows are £1.50 per pupil and travel subsidies of 75% are available to help with transport costs

To book or for further details contact Fiona Davidson, Central Region Learning Development Officer on 01738 828 268 or fiona.davidson@scotland.gsi.gov