September 4, 2015
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Sciences cross-authority writing group programme 2015-16

Education Scotland is pleased to publish details of the cross-authority writing groups taking place this year. These will seek to build on the success of the previous programme which has resulted in over 3000 classroom sciences resources being co-developed and shared through our sciences Glow community at: http://bit.ly/scienceshome (please note change to previous bit.ly link). Those secondary practitioners interested in attending should contact their QIO/authority sciences coordinator in the first instance. Details of how to register have been sent to QIOs/coordinators separately.

The programme is as follows:

Sciences Higher review event

Date: 5pm ‒ 8pm, Wed 30^th Sept 2015 and 9:30am ‒ 4pm on Thurs 1^st Oct 2015

Venue: Mercure Hotel, Glasgow

Focus: This event will provide delegates with the opportunity to review the key messages from the CfE Higher assessment for each of the sciences. Following an evening of input, delegates will then have a full day to co-develop resources for Higher Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Human Biology, and Physics in light of the needs identified.

Sciences Advanced Higher event

Date: 9:30am ‒ 4pm on Thurs 12^th Nov 2015

Venue: Mercure Hotel, Glasgow

Focus: Supported by a number of partner agencies, this event will reflect on the implementation of Advanced Higher and look to generate further resources to support learning and teaching. This event will have places for biology, chemistry, environmental science, human biology, and physics practitioners. Environmental science delegates will concentrate on other levels of NQ.

Sciences BGE (secondary) event

Date: 9am ‒ 4pm on Tues 19^th Jan 2016

Venue: SSERC, Dunfermline

Focus: Supported by a number of partner agencies, this event will reflect on learning and teaching in the broad general education (BGE) and look to generate further resources and strategies to support learning and teaching.

Sciences National 3 and 4 event

Date: 9am to 4pm on Tuesday 1^st March 2016

Venue: SSERC, Dunfermline

Focus: Supported by a number of partner agencies, this event will provide practitioners with opportunities to co-develop classroom resources and approaches to support learning and teaching in National 3 and 4 sciences qualifications.

Nominations

Each local authority is invited to nominate two practitioners to attend each of these days ‒ these should be experienced faculty heads, principal teachers or classroom practitioners who are able to contribute effectively to the development of high-quality materials for biology, human biology, chemistry or physics. A waiting list is available should an authority wish to nominate more than two practitioners.

In addition to this, we have set extra spaces aside for practitioners wishing to develop resources for environmental science, science or science in the environment.

Following the event, those attending will be expected to share resources and update colleagues within their authority to ensure all practitioners benefit from the events and the support that has been provided.

Expenses and cover

Please note that Education Scotland is not able to pay for cover or travel expenses for any delegates attending these events.

September 4, 2015
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Get Energised

National Museums Scotland

FREE Secondary Schools Renewable Energy Programme

Get Energised Challenge Days

Level: National Qualifications 4-5 Physics

Pupil numbers: Pupils work in teams of four, competing against teams from other schools. Maximum 20 pupils (five teams) from each school at each Challenge Day.

Dates available:

National Museum of Rural Life (East Kilbride)

Wed 28, Thu 29 & Fri 30 Oct 2015

National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)

Mon 9 & Tue 10 Nov 2015

Inspire your pupils to discover more about the renewable energy industry. Pupils will conduct experiments, meet industry experts and work cooperatively to solve problems. The day includes solar, wind, hydro and marine power challenges and each Challenge Day concludes with a keynote speaker from the industry. One team at each Challenge Day will win a prize for themselves and their school.

Science Investigation Days

Level: S1–2 pupils Pupil numbers: National Museum of Scotland 50 pupils; National Museum of Rural Life 40 pupils

Dates available:

National Museum of Rural Life (East Kilbride)

Fri 23 & Mon 26 Oct 2015, Mon 21 & Tue 22 Mar 2016, Thu 14 & Fri 15 Apr 2016

National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)

Wed 11 Nov 2015, Mon 1 & Tue 2 Feb 2016, Mon 9 & Tue 10 May 2016

Pupils will discover more about renewable energy in Scotland through a series of hands-on, group-work activities. The day will provide an introduction to the range of renewable energies in Scotland, followed by the chance for pupils to build their own hydro turbine, and engineer a wave technology model.

