Category Archives: Sciences

The Royal Institution Christmas Countdown

December 4, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Inspired by this year’s CHRISTMAS LECTURES with Alison Woollard the Royal Institute has launched a Chromosome-themed advent calendar. Each day between 1 December and Christmas Eve they will release a new video working through the 23 pairs of human chromosomes and the mitochondrial DNA that make up the building blocks of human life.

Over 24 days they will look at ‘junk’ DNA, raise awareness of a range of genetic disorders and the research behind the latest treatments, learn about blood donation and visit Alison’s lab in Oxford to find out about genetic ageing. Join the Royal Institute to investigate male baldness, explain Nobel Prize winning science, take a trip to the zoo, delve into the mysteries of ginger hair and much much more…

Explore the advent calendar at www.rigb.org.uk/advent

Plus, follow #Riadvent on Twitter or like us on Facebook to be the first to find and watch the videos and enter our competition to win a prop from the set of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES.

CfE, Early Years, Sciences, Senior Phase

Sciences conversation day, Aberdeen 12th Dec 2013

November 28, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Improving Science Education – Conversation Day

10:00 – 15:30, Thurs 12^th Dec 2013

Venue: Bucksburn Academy, Kepplehills
Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9DG.

Education Scotland has been holding a series of face-to-face
conversations this year with the Scottish education community to engage schools
and stakeholders in the findings of the Sciences
3-18 Curriculum Area Impact Project report and
to determine key priorities for sciences education. The three events that have
already taken place have engaged a wide variety of people from all
school sectors as well as industry, colleges, universities, parent groups, and
science organisations.

Places are still available for the event on the 12^th
December for those who would like to join discussions and help shape the future
of sciences education in Scottish schools. Please contact Jennifer Moore on Jennifer.Moore@educationscotland.gov.uk
to book your place.

CfE, Community Capacity Building, Community Resilience, Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Social studies, Young people, children & families

Scottish Water – Play safe around water this winter!

November 27, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Scottish Water is reminding teachers and learners of the importance of playing safe this winter.

In recent years Scotland has witnessed some of the coldest winters for generations, so there’s no telling what the coming weeks may bring. Scottish Water is advising customers that they should remain vigilant and should not take any risks around freezing cold watercourses.

While it’s important that youngsters enjoy their school holidays and that people across Scotland take pleasure in the country’s beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it is also vital that they stay safe. Latest figures show 22 people died accidentally or from natural causes around water in Scotland last winter, but there are easy ways to prevent tragedies, and equipping yourself with the knowledge of what to do in an emergency can save a life.

For further details of Scottish Water’s recent release and advice on how to stay safe around water this winter, go to: http://bit.ly/1b4agsG

Community Capacity Building, Community Resilience, Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Sciences, Social studies, Young people, children & families

Climate Change in Scotland – Reflecting on Typhoon Haiyan and the impact of global climate change

November 25, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

The number of people confirmed dead in the Philippines from Typhoon Haiyan now stands at in excess of 4000, and a further 4 million people have been forced to leave their homes since the storm hit.

At a recent conference at the Royal Society in central London, the Prince of Wales claimed that the typhoon is a ‘direct result’ of climate change and that ‘the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events has increased, and is set to increase even further’.

In the face of global warming and it’s possible impact closer to home, Scotland has set world-leading greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, and has plans in place for how to reduce further by 42% by 2020.

Adaptation Scotland provides advice and support to help ensure that Scotland is prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of climate change. Find details of key messages, climate information and adaptation suggestions in light of climate change in Scotland.

Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

Junior Saltire Prize 2014

November 22, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Schools across Scotland are invited to make a splash by entering the Junior Saltire 2014 marine renewables competition.

Last year over 130 primary and secondary teams rose to the challenge. For 2014, the brief is to design a simple hydrokinetic generator – a turbine to produce electricity when submerged in flowing water.

Great prizes of up to £750 as well as Junior Saltire medals are up for grabs and the competition is open to teams of four in three age groups – P5/7, S1/S3 and S4/S6.

Click here for further information and links to the brief and registration form. NB The closing date for team registrations is Friday 20 December 2013. Multiple entries per school welcome!

CfE, Health and wellbeing, Mathematics, Outdoor Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Technologies

The Royal College of Surgeons Christmas Lecture

November 20, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

RCSEd Christmas Lecture :

“The work of the Sports Doctor; Tales of the Unexpected”

Join Dr James Robinson in a Glow meet on Monday 2^nd December, 1.55pm-2.55pm, where he will outline the role of exercise in health, both to the individual and the population.

Dr Robson has been team doctor on the last six consecutive tours by the British and Irish Lions. He joined the Scotland team as doctor at the start of season 2002/2003 and has now been team doctor for more than 100 Scotland Test matches, including the Rugby World Cup competitions in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

He will endeavour to bring to life through his own experiences, over many years of International rugby, the life and times of the team doctor. From the lows of injury, to the highs of sporting victory, the lecture will touch on some moments of drama for those whose work is sport, and for those who care at pitch side.

For further details regarding registration: http://bit.ly/rcschristmaslecture

Community Capacity Building, Community Resilience, Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Social studies, Technologies, Young people, children & families

Reminder – Make your booking today! Free interactive urban flood model visits and workshops.

November 18, 2013 User deactivated 1 Comment

Not to be missed! Heriot Watt University still have availability for schools interested in receiving a visit from the interactive flood model and flood experts.

