October 14, 2013
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Remember, remember the 6th of November! SEWeb Glow Meet

Scotland’s Environment – GLOW Meet

11am – 12pm, Wednesday 6^th November 2013

Calling all citizen scientists!!!

Trying to change, protect and improve your local environment for the better? Collecting information to contribute to our knowledge of the natural environment? Ready to share your research, data and ideas with us?

Scotland’s environment is world-famous and draws tourists and visitors from across the globe. It needs to be protected but many of the challenges facing our environment are complex, and can only be solved in partnership; a partnership which involves children, young people and adults working together as citizen scientists.

This Glow meet will explain how you can get involved and to better understand, care for and improve Scotland’s environment. We want to hear about:

All the ways you have been collecting, measuring, observing and recording information about your local environment
Your views and ideas on what needs to change to improve our environment and what role you are playing making it happen.

You will be able to question and share you information and ideas with our panel of experts and the school which most impresses the judges will win a superb prize!

The session will be led by:

Debbie Bassett, Head of the Biodiversity Team in Scottish Natural Heritage
Martin Marsden, Head of Environmental Quality in the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Nick Wright, Scottish Wildife Trust

Visit http://bit.ly/SEWeb to register and join the Glow meet on the day.

Further links:

Scotland’s environment website – http://www.environment.scotland.gov.uk/

Scottish environment youth discussion – http://bit.ly/19dnExK

Competition details: SEWeb Competition Information.doc

October 14, 2013
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Sciences Conversation Day 2

Delegates attending our second conversation day at Bishopbriggs Academy identified four priority theme for sciences:

Equity in education – science for all
The importance of planning across school clusters
Career long professional learning and support for practitioners
Partnerships

Education Scotland is keen to hear your views regarding the third priority which addressed career long professional learning and support for practitioners.

Delegates viewed that:

More emphasis needs to be placed on recognition of lifelong learning for all practitioners:
- Need to provide support from FE, HE and industry
- There should be a clear opportunity for teachers to extend learning to master’s-level
- Drawing together of HE and other organisations to facilitate a move towards accreditation.
Specialist support for teachers may be of benefit – potentially in the form of a visiting specialist. Children age 9 + would be appropriate target audience.
There is often an artificial connection between formal and informal science education – and a recognition that the structured/rigid way which science is taught in secondary schools needs to change to reflect the realities of the wider world.
Promoting science in the classroom is not solely about teaching resources – teaching method (pedagogy) and leadership are key to success:
- Need to ensure that there is a focus on STEM skills, rather than just content
- Role of interdisciplinary learning is important – Bishopbriggs Academy has been undertaking an interdisciplinary project on the Commonwealth Games which connected with science learning.
Initial Teacher Education has to recognise importance of STEM specialism – primary schools need access to teacher specialism
Important to influence the work of the National Implementation Board to ensure needs of education system in relation to sciences are met
Need to ensure that newly qualified teachers (NQTs) have appropriate level of support to ensure their practice aligns to principles of CfE
Teacher support in sciences:
- How does a leader create an environment for a practitioner to thrive?
- Need to involve learners in prioritising improvements
- We need to move away from tick box approach in identifying outcomes.
Practitioners in primary schools are mostly not science graduates but the question was raised whether practitioners need a science background to be able to teach science effectively?
CLPL in science needs to be targeted at all staff – not single practitioners.

Education Scotland is keen to hear your views. Click on the title of this blog post to leave a comment.

October 11, 2013
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Going on a Renewables Learning Journey with STEM: Planning for IDL @DundeeSciLearn

Planning for interdisciplinary learning and teaching in the context of renewables for second and third level

Wednesday 22nd January 2014 1615 – 1830

Dundee Science Centre Science Learning Institute is working with partners to develop its learning programme for 2014, for children, young people and practitioners. The first of our offerings for 2014, delivered by colleagues from the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education at the University of Dundee, brings the STEM Central Renewables learning journeys to life.

“Learners explore the nature and sustainability of energy sources and discuss benefits and assess possible risks to form an informed view of responsible energy use.” (Education Scotland Curriculum for Excellence: sciences experiences and outcomes: Energy sources and sustainability)

The energy sector is set to become a key driver in the Scottish economy, offering exciting job opportunities for people at every career stage. Scottish engineering is at the forefront of development of renewable technologies. How can you connect your learners to the exciting opportunities of renewables?

Renewables as a context offers opportunities to explore:

learning around modelling, number sequences, formulae and problem solving in mathematics;
the importance of mathematics in the real world, how mathematics impact on our world and the mathematical skills required for different job roles and career paths;
application of scientific and mathematical knowledge and skills to engineering 3D objects;

and to develop the capabilities of responsible citizens by:

developing knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland’s place in it;
evaluating environmental, scientific and technological issues.

