STEM Blog

February 9, 2014
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The world of Magnificent Microbes

 We’re very excited about the start to our Magnificent Microbes project for 2014, a partnership between Dundee Science Centre Science Learning Institute and the College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee.

We are exploring ways to structure and support learning for practitioners, and for children and young people, to increase the impact of what we do, and to ensure our work becomes increasingly sustainable and has a legacy in the classroom.

With this in mind, teachers whose classes are participating in the Magnificent Microbes project for 2014 joined us on Tuesday evening for a professional learning session with Dr Nicola Stanley-Wall and Dr James Chalmers of the Division of Molecular Microbiology at the College of Life Sciences from the University of Dundee.  Together, we explored the world of microbes, including getting hands-on with techniques use by microbiologists.  Feedback from participants was very positive, including

“…really helped me get into the project.  I am now excited rather than scared not knowing what would lie ahead.”

“I’m excited about how much they (the children) will enjoy the learning.”

“I now know how to approach a topic about microbiology and I will also be less scared to try this with my class.”

and we’re very much looking forward to children working with us over the course of the project, including working with the scientists in school, at Dundee Science Centre, and coming together to share and celebrate their learning in May.

Before the session we asked teachers to write down everything they think of when they hear the word ‘microbe’ and we did the same afterwards.

Watch this space for more on the sustainable legacy of the project…and how you can get involved in the world of microbes!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

February 6, 2014
by K. McFaul
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STEM Ambassador Roadshow

Wednesday 12th March 2014. 5:30pm-7:30pm

Global Science will be holding a STEM Ambassador Roadshow on Wednesday 12th

March 2014 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Central Scotland’s premier venue – The Falkirk

Wheel.

This is an informal evening for teachers from Falkirk District and West Lothian schools to

get together and meet some of our STEM Ambassadors.

The event is completely free of charge, and a buffet will be provided on the night.

If you would like to come along, please register your interest, by e-mailing

alyson.young@global-science.net

The Falkirk Wheel,

Lime Road,

Tamfourhill,

FALKIRK,

February 6, 2014
by K. McFaul
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Cool Cold Commonwealth Food and Health Challenge

FREE CPD opportunity Monday 17th Feb

Develop your knowledge and teaching ideas for Health and Well Being and creative food technologies with Scottish Food & Drink Federation, Education Scotland and partner agencies at Moray House School of Education.

The event supports newly qualified teachers and other practitioners in their planning of teaching and learning experiences, which develop higher order thinking skills, skills for learning, life and work, and some wider appreciation of topical debates and issues.

Speakers

Lorna Aitken, Health and Wellbeing Development Officer, Food and Health, Education Scotland Overview of Food Education in Scottish Schools

Moira Stalker

Scottish Food and Drink Federation giving an overview of their approach to food education involving industry

Kirsten Mack and Scarlett Palmer

Castleview Primary School on food and health in classroom.

Workshops

Chefs in School

Eco-Schools Scotland

RHET

Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI)

Soil Association/Crofting Connections

Focus on Food

 For more information contact Leaghann Watson – Leaghannwatson174@hotmail.co.uk

February 6, 2014
by K. McFaul
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Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Re-thinking Progress: 25th – 27th March 2014, register now

Big thinkers. Different sessions. One issue. 
 

Re-thinking Progress is the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s first ever education open-house event in partnership with Bradford University’s centre for the circular economy. We would love for you to join us.

Register here to receive more information and to be notified when tickets become available.

With a focus on discussion and interaction, Re-thinking Progress will see the Foundation’s education team host a one-off series of short talks, Q&A’s, breakout sessions, seminars, and expert lectures, to explore what the circular economy can offer in the way we approach and deliver effective education.

The event will be held at the re:centre, University of Bradford (pictured left) which is a cross University facility for business engagement and collaboration, with the circular economy providing one of the major programme elements.
Thinkers and innovators will join us from areas as diverse as 3D printing, higher education, urban design and aquaponics to inform the application of the circular economy for both formal and informal educators. Everyone is welcome.
 
See some of the highlights for the session topics below, and learn more about the circular economy in education here.

Session highlights

  • Circular economy “bootcamp”
  • Urban design and the circular economy
  • HE curriclum development
  • A New Dynamic – book launch
  • Aquaponic food systems
  • Systems thinking
  • STEM & the circular economy
  • The changing face of business education
  • Teaching the circular economy in the classroom
  • Ellen MacArthur live-streamed special address

January 30, 2014
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Planning for Learning and Teaching around the Commonwealth Games@DundeeSciLearn

The Flying Scots: sciences and technologies in cycling, speed and sporting success”  

How does science and technology make sporting greats? Planning for learning and teaching around forces, body systems, materials and technologies in the context of cycling for second and third level

Wednesday 12th February 2014 1615 – 1830

Follow in the tracks of great Scottish cyclists (such as Sir Chris Hoy and Graeme Obree) as we investigate how advancements in science and technology are behind some of our greatest sporting moments in cycling.  We will also explore other connections between sciences and technologies, and Olympic and Commonwealth success.

An opportunity to explore ideas, get hands-on with engaging practical and hear from practitioners who have used cycling as an interdisciplinary learning context at second and third level. We will discuss how to make use of resources published by Education Scotland as part of Game On Scotland.

Recommended for: Practitioners planning for learning and teaching at second and third level in sciences.

This event will be held at Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN. A number of charitable trust funded places are available. If you are interested, please contact us on learning@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk. The session runs from 1630 – 1830 with arrival for registration and refreshments from 1615.