For a flavour of what you can expect, see the flood model in action at: http://bit.ly/1dNfNIa

What is it?

An interactive, free workshop has been developed to explain the processes involved with urban flooding and flood prevention. It also introduces the concept of community resilience and the role that individuals can play in protecting themselves and their neighbours.

The main element of the workshop is an interactive physical model, representing a typical town with a river, houses, shops, industrial units, roads and parks. The model simulates rainfall, with water being fed to sprinklers and the river via a system of pumps. Workshop participants are able to change certain elements of the urban fabric to help reduce the severity of flooding.

Is it any good?

Since 2009, over 5000 people have participated in the workshop, most of whom were young people. Independent evaluation of the workshop “…yielded strong evidence for the learning that took place during audiences’ interaction with the project”.

Work with the Scottish Government and SEPA has supported on-going flood risk awareness raising, and again the feedback has been very positive.

Can it come to my school?

Sure. The Scottish Government have commissioned Heriot-Watt University to take the workshop to Scottish schools in 2013/14.

We can visit you to run our interactive workshop for your pupils for free; all you have to do is provide us with some space to run the workshop and some interested children. We will also leave you with a follow up lesson plan to reinforce some of the key workshop messages

Contact Grant Wright to arrange a visit (Tel: 0131 4518261, Email: g.b.wright@Hw.ac.uk)

For more information go to http://urbanfloodmodel.wordpress.com/

Sciences

Engineering Academy

November 15, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

A new collaboration between the University of Strathclyde, partner colleges and industry will provide a pathway to BEng Honours or MEng-level programmes in an engineering discipline within one of the Faculty of Engineering’s participating departments.

Through the Engineering Academy, students will initially undertake an HNC within partner Colleges and those who achieve the required performance will be guaranteed transfer to an undergraduate degree within one of the following Faculty of Engineering departments:

As well as continuing their studies, students will benefit from industry-funded scholarships and paid summer placements during the course of their undergraduate programme.There will be 80 funded places per year.

For further information access:

http://bit.ly/HQowPb or contact engineering-academy@strath.ac.uk

CfE, Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

The Engineering Development Trust

November 15, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Engineering Development Trust provides STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) enrichment activities for UK youth.

Work related learning schemes provide opportunities for 11-21 year olds to enhance their technical, personal and employability skills through industry-led projects, industrial placements and specialised courses.

EDT develops partnerships, build links between education and industry and helps organisations reach talent and connect with young engineers and scientists across the UK.

The EDT portfolio includes:

First Edition Hands-on STEM activity days for Year 7-11 & S1-S5 (11-16 yr old) students. Providing opportunities for under-represented groups (girls, ethnic minorities, first in family to consider higher education).

Open Industry Curriculum focused in-company educational experiences for students of all ages.

Go4SET Environmental themed 10 week STEM projects for Year 8/9 & S2 (12-14yr old) pupils.

Engineering Education Scheme (England & Scotland) Real life 6 month STEM projects for Year 12 (16-17yr old) students.

Headstart STEM experience courses at university for Year 12 & S5 (16-17yr old) students.

The Year in Industry Paid career development work placements for students completing

A levels/Scottish Highers/equivalent qualifications or as part of a university sandwich year.

Download further information regarding EDT’s events programme:

EDT Schools Programmes 2013-14

edt scotland events calendar 2013-14

To access EDT’s website: http://bit.ly/1cvayeN

CfE, Community Capacity Building, Community Resilience, Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Social studies, Technologies

FREE to your school!! Urban Flooding Model Workshops

November 13, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

What is it?

Is it any good?

Work with the Scottish Government and SEPA has supported on-going flood risk awareness raising, and again the feedback has been very positive.

Can it come to my school?

Sure. The Scottish Government have commissioned Heriot-Watt University to take the workshop to Scottish schools in 2013/14.

Contact Grant Wright to arrange a visit (Tel: 0131 4518261, Email: g.b.wright@Hw.ac.uk)

For more information go to http://urbanfloodmodel.wordpress.com/

Mathematics, Outdoor Learning, Sciences, Technologies

Young Engineers & Science Club Scotland

November 13, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Young Engineers & Science Clubs Scotland is a Scotland wide primary and secondary programme run by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and supported by many of its members including BP, Skills Development Scotland and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

Through a network of over 700 science, engineering and technology clubs throughout Scotland, from Orkney to Dumfries, pupils from P5-S2 test their problem-solving skills on a number of themed investigations. So far 12,000 members have worked alongside their teachers, real engineers and scientists on a variety of STEM projects.

Projects include:

Junior Saltire Awards – 2014 Marine Energy Challenge
Science on the Menu – experiments and investigations to explore the world of food and drink through science
Carbon Capture and Storage – S1/S2 interdisciplinary project to engage learners in the global challenge of limiting CO2 emissions
Ping Pong Pentathlon – STEM sporting challenge to mark the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

Participating schools are fully supported by YESC in the form of start-up grants, free resource kits, advice and assistance.

Further information, advice and contact details can be accessed through the YESC website: http://bit.ly/1cU2F7H

Assessment, CfE, Sciences

Sciences Conversation Day 3

November 13, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Delegates attending our third conversation day at Millburn Academy were asked to reflect on the findings of Education Scotland’s Sciences 3-18 Curriculum Impact Report and, through group discussion, identify what they saw as the key priorities for action.