In this session we will take you on a journey to enhance your knowledge and awareness of renewable energies, explore practical activities to support learning, and help you to develop medium term contextualised plans using the STEM Central Learning Journey planning resources.

This session is recommended for practitioners planning for learning and teaching at second and third level in sciences, technologies, engineering and mathematics. 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.

October 11, 2013
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National Tree for Scotland

Scotland boasts truly wonderful trees, woods and forests.

Some trees are native to Scotland, while others have found a home here after being introduced for the purposes of tourism, recreation or the timber industry. These trees fulfil vital roles in our environment – all whilst locking away millions of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.

It has been suggested that Scotland should have a national tree to symbolise the importance of our forests and woodlands.

Forestry Commission Scotland is running a National Consultation for a National Tree for Scotland on behalf of Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

The consultation aims to find out the public’s opinions via two questions;

Should there be a national tree for Scotland? And why?
If you would like a national tree for Scotland, what species would you like and why?

The consultation runs until 3rd December and the Minister would like to engage with as many schools and education establishments as possible.

There are two main ways for schools to get involved:

There are a range of connections to the curriculum that could be made depending on what angle teachers wish to make: political literacy, studying Scotland, learning for sustainability for example.

All details, including interesting facts can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/scotlandsnationaltree

For further information click: www.forestry.gov.uk/yearofnaturalscotland

October 11, 2013
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Sciences Conversation Day 2

Delegates attending our second conversation day at Bishopbriggs Academy identified four priority theme for sciences:

Equity in education – science for all
The importance of planning across school clusters
Career long professional learning and support for practitioners
Partnerships

Education Scotland is keen to hear your views regarding the second priority which addressed the importance of planning across school clusters.

Delegates saw cluster working as being important for a number of reasons:

It is a key way of ensuring primary and secondary colleagues can learn from each other, and also build an understanding of learning and expectations for learners in each sector
It provides opportunities to support the professional development of practitioners
Issue of priorities – will clusters have science on their list of subjects to cover?
Pressures of resource and time to establish and continue effective clusters. Teacher cover can be an issue, despite local authorities provide funds to pay
Need to give teachers adequate time for professional learning. Could an allocation be offered for a ‘block’ of cover for science?
Stronger cluster work could help address lack of consistency in primary experiences across a local authority – benefits for secondary in terms of ensuring good pupil progression.

Primary and primary/secondary transition should be seen as a priority for cluster working:

STEM needs to be on school improvement plans
Will see benefits for learners once they reach secondary school in terms of seamless transition/progression
We need to avoid the fresh start approach in secondary schools – a greater focus on transition and progression is required
More time is required for secondary teachers teaching S1 secondary classes to work with primary counterparts
How can we encourage schools to use exemplification, and build on what is already being done?
Pressures of asking primary schools to take on development of all subjects
Signposting of support needed – what’s the best use of school funds and time?
Important to ensure smooth transitions, not just from primary to secondary, but also beyond school education into HE/FE or work.

Education Scotland is keen to hear your views. Click on the title of this blog post to leave a comment.

October 7, 2013
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Resource Guide for the Sciences

Following on from the STEM programme of events at the Scottish Learning festival Education Scotland has produced a resource guide for the sciences.

The guide provides links to useful websites, relevant documentation, on line resources and methods of communicating about the sciences.

For example:

access the updated 3-18 sciences impact report

visit STEM Central to explore a wide variety of activities and learning experiences

keep up to date with STEM news through our twitter feed

To access and download a copy of the guide click Education Scotland Sciences Resource Guide

October 2, 2013
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Generation Science Schools Programme 2014

Edinburgh International Festival is an educational charity. Each year it delivers one of Europe’s largest science festivals, a primary school education programme and a variety of international projects.

A key part is Generation Science.

Generation Science shows tour all over Scotland bringing educational and entertaining performances and hands on activities to the classroom.

Shows are constantly developed to meet the needs of teachers in line with the Curriculum for Excellence, with the aim of helping to improve the teaching of Science in Scottish primary schools and support teachers in delivering the curriculum.

Support for school can be provided through science weeks, transition projects or individual science days.

This year Generation Science are presenting two revised versions of the Fizz, Boom, Bang workshop so it can be enjoyed by younger pupils and older pupils alike, as well as introducing the Space Base show as a brand new edition to the programme.

You can find further information on these activities alongside some Generation Science favourites like Little Giants and Body Builders in the schools programme brochure.

Click on the link below to view and download the Generation Science Schools Programme 2014 brochure: http://bit.ly/17rfYYj

September 29, 2013
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Dundee Science Centre working with Perth High School Local Management Group and partners

Over the last two years, practitioners from the 16 schools in the Perth High School Local Management Group have been working together to develop a framework for progression in the sciences from early to second level. You can find out more about it in this post.

