May 30, 2014
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This Higher Biology Resources Guide links Mandatory key areas to useful learning and teaching resources.
The pages show the Mandatory key areas table from the SQA Higher Biology course and unit support notes with an additional column containing hyperlinks to videos, animations and other resources. Content new to the course from the Higher Still Higher have been highlighted in green to further assist practitioners.
Updates will be posted on GLOW 365
May 23, 2014
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The Global Experiment 2014 encourages young people aged 7-16 , from all around the world, to participate in two experiments, investigating solubility and growing crystals, and to share their results around the world by posting them online. The resources required are very simple and there is an introductory video, lesson plans and certificates for those who take part.
The experiments address experiences and outcomes from Materials: Properties and uses of substances, SCN 2-16b & SCN 3-16b.
The experiments help learners to develop skills associated with measuring and recording results, embed numeracy skills within a practical context and offer ICT development opportunities through presenting and publishing their results on the web.
Full details about the Global Experiment 2014 can be downloaded using the link http://rsc.li/ge2014
Did you know?
In 2013, over 21000 children took part in the Global Experiment, with 103 schools in Scotland posting results.
May 21, 2014
by K. McFaul
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The new Higher Computing Science has a clear focus on modern technologies and development for the Web. Server-side scripting and online databases are the building blocks of the large information systems that we all use today.
The new Higher requires learners to provide “exemplifications and implementation of coding to create and modify information systems including the use of: … scripting (database/web pages), server-side scripting…”
This means that every learner studying Higher Computing Science should have experience of using these technologies. To support the introduction of the new Higher Computing Science, Aberdeen City Council have created and deployed a number of open source software packages.
We have deployed EasyPHP to provide each learner with a dedicated web and database server. This open source software provides an Apache Web Server, MySQL Database Server, PHP language plug-in 
(to allow for server-side scripting), phpMyAdmin (a web based database management tool) and Xdebug (to provide full debug information for learners as they develop programs). These servers are hosted locally on each computer where this software is deployed and the servers are controlled via a small application that learners can manage to start/store the servers as required.
This solution provides a full suite of technology that our teachers can now deploy in the classroom. We have modified the software so the data that a learner creates is stored and moves with the leaner in his/her roaming profile. No matter which computer he/she is using the required data is available.
As the solution is deployed locally on each station, the web pages are viewed using the localhost (http://localhost/) URL and the server is not broadcast to the wider Internet.
To assist with the development of programs, we have also deployed the open source NetBeans web project editor which supports development using a number of technologies that feature in the new Higher: Javascript (client-side scripting), PHP (server-side scripting), MySQL (database queries), HTML, CSS and others.
In tandem with this software deployment, we have also provided training to support this technology, which all our Computing Science teachers have been involved with.
If you would like additional information about this solution please contact Charlie Love at Aberdeen City Council.
May 21, 2014
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Ever wished you could attend an event at the Royal Institute but haven’t been able to get tickets? Or do you live too far away to make evening events?
The Ri are now offering more opportunities for you to hear from researchers and experts from the UK and beyond.
As well as filming many events, making talks and debates available online for free, the Ri are now running Twitter chats with speakers to give everyone at home the chance to ask their questions.
The Twitter chat series launches TOMORROW Thursday 21 May with astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell at 7.30pm BST and mathematician Jordan Ellenberg on 4 June at 7pm BST.
For more information about twitter chats and What’s On in May at the Royal Institute:
May 20, 2014
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As Glasgow prepares for the Commonwealth Games the Glasgow Science Festival is preparing to bring its exciting mix of science and innovative events to its biggest ever festival.
The principle aim of the Festival is to showcase the outstanding contribution Glasgow and Glasgow based researchers make to the worlds of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).
From 5-15th June explore the frontiers of research through comedy, live shows, public debates and hands on exhibitions.
The science of sport will be uncovered and you can debate questions such as “If Usain Bolt was a bacterium, what would he be?”