In the second session of the day, participants were given the opportunity to use the Implemento planning tool to further explore one of the main themes emerging from the group activity in the morning. The following action was chosen as focus for this activity:

Ensure learners are empowered to determine how they learn.

Participants identified the following as the worst outcomes that could arise should this action not be implemented:

The status quo persists
Negativity and lack of motivation coupled with poor behaviour – time and opportunities are wasted and learners don’t enjoy or value science and are not given a choice in their learning. Don’t develop as global citizens
No aims/goals resulting in learners not achieving their potential and schools failing to raise attainment and ensure progression
Disillusioned students and teachers coupled with detrimental effect on health and well-being
Learners are disengaged and lack independence and are wholly dependent on quality and enthusiasm of the teachers. See science as not being relevant to them and take no responsibility for their learning! Maybe then not accountable either and learners become unable to make informed choices
Sausage machine approach to learning – one size fits all
Learners don’t develop necessary skills for leaning life and work resulting in national skill shortage – learners not opting for STEM career. Advances in technology may be slower and economy suffers. Society becomes more divided.
Unsuitable tertiary courses.

The following actions were suggested to help recover from these negatives outcomes:

Create courses that are relevant and interesting to pupils – learners need flexibility and choice to experience all types of learning in order to know what they’re good at
To ensure learners are empowered to determine how they learn, participation in planning learning must be structured and iterative. Needs to be part of constant cycle of improvement. Supporting pupils to make choices is necessary – building their capacity so they are aware of their skills and can identify next steps in learning. Need to create opportunity for choice e.g. research questions, how to present, peer tutors, methods of gathering info and so on
Teachers need training in order to offer these opportunities and are updated with current/real life science so that it is relevant. They must deliver on promises of learner engagement and be honest with what is possible
Negotiated and competence-based assessment is required as are more opportunities for collaborative learning
Use role models to show case relevant use of science
The John Muir Award offer learners a flexible approach to learning
Speak to wider community/customer about what they need/want to learn
Provide further opportunities to get back to education in later life (more advice/awareness).

Participants saw the following as the best possible outcomes of the action to empower learners:

Highly professional, confident teaching workforce able to maximise potential of empowered learners by guiding/facilitating learning rather than being the centre of attention
Less stress and more positive classroom ethos. More time spent learning resulting in better progress, achievement, attainment and results! Balanced partnership between teachers and pupils with ethos of mutual respect
Relevant, useful learning at school resulting in improved health and wellbeing, better community links and spirit and more parent helpers.
Systematic approach to offering professional learning opportunities to school science educators at all levels supported by the appointment of a science officer for every authority
Aspirational students with tools to get there. Pupils would know more about how they learn best as individuals. Every learner values themselves and their skills/abilities. And develops as responsible and independent citizens who are lifelong learners with a positive, can-do attitude.
Scotland will be globally competitive with a skilled workforce which brings inward investment and creates new business. There will be less unemployment with better prospects and equity in society
More flexible resources and approaches to learning (incl. online resources) with an increase in peer support across the school.

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

Outdoor Learning, Sciences

Scotland’s Environment Website

November 13, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Get Interactive with data

A whole range of new tools and resources to view, analyse and visualise data and information have been launched on Scotland’s Environment Web.

Map View where you can look at any combination of 165 published map layers,
Discover Data applications for the latest Household Waste and Water Classification data
Resources produced by different organisations providing interactive data
Environmental Games that make finding out about the environment more fun.

The team at Scotland’s Environment Web are always interested to hear about new ideas for links to resources, games, data visualisation applications, map layers or even mobile app’s that record observations about Scotland’s Environment.

Contact seweb.administrator@sepa.org.uk. with your ideas.

CfE, Sciences, Technologies

Scottish Power Foundation Challenge Days

November 11, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

National Museums Scotland and The Scottish Power Foundation have joined together to offer 3rd and 4th Year students studying for National Physics Qualifications a unique opportunity to apply their classroom studies to challenges in real life.

Five Challenge Days will take place during National Science and Engineering Week, 14^th-25^th March 2014, bringing students together with experts from science and industry to design, build and test their ideas for meeting Scotland’s future electricity demand through renewable energy sources.

The Challenge Days are free to all participating schools.

The winning team will receive equipment for their department, a framed certificate and publicity for their school’s achievement. There will also be runner up prizes in a range of categories.

For further information regarding venues and how to apply download: Get Energised schools marketing

CfE, Early Years, Outdoor Learning, Sciences

Chick and the Egg

November 6, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Emerging scientists in Kilwinning Early Years Centre have been learning about biological science, through experiencing the life cycle, growth and development of a chick. The centre sourced the embryo eggs from an online company which were just a few days away from hatching. Chick eggs were housed in an incubator and the children cared for each egg and then nurturing the chicks once hatched. The children recorded their prior knowledge of chicks and chickens through mind maps, researched information about how to care for the eggs and chicks using the internet and gained knowledge and understanding of the concept of a particular life cycle. Observations and discussions about the life cycle of the chick were recorded on cameras and iPads. The project has enhanced their skills in enquiry and investigation and encouraged their curiosity about the world around them.

CfE, Community Capacity Building, Sciences

Sciences Conversation Day 3

November 5, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Priority areas for action

The priorities below are listed in order of prevalence. Those mentioned more frequently in group responses appear closest to the top of the list.