We are delighted to announce that Dundee Science Centre Science Learning Institute and partner organisations will be working with the cluster staff in our programme for 2014. At the first of three sessions on 30th April 2014, staff will share their model for planning as a cluster, including the strengths of the model in building capacity and sharing expertise across sectors. What worked well? What would they do differently? And what is the impact in the classroom in the first year of full implementation?

In the second session on 7th May 2014, developed rich tasks on the themes of Body Systems & Cells, and Inheritance will be shared. Delegates will have the opportunity to get hands-on with practical science to support these rich tasks, from Dundee Science Centre’s in-reach, outreach and loan boxes including “Healthy Body Bits”, “All about Me” and “Amazing Bodies” for early level, “Microbiology” for first level, and genetics for second level.

The third session will be held in September 2014. Developed rich tasks on the themes of Earth’s Materials and Properties & Uses of Substances will be brought to life through Dundee Science Centre practicals and resources, and partner inputs including Geobus and the Earth Science Education Unit.

Sessions can be attended individually, or as a group of three. Interested? Contact the Science Learning Team at Dundee Science Centre on learning@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk for more information and booking.

September 26, 2013
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Space as a context for learning for first and second level through partnerships @DundeeSciLearn

We have been really excited by the very positive reaction to our two new loan boxes at Dundee Science Centre Science Learning Institute. Funded as part of World Space Week by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres, these loan boxes were launched (no pun intended!) at our recent learning session for practitioners working with learners at first and second level. In partnership with Mills Observatory, Dundee, teachers and student teachers were taken on a journey into space, travelling on spaceship Earth.

Loan boxes can be booked free of charge by any practitioner who has attended a learning session with us, or visited Dundee Science Centre with learners. We are delighted that one week after their launch, the loan boxes are already in use in classrooms in Tayside.

If you’re inspired to begin your journey of exploration, through cutting-edge space discoveries and hands-on science for the classroom, contact us about borrowing a box on learning@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk. Contains everything you might need for your mission!

Travellers on Spaceship Earth for first level

This loan box, with a focus on learning at first level, is full of ideas and resources to allow your learners to take a trip into space – a favourite topic with children of all ages! Explore the seasons, consider why it feels colder in the winter and find out who works in space. Is there a new home for us out there in the solar system? Why does the moon “disappear”? What makes the surface of Mars the way it is? The box contains equipment you’ll need for hands-on inquiry-based sciences, along with images, news articles, fiction and factual books. The box is accompanied by a learning journey for practitioners to aid planning for conceptual development, responsibilities of all, skills in science inquiry and higher-order thinking skills.

The first level loan box can be borrowed at the same time as the second level box if required.

Travellers on Spaceship Earth for second level

This loan box, with a focus on learning at second level, is full of ideas and resources to allow your learners to explore the solar system. From twinkling stars to the myths surrounding constellations, and the planets beyond our solar system, the box contains equipment you’ll need for hands-on inquiry- based sciences, along with images, news articles, fiction and factual books to take your learner on a journey into space. The box is accompanied by a learning journey for practitioners to aid planning for conceptual development, responsibilities of all, skills in science inquiry and higher-order thinking skills.

The second level loan box can be borrowed at the same time as the first level box if required.

September 23, 2013
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“Energy: Keeping Warm, Keeping Cool” Professional Learning for Teachers @Dundee Science Centre

Our Year of Natural Scotland celebrations at Dundee Science Centre kicked off on Saturday, when we were delighted to welcome experts from Historic Scotland and British Geological Survey for Green Science in the City.

Celebrations at Scotland’s national science centres are happening throughout September, October and November with full details of activities available on our website.

On Thursdays 21st and 28th November, and 5th December, we are continuing our green science and sustainability theme at Dundee Science Centre Science Learning Institute. Why not join us for a series of learning sessions for teachers on the theme of “Energy: Keeping Warm, Keeping Cool” to explore how we can progress learners’ understanding of energy and energy transfers through conduction, convection and radiation.

“Learners develop their understanding of the nature of energy and how energy is transferred and conserved. They consider the relevance of these concepts to everyday life.” (Planet Earth, sciences experiences and outcomes).

This series of sessions, with a focus on third level, will explore ways in which we can progress learners’ understanding, identifying common misconceptions and exploring strategies for challenging these in the classroom.

Participants will have opportunities to discuss planning for effective learning and teaching in a real-life context, incorporating hands-on investigative work, use of modelling and simulations, and developing Responsibilities of All with a focus on numeracy experiences and outcomes. There will be opportunities to share innovative practice and reflect critically on the use of the strategies and ideas in the classroom.

These sessions which can be attended individually or as a series of three, are recommended for practitioners planning learning and teaching in sciences at third level, for National 3 and National 4 Environmental Science, National 3 and National 4 Science, or National 3 Physics. A number of charitable trust funded places are available. If you are interested, please contact us on learning@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk. Sessions run from 1630 – 1830 with arrival for registration and refreshments from 1615.