{"id":1384,"date":"2013-12-16T11:06:55","date_gmt":"2013-12-16T11:06:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/glowblogs\/STEMcentralinmotion\/?p=1384"},"modified":"2013-12-16T11:06:55","modified_gmt":"2013-12-16T11:06:55","slug":"magnificent-microbes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/glowblogs\/STEMcentralinmotion\/2013\/12\/16\/magnificent-microbes\/","title":{"rendered":"Magnificent Microbes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>What is the Magnificent Microbes project?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Magnificent Microbes project is a joint venture between the College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee and Dundee Science Centre Science Learning Institute.\u00a0 The project, run in 2010 and 2012, has been received very positively by children and teachers alike, being described as \u201cexciting\u201d, \u201cinspiring\u201d, \u201ca great way to understand more about microbes\u201d. Teachers described the impact on children\u2019s learning, and enthusiasm for science as a result of taking part. Participation provided teachers with opportunities for professional learning which had built capacity and improved their knowledge, understanding and confidence in learning around the Body Systems and Cells organiser within Curriculum for Excellence.<\/p>\n

The project includes:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 pre-visit activity (supporting literacy)<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 visit to Dundee Science Centre to participate in Magnificent Microbes day (themes: hands-on science, positive role models, cutting-edge research on the doorstep)<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 post-visit learning (supporting, literacy, numeracy and encouraging creativity)<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 post-visit opportunities to have scientists visiting the school<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Celebration Day (sharing learning, supporting literacy)<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 display of children\u2019s learning about Magnificent Microbes in the Prism at Dundee Science Centre in May \/ June 2014<\/p>\n

Where does the Magnificent Microbes project fit within Curriculum for Excellence?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAt second level (SCN 2-13a), through practical activities carried out in a safe environment, learners can explore examples of microorganisms that are beneficial and harmful e.g. the use of yeast in bread making and the importance of bacteria and fungus in the breakdown of waste in compost columns. This can be further developed… to include practical activities to safely test for the presence of microorganisms in the local environment. The effects on growth of microorganisms of a variety of factors, such as temperature and disinfectants, can also be investigated. This leads on to the exploration of the use of microorganisms and enzymes in industry at fourth level.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Education Scotland (2009) Concept development in the sciences<\/em> paper<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough research and discussion I have an appreciation of the contribution that individuals are making to scientific discovery and invention, and the impact this has made on society\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Education Scotland (2009) Curriculum for excellence: sciences experiences and outcomes<\/em><\/p>\n

Participation in the Magnificent Microbes project supports development of the capacities of Curriculum for Excellence:<\/p>\n

Successful learners<\/strong><\/p>\n

Attributes: enthusiasm and motivation for learning; openness to new thinking and ideas<\/p>\n

Capabilities: use literacy, numeracy and communication skills; think creatively and independently<\/p>\n

Responsible citizens<\/strong><\/p>\n

Attributes: respect for others<\/p>\n

Capabilities: develop knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland\u2019s place in it; evaluate environmental scientific and technological issues<\/p>\n

Effective contributors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Attributes: resilience<\/p>\n

Capabilities: communicate in different ways and in different settings; work in partnerships and teams; create and develop.<\/p>\n

Involvement in the project includes starter activities for use with learners, prior to the class to Dundee Science Centre. The project will be completed in the classroom following the Magnificent Microbes day in March 2014. These activities have been designed to be used flexibly, to ensure that they can be used to meet the needs of children in their own context, and to develop skills in literacy and numeracy appropriate to second level.<\/p>\n

Literacy across learning <\/strong><\/p>\n

Participation in the project provides opportunities for learners to developing literacy skills through:<\/p>\n