Cluster approach – Local cluster science improvement plans should be developed – early years/primary/secondary school links, including links with further and higher education institutions, should be further developed to allow staff access to specialist equipment and expertise and to facilitate dialogue between practitioners.
Primary science – There is a lack of specialist knowledge in primary schools. There is a need to increase access to and quantity of science learning pre-secondary by building confidence of primary practitioners. Science should be made explicit in primary schools – not just taught through interdisciplinary learning. There is a role for science champions in primary.
Transitions between early years, primary and secondary and into work/FE/HE need to be improved. There should be planned progression through increased dialogue within and between centres and clear maps of learning and contexts.
Leadership for sciences within schools at every level, including learners, should be developed to ensure support is in place and to facilitate good communication.
Pupil voice should be strengthened at departmental and whole school level – the experiences of learners, and their involvement in decision-making, can be used to drive improvement. There is a need to develop a culture of talking to learners and including them in evaluation of learning. Facilitation of informal feedback should be encouraged and programmes of learning should be explained to learners.
Better and more accessible links with industry, including STEM ambassadors, are required – it is essential to secure the involvement of people with real experience of STEM subjects. A coherent approach, and mapping process, is required to pull together different agencies and employers to ensure support structures are in place and to make young people aware of job opportunities.
Learning and teaching in sciences needs to be dynamic and up to date so that learners understand the relevance and applications of their learning. More outdoor learning and interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary learning (IDL) should be encouraged to put science into context. There should be consistency in terms of the provision of high quality learning and teaching in sciences.
Increased opportunities for science related career-long professional development, including through initial teacher education, should be made available to develop enthusiastic, confident and skilled practitioners who employ effective teaching strategies.
Resources – Practitioners need to know about the resources out there. Funding to local authorities and partner agencies should be prioritised to ensure all centres are well equipped. Effective dissemination of available resources is required including online resources, outdoor spaces for learning etc. Education Scotland should consider developing a resource bank with download log and feedback.
Practitioners would benefit from increased sharing of good practice at all stages.
Skills – There is a need to improve knowledge and expectations in terms of wider skills development.
Science a priority – Raising the awareness of education leaders, directors of education, head teachers, councillors of the importance of science is necessary. They should all recognise that science and STEM is a priority.

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

CfE, Sciences

Chemistry Week 16th-23rd November 2013

November 5, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Chemistry Week is a themed week of nationwide events that is held every two years to promote chemistry and increase the public understanding of the importance of chemical science in our everyday lives.

This year the theme selected by the Royal Society of Chemistry is health, with a particular emphasis on five areas of health that provide some of the greatest challenges and opportunities for chemical research.

Ageing
Hygiene
Lifestyle
Nutrition
Global Challenges

Part of the week’s events include the Global Experiment which this year is Measuring the Vitamin C Content of Fruit and Veg looking at, for example, the effect of aging, type of food and country of origin.

It is a practical experiment suitable for upper primary and S1 to S6 pupils, which links the Sciences with the theme of Health and Wellbeing. Results obtained are uploaded onto the RSC web site and compared to results from schools all over the globe!! Pupils are also awarded a certificate for completing/participating in the experiment.

Further information can be obtained through:

http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/resource/res00001280/global-experiment-instructions-2013

The RSC are providing free resources for schools for Chemistry Week. These include bunting, pens, bugs, balloons, stickers, posters and write on posters.

Schools can view the resources and download an order form to order their own free resources using the link: http://www.rsc.org/ConferencesAndEvents/RSCEvents/chemistry-week/2013/promotional-items.asp

Please note the deadline for ordering free resources for Chemistry Week is the 11th November.

CfE, Sciences

SSERC Residential Courses

November 4, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

SSERC, a Local Authority shared-service providing support across all thirty-two Scottish Education Authorities, is offering practical hands-on CPD courses for primary practitioners.

A few places still remain on two residential courses.

Science Rocks Our World is a 3 day residential course for primary teachers, taking place 21^st -23^rd November 2013.

Practitioners will engage in practical activities to support learning & teaching across CfE Sciences Experiences and Outcomes from the Planet Earth Organiser and develop their skills and expand their knowledge in this area of science. In addition, participants will be given equipment and resources to support them in the classroom.

Together with the SSERC team, Education Officers from various organisations will explore the lines of development within the themes of; Space, Processes of the Planet, and Biodiversity and Interdependence.

For further information and an application form download:Science_Rocks_2013_flyer

“Science for the Newly Qualified Primary Teacher’ is a 2 part residential course, with part 1 on 31st January – 1st February 2014 and part 2 on 12th May 2014.

The course will offer recently qualified primary practitioners, including probationers, the opportunity to share good practice, explore some of the “big ideas” in science and develop a variety of strategies to support delivery of the sciences within a Curriculum for Excellence. A major part of the course will involve exploring ways in which practical activities can be used to enhance teaching across Early, First and Second Levels.

For further information download the flyer: PrimProb_flyer_v3

Course fees are £450 which includes meals, accommodation and course materials.Local Authority schools will be entitled to receive an ENTHUSE Award which will cover the cost of the courses. This grant is administered through the National Science Learning Centre.

A complete listing of CPD opportunities can be accessed through the SSERC website: http://bit.ly/1aHrkVV

CfE, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Technologies

National Science and Engineering week 2014

October 25, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

NSEW 2014 event registration is now open!