To book, complete our online booking enquiry form: www.nms.ac.uk/schoolbooking

You can also contact us on schools@nms.ac.uk

Get Energised is made possible by the generous support of the ScottishPower Foundation. Find out more online: www.nms.ac.uk/getenergised

September 2, 2015
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STEM at the Scottish Learning Festival

The Scottish Learning Festival (SLF) is the key education event in Scotland welcoming thousands of educational professionals.

SLF 2015 takes place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September in the SECC, Glasgow.

Below are a list of seminars focusing on science and STEM that may be of interest.

The Education Scotland teams will be on hand at the main stand to discuss STEM and answer any of your questions on Wednesday at 3:00 – 3:30pm and Thursday at 1:30 – 2:00pm.

Wednesday 23 September – 09.30

Highland Primary Science Framework

Peter Finlayson, Highland Council

BOISDALE 1

SEMINAR CODE B1A

Wednesday 23 September – 12.30

Delivering the CfE Science Es & Os through Practical Investigations

Philip McGhee, North Lanarkshire Council

MORAR

SEMINAR CODE M1B

Wednesday 23 September – 13.45

Increasing achievement in science education: Learning lessons from Finland and Estonia

Neil McIntyre, Webster’s High School

MORAR

SEMINAR CODE M1C

Wednesday 23 September – 16.15

Learning for Sustainability: National Progress, Local Success

Ian Menzies, Education Scotland

BOISDALE 1

SEMINAR CODE B1E

Thursday 24 September – 10.45

STEM in the Early Years

Jennifer Allan, Pine Trees Nursery

LEVEN

SEMINAR CODE L2G

Thursday 24 September – 12.00

Developing the Young Workforce: preparation for employment in

STEM and engineering sectors

Ian Beach, Education Scotland

LEVEN

SEMINAR CODE L2H

Thursday 24 September – 13.15

Air Quality Learning and Teaching Package

Ben Jackson, Scottish Environment Protection Agency

MORAR

SEMINAR CODE M1I

August 28, 2015
by K. McFaul
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Apps for Good – two Regional Roadshows in Scotland in September,

“Apps for Good is an education technology movement that is transforming the way technology is taught in schools, turning young tech consumers into tech creators. Apps for Good aims to unlock the confidence and talent of the next generation of problem solvers and digital makers: young people who are ready to tackle the 21st century workplace and are inspired to create new tech ideas that can change their world for good.

In partnership with Samsung, Apps for Good are pleased to be running two Regional Roadshows in Scotland in September, with a theme around ‘Bringing the real world into the classroom’. Join Apps for Good at the roadshow to learn more about:

Utilising industry Experts in the classroom
Advice about integrating student led learning into the classroom
Hints and tips for student assessment
How you can deliver Apps for Good in your school/college

There will also be an opportunity to network with fellow Apps for Good Educators and share best practice and the chance to hear from our External Partners, Code Club and CoderDojo Scotland.

Glasgow – 16th September – Book Your Place Now – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/apps-for-good-regional-roadshow-glasgow-tickets-18203956524

Edinburgh – 17th September – Book Your Place Now –https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/apps-for-good-regional-roadshow-edinburgh-tickets-18150916881

If you have any questions about Apps for Good or the Regional Roadshows, get in contact with education@appsforgood.org“

August 26, 2015
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Sciences, Technology and Mathematics e-bulletin

Welcome to our e-bulletin for sciences, technologies, engineering and maths (STEM). Please forward to those who may be interested.

Received this from someone else? Sign up to receive it directly.

Sciences
• Award-winning online resources available until June 2016 – add Twig, Tigtag and Reach Out CPD tiles to your Launchpad in Glow
• Higher Physics professional learning videos now online
• Statistics for school biology experiments and Advanced Higher projects – SSERC guide
• 13 – 19 year olds can win a trip to New York City through the Junior Academy STEM competition
• Enter the 2016 Our Environment competition run by SEPA
• Get Learning section of Scotland’s Environment website launches soon – data about climate change, water, rivers and more
Technologies
• Register your school to receive BBC Microbit pocket-sized computers for coding
• The National Technologies Network Glow community will keep you up to date
• New engineering science materials on the Glow NQ site
• CPD for Engineering Science – Advanced Higher writers day on the 17 September 2015
• Dunoon Primary beats 300 UK schools to win Kodu Kup
• Open University research project on use of mobile technologies – get involved!