For further information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/events/sciencefestival/events/
May 20, 2014
by K. McFaul
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Leaders Award for STEM is a fun and rewarding way of finding out about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). We also play host to additional Special Leaders Awards which run throughout the year, each having a particular focus.
If you could be an engineer in Scotland – what would you do?
We challenge Primary and Secondary school pupils in Scotland to research and interview inspiring engineers!
This award is a great opportunity to engage pupils with real engineers who will convey the importance of STEM in their daily working lives. Schools will be able to develop relationships with industry, both local and worldwide, giving pupils a unique perspective of professions and their significance in the wider world. Our website contains resources and lesson plans which can help pupils get their research underway. Just visit the ‘Downloads’ section of our website at www.leadersaward.com. All successful participants will receive a certificate and winning entries will be exhibited to the public at the Barony Hall, University of Strathclyde (date TBC).
Closing date: 10th February 2015.
The Challenge
Pupils are asked to research engineering and interview a practicing engineer to interpret the statement “if you could be an engineer in Scotland – what would you do?”
Primary pupils are asked to illustrate their response, accompanied by 100 words.
Secondary pupils are asked to illustrate their response, accompanied by 350 words.
Register your school via the website www.leadersaward.com. Once registered, you will receive an application pack and further guidance on completing the award.
For more information about the Scottish Engineering Special Leaders Award, please visit www.leadersaward.com
May 20, 2014
by K. McFaul
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10:00 – 10:25 am – Registration
10:30- 11:15 am – Welcome to Big Ambition Scotland
11:20 – Learning zones:
13:45 – 1405 – Lunch break
14:05 – 14:15 – Closing session
Register via the BigAmbition Scotland website:
http://www.bigambitionscotland.com/news/events/national-ict-event-2014/
May 16, 2014
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Venue: Mearns Primary School, East Renfrewshire
Date: 9am to 12:30pm, Tuesday 3rd June 2014
This professional learning event presents an exciting opportunity to learn about the approaches to 3-18 sciences developed by the Eastwood High School and Mearns Castle High School clusters which have been identified through the inspection process as being very good practice.
The event is aimed at Quality Improvement Officers, Science Development Officers, science coordinators, school leaders and practitioners from all sectors with responsibility for sciences as well as national agencies and partner organisations.
The event will provide delegates with an opportunity to hear about various strengths of work taking place in the cluster including the:
To book a place at this event please contact Jennifer.Moore@educationscotland.gov.uk. It is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.
May 14, 2014
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Scotland’s Environment Web has a unique set of on-line guidance and digital tools to help people set up their own public environmental monitoring projects.
Public monitoring or ‘citizen science’ can be described as “scientific activities in which non-professional scientists volunteer to participate in data collection, analysis and dissemination of a scientific project…” It can be a great, fun way to gather information and get involved – scientists need your help!
On May 7th a best practice guide on When and how to use Citizen Science was published.
It will take anyone thinking about embarking on a project through the steps which will help decide when you should choose and how to use citizen science.
Whether you are a teacher keen to get your students outdoors, a member of the public wanting to get more involved in your local environment, or an organisation wanting to set up a project, there is support available in the Scotland’s Environment Web toolkit. The tools make it easier to start and run a project, using some of the new digital technology to help.
Click on the link to access Scotland’s Environment Website: http://bit.ly/18JGXwU
May 13, 2014
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National Women in Engineering Day has been set up by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) to celebrate its 95th anniversary. It takes place on 23 June 2014.
The aim is to celebrate the work that women do in engineering, and to showcase the great engineering careers that are available for girls.
The WES is calling on all groups (Governmental, educational, corporate, Professional Engineering Institutions, individuals and other organisations) to organise their own events in support of the day, and link them together for maximum impact through the use of the NWED logo, corresponding website, and supporting resources.
Find out how you can get involved here National Women in Engineering Day