National Science & Engineering Week (NSEW) is a ten-day national programme of science, technology, engineering and maths events and activities across the UK aimed at people of all ages.

Anyone can organise an event or activity and the British Science Association supports organisers by providing:

Activity packs
Funding
NSEW Event Awards worth £600
National school poster competition
Mass participation in Flusurvey project
Case studies
How to guides

National Science & Engineering Week 2014 takes place from 14th – 23rd March.

This year organisers can celebrate anything related to science, technology, engineering and maths. The sky is the limit!

However, for schools, Explore the Future will be the common theme across competitions, new resources and online projects, to encourage teachers and other educators to look forward to the world their students will lead.

For further information and details regarding registration click on the link : http://bit.ly/17gU8cI

Sciences

Engineers Unchained 2

October 24, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Institute of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland is a multi-disciplinary engineering body, founded in Scotland, that provides a forum in which individuals from all engineering and related disciplines can discuss and exchange information, generate ideas and encourage young engineers.

IESIS and other engineering institutions have organised a talk to aspiring engineers by Ed McCann at the University of Strathclyde, on Wednesday 6^th November at 4pm.

Using practical examples, demonstrations and in discussion with the audience Ed McCann will explain the role of the civil engineer in making civilized life possible.

This will be a great opportunity to hear about the career of a professional engineer and sample some of the variety that a career in engineering can bring.

Following the talk there will be an extended question and answer session that will be especially suitable for students who are working on the Leadership Award.

Please note that the event is free but registration is required.

For further information and registration details visit:

http://www.iesis.org/assets/Files/EdMcCannFlyer.doc

CfE, Sciences

Science for the Newly Qualified Primary Teacher

October 24, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

SSERC, a Local Authority shared-service providing support across all thirty-two Scottish Education Authorities, is offering a practical hands-on CPD course for newly qualified Primary practitioners.

‘Science for the Newly Qualified Primary Teacher’ is a 2 part residential course, with part 1 on 31st January – 1st February 2014 and part 2 on 12th May 2014.

This course is supported by the National Science Learning Centre. Delegates from Local Authority schools will be granted an ENTHUSE Award, which covers the cost of the course on completion of all tasks and requirements.

For further information download the flyer: PrimProb_flyer_v3

A complete listing of CPD opportunities can be accessed through the SSERC website: http://bit.ly/1aHrkVV

CfE, Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

Scotland’s Environment Web Competition

October 21, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Your environment, your views – get involved!

Scotland’s Environment Web is running exciting competition for young people with fantastic prizes!

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 above. Tell us how you could make your environment better. Planet Earth faces tough environmental challenges which will directly impact your future. Everyone can be a part of the solution to these challenges and Scotland’s young people have a key role to play.

Who can enter?

This 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.

You can also enter the Young Reporters for the Environment competition if you are eligible.

Join our Glow meet too at 11am on 6^th November to share your story and ideas and to have the chance to win a further exciting prize of £200 to purchase Citizen Science equipment for your establishment: http://bit.ly/1daPP4b

For more information, visit www.environment.scotland.gov.uk/yd

Sciences

Sciences Conversation Day 2

October 21, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

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 fourth priority which addressed partnerships.

Delegates viewed that:

Need to ensure STEM is added to local authority plans as a priority, with weight added by national government:
Competing demands of secondary schools is a particular issue – work on new national qualifications is a priority
Schools have been getting to grips with some of the key aspects of CfE, including the ‘responsibility of all’ areas
East Dunbartonshire had offered a presentation on the 3-18 Sciences report to its schools, which had then prompted primary schools to integrate sciences into their planning.
- Need to consolidate all of our efforts and join up our business (especially in the context of dwindling resources).
- Partnerships tend to depend on postcode lottery – need coherent approach and consistency across the country.
- Partners should move towards provision of long-term support – in some areas they are already queuing up to be involved. They also need to move from promoting their own interests to promoting a common purpose.
- Activity with partners still tends to be an add-on – we need to embed it within learning.
- The business case is compelling but is not being communicated in terms of the impact on children.
- We need to celebrate success stories from the STEM Ambassador network for instance.
- Teachers are a vital source of career information but their knowledge about jobs in science in inconsistent – we need to address this.
- It is important that everyone has a sense of the existing landscape – the new SSAC Coordinator can help with this task. This will bring coherence and a sense of common purpose to our activities.
- Education Scotland has a role to help make connections between schools, partners and different organisations and needs to consider the validation or endorsement of providers.
- We need to consider the role of specialists to support STEM activity within clusters:
  - Connection with STEM Ambassadors
  - Work with the science centres and HE
  - Ensuring partnerships are meaningful and not ‘one-off’ – they should dovetail with on-going learning.
The example of the Department of Geosciences at Edinburgh University was cited as a model for partnership working – final year undergraduate students have been working with a school cluster. The schools have gained but also the university students have gained too in terms of employability skills, communication skills etc. This work provides them with 20 credits towards their degree qualification.

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

Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

The Queen’s Commonwealth Baton

October 18, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

As Glasgow eagerly awaits the start of the 2014 Commonwealth Games one very important element has already been completed – the Queen’s Commonwealth baton.