Numeracy and mathematics
• BBC News report on supermarket pricing
• Mathematical Association conference for teachers of secondary mathematics
• The National Numeracy Progression Framework has progression pathways for all numeracy organisers
• Register for Progression Module to be delivered via the National Numeracy and Mathematics Hub from 25 August
• STEM precision farming event for secondary STEM teachers – Perthshire, 7 November

Did you know…….?
The Developing Young Workforce programme will be transforming the way that STEM is delivered in Scottish schools.

Professional learning
Reviewing the requirement for high level STEM skills – UKCES report

Video Inspiration
Make a 3D Hologram projector using a mobile phone app and CD case.

We’ve got loads more news to share! See our STEM blog for the latest updates.

Education Scotland Updates
Education Scotland Email Updates Now Available
Education Scotland offer a number of free email updates and news alerts to keep you informed of the latest developments and events in Scottish education.

We’re delighted to offer you a range of publications with a focus on specific areas, sectors and topics. These all include the latest news and key information along with links to new resources and support materials all in one place and relevant to your area of work.

You can sign up to as many email updates as you like, they are free and delivered straight to your inbox. Visit the Education Scotland website for the full list of publications available and sign up today.

Scottish Learning Festival 2015
SLF is the biggest education event in Scotland, bringing together thousands of educational professionals from across Scotland and beyond. Taking place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September, the theme of this year’s event focuses on raising achievement and attainment for all.

SLF is free for everyone to attend and gives you access to inspirational keynotes, over 100 professional development seminars, lively debate at the professional discussion sessions, Scotland’s largest education exhibition and opportunities for professional networking with peers and colleagues from across Scotland.

Book now to guarantee your place at SLF. Visit the SLF website to browse the full conference programme and book your place today.

August 26, 2015
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Careers in Food & Drink Teach Meet – Tuesday 8th September

Careers in Food & Drink Teach Meet Tuesday 8^th September 4pm – 7pm

National Library of Scotland

Aimed at upper primary / secondary teachers with a focus on food education and science.

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/newsandevents/events/2015/eventgeneral_tcm4865416.asp

Network and hear from organisations including Scottish Food & Drink Federation, College Development Network, Queen Margaret University, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Education Scotland and industry partners regarding careers in food and drink in Scotland. There will also be an opportunity at the end to visit the Lifting the Lid exhibition currently on at the venue.

August 26, 2015
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A Guide to the Different Types of Fat – Infographic

Fat is an important nutrient in our diets, but there’s a lot of talk of different types of fats, and whether these types are beneficial or harmful to our health. These different fat classifications have their roots in chemistry – and chemistry can also help explain their effects. This graphic takes a look at the different classifications, their sources, and briefly about how they act in our body.

August 24, 2015
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Food Chain Professional Learning Event – Thursday 17th September

Food and drink offers an engaging and practical context for learning within Curriculum for Excellence and provides opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and for rich and meaningful partnerships between schools, the food and drink organisations and other partners such as academia and research organisations. This event aims to further explore these links and demonstrate to practitioners how to use food and drink as a context for delivering a range of subjects.

Recommended for: primary and secondary practitioners with responsibilities for sciences, technologies, food & health and business studies planning for learning and transition experiences from second level to senior phase.

For more information click Food Chain CLPL – Craibstone 17th September 2015 JULY 2015-1

August 19, 2015
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How to add the Twig, Tigtag and Reach Out CPD tiles to your own Launchpad in Glow.

Twig and Tigtag have been procured by Education Scotland for a further 12 months through to July 2016.

These award-winning online resources will continue to be available to all local authority practitioners and learners for this time through the Scotland Launchpad and the App Library on Glow.

See our simple guide to find out how to add the Twig, Tigtag and Reach Out CPD tiles to your own Launchpad in Glow.

August 12, 2015
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Statistics for School Biology Experiments and Advanced Higher Projects

SSERC recently announced the publication of ‘Advanced Higher Project Investigations’ by Jim Stafford. Jim has teamed up with Professor Graeme Ruxton at the University of St Andrews to produce a new publication ‘Statistics for School Biology Experiments and Advanced Higher Projects’. Copies of this new resource can be downloaded from the Biology Resources section of the SSERC website (www.sserc.org.uk/index.php/biology-2/biology-resources/higher-biology-revised). As was the case for ‘Advanced Higher Biology Investigations’, a printed copy of this resource will be sent to all schools and colleges in the near future.