                                                                                                                                       

January 24, 2014
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Scotland’s Environment Web competition, closing date extended until 31st March 2014

The Youth Discussion competition is still open; why not enter this weekend for a chance to win a unique prize?

What is the competition about?

What needs to change in your local community that will make a difference to your environment and what role can you play in making it happen?

We want you to answer the question and tell us how you can make your environment better.

Gillian from Keep Scotland Beautiful explains the prize they are offering – with a little help from her furry friends!  vimeo.com/84878949.  

Who can enter?

The competition is open to all young people throughout Scotland between the ages of 5-18 whether through your school, as part of a group or as an individual. Prizes to be won include a backstage tour of the Hydro, tickets to the Irn Bru Carnival 2014/2015 and the Teen Drive electric car event at Knockhill and gadgets like tablets!

Get your entry in soon and don’t miss out!

 

January 24, 2014
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Tigtag – new online primary science resource!

Education Scotland is delighted to announce that schools can now access Tigtag an award-winning online science resource for primary schools, free of charge through Glow.

We have agreed a 12 month national education licence with Twig World which allows Scottish schools to have unlimited access to this great resource.            

Schools across the country are currently using Twig on Glow to access almost 1500 top quality short films. Tigtag provides a superb addition to this resource, and provides valuable support to primary practitioners to assist in the effective teaching of the Sciences Experiences and Outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence.

It provides access to:

• background information, relating to the key concepts identified in the science organisers, and quality films to support and enhance teaching and learning in the sciences.

• planning resources, investigation sheets, practical challenges and succinct clear lesson plans, providing a range of contexts for learning which draw on important aspects of everyday life and work.

• interactive lesson packages to help stimulate the interest and motivation of all learners and support staff in planning challenging, engaging and enjoyable learning and teaching activities.

• a “What Happens Next?” and “Scientific Enquiry” section to encourage learners to engage in dialogue, developing their investigative and inquiry skills.

Explore the world of Tigtag and  Twig on Glow science with your learners through   www.tigtagonglow.com  Log in using your Glow password.

January 14, 2014
by K. McFaul
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Time for a rethink

“The difficulty lies, not in the new ideas, but in escaping from the old ones” (Maynard Keynes)

Are we teaching industry, business, product design, materials and energy in a way which prepares the next generation for a future which is likely to take a quite different path to the present?

High and volatile commodity prices, the soaring cost of energy, the depletion of known stocks of materials, and damaging environmental consequences are all signs of a faltering industrial economy which follows a linear take, make, dispose path.

There is a consensus for change among key thinkers about how our future should be shaped.  Paul Hawkins (author of Natural Capitalism), William McDonough and Michael Braungart (Cradle to Cradle), Janine Benyus (Biomimicry 3.8), Gunter Pauli (Blue Economy), and Walter Stahel (The Performance Economy) argue for a new industrial revolution which would be characterised by these four key points:

  • A radical rethink of how we use resources
  • A biomimetic approach, in which waste becomes food for another cycle
  • The development of new business models based on performance rather than ownership
  • The need to take a regenerative, rather than ‘less bad’, approach to how we design

The work of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in promoting a circular economy is informed by those thoughts.  The argument is that we have to find a way of using things without using them up; that we need to stimulate a design revolution; that we need to strengthen the economy, get more people in employment and prepare for a world of 9 billion + people. 

There are signs of a change underway: key institutions, like the World Economic Forum, the EU and the Scottish Government, have embraced the thinking.  Universities are teaching the model and researching the possibilities.  Remanufacturing is beginning to take off, new business models are being developed.  Technology – particular the mobile web, the internet of things and additive manufacturing – brings the circular economy a step closer.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation supports teachers to understand and teach the thinking behind a circular economy in three ways. 

January 13, 2014
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Scotland’s Environment Youth Discussion

Scotland’s Environment Web is running an exciting competition for young people, with fantastic prizes, and the closing date has been extended until 31st march 2014.

What is the competition about?

What needs to change in your local community that will make a difference to your environment and what role can you play in making it happen?

We want you to answer the question and tell us how you can make your environment better.

Who can enter?

The competition is open to all young people throughout Scotland between the ages of 5-18 whether through your school, as part of a group or as an individual. Prizes to be won include a backstage tour of the Hydro, tickets to the Irn Bru Carnival 2014/2015 and the Teen Drive electric car event at Knockhill and gadgets like tablets!

For inspiration watch this video from pupils at St. David’s Primary, Dalkeith giving their opinions on environmental issues that matter to them https://vimeo.com/82376144

January 13, 2014
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National Qualifications Course Materials

Education Scotland continues to add sciences materials created by local authorities to the NQ Glow Portal and is grateful to the practitioners and authorities across Scotland who have contributed to date.

We greatly appreciate the most recent contributions from colleagues in North Ayrshire for sharing materials at National 4 and National 5 for Physics and Cell Biology and Multicellular Organisms and we’re also grateful to colleagues in Moray who have shared their N5 Cell Biology materials.

Aberdeen City have kindly shared a range of National 4 and National 5 Chemistry materials.

Education Scotland is also in the final stages of editing course materials for all N3 and Higher sciences qualifications. These will be posted to the NQ Glow portal in February. Please see our STEM e-bulletin for ongoing updates about NQ support.

If you have any materials you would like to share the please contact Jennifer.Moore@educationscotland.gov.uk

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