The baton carries the Queen’s message to all competing nations and territories of the Commonwealth. The concept was introduced in 1958 at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

On 9th October 2013, the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay began its 190,000 kilometre journey, unifying the two billion people of the Commonwealth in a celebration of sport, diversity and peace.

The hand-crafted baton made of titanium, wood and granite embodies Scotland and Glasgow’s culture, combining cutting edge technology with artisan skills.

Click on the link below to learn more about how the design team, 4cDesign, effectively utilised science, technology, engineering, maths, art and design skills to create the Queen’s baton.

http://bbc.in/19FDUIe

For further information regarding the Queen’s Commonwealth baton and the Queen’s baton relay, explore the official education programme, Game on Scotland:

http://bit.ly/1gDOQcy

Mathematics, Sciences, Senior Phase, Technologies

Millennium Youth Camp 2014

October 17, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Applications for the fifth international Millennium Youth Camp have begun.

The 2014 Millennium Youth Camp will be held during 3rd–11th June 2014 in the Greater Helsinki area in Finland

The one week camp takes place in Finland every summer and is organised by the Technology Academy Finland, the Finnish Science Education Centre LUMA (University of Helsinki) and Aalto University.

The camp offers young people from across Europe, aged between 16-19, who are interested in mathematics, the natural sciences and technology, an opportunity to learn more about Finnish expertise and top level research in these areas. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other young people who share similar interests.

In addition to lectures, workshops and visits to Millennium Youth camp partners, the project includes project work supervised by experts and carried out in small multi-national organisations.

There is a two phase application process and applicants choose their preferred topic area from the 10 listed on the application form: applied mathematics, climate, ICT and digitalization, water, renewable natural resources, energy, bio-sciences and -technology, food sciences and technology, material sciences and technology, and urban planning.

Application for the first phase begins on 15th October and ends on 15th December.

On 3rd February 2014, 200 young people will be chosen from these applicants for the second phase.

On 17th March 2014 the names of 60 participants chosen for the camp will be published.

For further information please contact:

Professor Maija Aksela, chairman of Millennium Youth Camp steering group
Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA, University of Helsinki
maija.aksela(at)helsinki.fi, tel. +358 50 514 1450

Caroline Korhonen, Project Coordinator, Technology Academy Finland
caroline.korhonen(at)technologyacademy.fi, tel. +358 40 5569 999

A link to the application form and additional information about the application process can be found on the Millennium Youth Camp website.

CfE, Health and wellbeing, Mathematics, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Technologies

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

October 14, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

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 :http://www.environment.scotland.gov.uk/get_involved/young_people/youth_discussion.aspx

Sciences

Sciences Conversation Day 2

October 14, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

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.

CfE, Sciences

Sciences Conversation Day 2

October 11, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Delegates attending our second conversation day at Bishopbriggs Academy identified four priority themes for the 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.

Community Capacity Building, Community Resilience, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Social studies, Technologies, Young people, children & families

Ready for Winter 2013/2014 – Are You Ready?

October 10, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

The 2013/2014 ‘Ready for Winter’ campaign will be launched by the Scottish Government on the 21^st October. Key messages for this year include: ‘Thinking Ahead’ and ‘Taking an Hour’ to prepare for severe winter weather in the community, at home, on the move and in the workplace. With the clocks moving back one hour on the 27^th of October, let’s use this extra time pro-actively! Education Scotland are therefore working in partnership with the Scottish Government to ensure that Scottish schools are as ready as possible for winter.

To promote the launch of ‘Ready for Winter’ and its rich links to resilience education, teachers are being asked to run health and wellbeing sessions (21^st to 25^th October) ranging from simple class lessons to larger projects. Web links and free downloadable activities will soon be made available for schools to access from Education Scotland’s ‘Ready for Emergencies’ website http://bit.ly/GJ8CWz

Further details and links to activities will follow shortly. In the meantime, general information about ‘Ready for Winter’ and resilience education can be found at http://bit.ly/1gmTEml and http://bit.ly/1aiEZnp

CfE, Community Capacity Building, Community Resilience, Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Social studies, Young people, children & families

Ready for Emergencies? – Resilience Education Web Resource

October 10, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Have you ever been affected by difficulties such as severe winter weather, flooding, utilities failures or pandemics (amongst others)? What would you do if you were? Would you know how to cope in an emergency situation and what procedures to follow? How could you ensure that you and your community were fully prepared for times of crisis?

The ‘Ready for Emergencies’ website provides information on all of the above and is a valuable resilience education resource to help develop resilient attitudes and pro-active strategies among young people to prevent and deal with emergency situations.

The site contains a wide range of links to free downloadable teaching and learning materials http://bit.ly/1gmTEml including learning journeys, challenges and media files covering numerous real-life emergency contexts linked to the experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence.

For further details – visit: http://bit.ly/GJ8CWz

CfE, Community Capacity Building, Community Resilience, Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Technologies

Scottish Water – Science/Resilience Education Resources and Volunteer Programme

October 10, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Scottish Water organisation provides a range of educational resources through their website http://bit.ly/GKSF1Z These include:

Scottish Water Volunteer Programme – Launched in Spring 2011, Scottish Water has a team of enthusiastic volunteers located across different locations in Scotland to deliver a range of talks and presentations to schools and organisations. http://bit.ly/1bGKYYB The programme is highly rated and praised by local communities who have benefited from its input to date.

Teaching and Learning Modules – Recently developed teachng ideas in relation to experiences and outcomes from Early to Fourth level of CfE, covering topics ranging from water safety to climate change and pollution. http://bit.ly/1gpAJaG

All About Water Factfiles – Teaching notes to help practitioners deliver learning around water themes. These contain useful links to other relevant websites, downloadable posters and other resources to enhance practice. http://bit.ly/18Otp4m

Discover More Section – Further edcuational resources including water films and links to the Water Ways exhibit at the Glasgow Science Centre.

Partnership Work with Go Safe Scotland

Scottish Water has also been recently working in partnership with Glasgow City Council and Go Safe Scotland to launch an education programme and resources in conjunction with members of the emergencies services. Find out more at http://bit.ly/1bYDRaH

Assessment, CfE, Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

Resource Guide for the Sciences

October 7, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

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 science resource guide click Education Scotland Sciences Resource Guide

Assessment, CfE, Early Years, Outdoor Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Technologies

Sciences 3-18 curriculum impact report 2013 update

October 4, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

This week Education Scotland published an update of the 3-18 Sciences Impact Report. The updated report evaluates current practice, supplements the good practice exemplars, reports on progress made regarding aspects of development in the 2012 report and highlights important areas for discussion and further development.

The evidence presented in this report tells us that children and young people are developing a range of knowledge, understanding and skills in the sciences and achievement is strong and improving.

The report is intended to continue to help practitioners reflect on how well they are developing these capacities, how much more needs to be done and act as a hub for ongoing professional dialogue and development.

There is a summary of the report written specifically for children and young people and, in response to practitioner feedback, there is now a separate document outlining the examples of good practice.

Education Scotland is keen to hear your views about the report and its findings. Visit the Talk with us blog http://bit.ly/GCHeZw to share your thoughts on how best we can improve sciences education for all learners in Scotland.

To download the report and associated documentation visit: The Sciences 3-18

CfE, Early Years, Sciences

A Cross Sector Approach to Science

October 4, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

For the past 3 years the 16 schools in Perth High School Local Management Group (LMG) have been working collaboratively to develop learning and teaching in science. The aim of their partnership working has been to:

Support primary/secondary transition
Provide a progressive, cohesive science experience for all learners
Build staff partnerships and understanding across primary and secondary
Build staff confidence in teaching science
Promote science as being exciting and fun
Promote interdisciplinary learning
Support eco work and careers education.

A comprehensive science programme has now been produced comprising of rich tasks from Early to Second Level as well as a skills progression framework, a science glossary and teachers’ guide. The science programme that has been produced also incorporates a number of the learning journeys from STEM Central.

Each rich task suggests a range of activities that teachers can choose from to enable their pupils to learn about science through active learning and practical hands on experiences.

Perth and Kinross Local Management Group report positive benefits from the collaboration including the development of leadership capacity and growth in confidence amongst practitioners with regards to the sciences.

Learners have reported enjoying science, seeing its relevance to their everyday lives and felt they had a better understanding of their strengths and next steps in science.

All resources can be downloaded from Glow. See folder entitled A Cross Sector Approach to Science PHS LMG in the national Sciences Glow Group http://bit.ly/17ACPk8

Some of the work undertaken by the cluster has also been awarded a Quality Mark for moderation and can be downloaded from the Education Scotland NAR

http://bit.ly/1bDFU3M

CfE, Sciences

Generation Science Schools Programme 2014

October 2, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

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. Schools can be supported thorugh science weeks, transition projects or individual science days.

This year Generation Science are presenting two revised versions of the popular 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

Additional Support for Learning, Community Capacity Building, Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Literacy, MCMC/16+LC, Outdoor Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Social studies, Universal Support, Young people, children & families

Royal Horticultural Society – The Edible School Garden

October 1, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Royal Horticultural Society

The Edible School Garden
Dumfries House, KA18 2NJ – Tuesday 19th November 2013, 10 am – 3 pm

Kilbarchan Primary School, PA10 2LA Thursday 28th November 2013, 10 am – 3 pm
To give teachers of all age groups the skills to confidently grow and manage a simple productive garden throughout the year. To ensure that produce is used in tasting, cooking and enterprise activities. Every school should be a food growing school.
Objectives
At the end of this course you will:
a) Have the knowledge and skills to sow and grow the RHS top 14 fruits, vegetables and herbs for the school garden, to provide a range of fresh, healthy produce throughout the school year
b) Get hints and tips on tasting and cooking with the produce, outside in the garden and in the school canteen
c) Know how to add value to your produce through correct harvesting and storage, preserving and other simple enterprise ideas.
Experience: Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.
CPD Provider

Angela Smith
angelasmith@rhs.org.uk

RHS Development Officer for Scotland

CfE, Mathematics, Outdoor Learning, Sciences, Technologies

STEM at the Scottish Learning Festival

September 13, 2013 User deactivated 1 Comment

Raising the Bar in Scotland – transforming lives through learning.

Science, technology, engineering and maths are key priorities within Curriculum for Excellence.

The Scottish Learning Festival 2013 provides numerous opportunities for practitioners to engage in meaningful discussions and attend seminars and workshops relating to STEM.

A select showcase of innovative practice will demonstrate how STEM skills are being developed in creative, exciting and thought provoking ways.

Come along and watch learners from Hamilton College demonstrate how Lego Mindstorm robots helped develop their problem solving skills, take the I-pad journey with Bellshill Academy pupils and find out how to bring science into your school community through Citizen Science activities.

Download the STEM programme of workshops and seminars detailing dates and times:

STEM at the Scottish Learning Festival 2013

To book and register for the Scottish Learning Festival follow the link below:

http://bit.ly/1eqaimD

Sciences

Twig Summer Challenge – winning school announced!

September 9, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Congratulations Bo’ness Academy!

Professor Robert Winston has selected Team Eco-Option from Bo’ness Academy, Falkirk, as the winners of the Twig Summer Challenge!

Professor Winston praised all the shortlisted entries, highlighting ambitious filmmaking, relevant science and a sense of humour!

Congratulations to the following schools who were runners-up in the Twig Summer Challenge:

2nd place: Millburn Academy, Inverness

3rd place: Whitehill Secondary, Glasgow

Highly commended:
Arbroath High School
Mearns Primary
Mearns Castle High

View the shortlisted films

Many congratulations to all those schools who entered the challenge last term.

We hope you enjoyed making your short films!

CfE, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Technologies

Scottish Engineering Special Leaders Award Challenge 2013

September 4, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

SCOTTISH ENGINEERING SPECIAL LEADERS AWARD CHALLENGE – “If you could be an engineer in Scotland – what would you do?”

Scottish Engineering and the Leaders Award are challenging Primary and Secondary school pupils in Scotland to consider what they would do if they were an engineer.

The challenge addresses many of the Experiences and outcomes within Curriculum for Excellence and, at secondary level, the project will meet the requirements of level 4/5 National Qualification in Engineering Science.

To participate, research engineering in Scotland, download resources from www.leadersaward.com, talk to practicing engineers and complete an annotated illustration answer to the challenge question. Discover the numerous career paths an engineer can follow.

Already there are over 60 primary and secondary schools registered to be a part of the challenge, many of which have already put in their requests for help from engineers.

Closing date for all entries is 20^th November 2013, with the best entries going on display on 20^th December 2013 in Glasgow City Councils Banqueting Hall.

Health and wellbeing, Sciences

e-Bug: free microbiology, hygiene and health educational resource

August 29, 2013 User deactivated 2 Comments

e-Bug is an exciting, fun and free microbiology, hygiene and health educational resource for junior (P2 – P7) and senior (S1 – S3) school students across Europe. Designed by health professionals, with input from schools and young people, the e-Bug resource comprises of a teacher website containing detailed lesson plans and a student interactive website.

e-Bug for teachers

The teacher pages on the e-Bug website, www.e-bug.eu, contain detailed interactive lesson plans covering each of the topics below. You can also find school competitions, films of each of the activities, MS Powerpoint presentations, animations to help teach some of the more difficult topics as well as some alternative activities to those found in the pack.

Micro-organisms

An Introduction

Useful Microbe

Harmful Microbes

Prevention of Infection

Natural Immunity

Vaccinations

Spread of Infection

Hand Hygiene

Respiratory Hygiene

Food Hygiene

Farm Hygiene

Sexual Transmission

Treatment of Infection

Antibiotic Use

e-Bug for students

The colourful and fun student website encourages children of all age ages to venture further into the world of microbes playing interactive games and accessing lots more educational materials. The student website has a lot of fun features which include

Microbe of the week: Facts and images of a new microbe every week, some useful, some harmful, but all interesting.

Fact of the week: Some quirky, fun, disgusting and some outright weird microbe facts.

Revision Guides: For students who want to learn a little bit more, or to be used in the classroom.

Disease fact files: Fact files on important infectious diseases such as measles, influenza, holiday infections, and much more.

Quizzes: Students can test themselves with fun quizzes.

Hall of Fame: Here students can visit a lab or hang out in an art gallery hall of fame to learn about those ‘boring old’ scientists who have made important contributions to microbiology and medicine.

Home science: A series of experiments to do in the home.

Interactive games:Fun games designed to highlight key learning points. How long can you survive the sneeze?

Downloads: Images of microbes and pack characters are available to download for use in any school project.

Early Years, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Technologies

CITIZEN SCIENCE – WE NEED YOU!

August 26, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

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!

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 something in the Scotland’s Environment Web toolkit for you. The tools make it easier to start and run a project, using some of the new digital technology to help.

The site provides a Guide to Citizen Science and a Teacher’s Guide.

Click on the link to access Scotland’s Environment Website: http://bit.ly/18JGXwU

CfE, Early Years, Mathematics, Research, Sciences, Technologies

Equalities in STEM education – An exciting professional learning opportunity

August 21, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Education Scotland is offering a very exciting opportunity to any practitioners interested in looking at equalities issues around STEM. The facts are stark in this area.

“In Scotland, 27% of women graduate in STEM work in the sector they qualified in, compared with 52% of male graduates. This means that of the 56000 female STEM graduates in Scotland, just over 15000 continue to work in the sector.”

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 2012. Tapping all our Talents: Women in STEM: strategy for Scotland, 10.

“23% of the most socially advantaged pupils aspire to become a scientist, compared to just 9% of disadvantaged pupils.”

TISME, spring 2013. Interim Research Summary, ASPIRES project:

What shapes children’s science and career aspiration age 10 – 13, 7.

This is an opportunity to develop a fuller understanding of the issues and consider approaches to tackling them.

The first of two day long sessions will include a morning with SLF keynote speaker Dr Avis Glaze, Edu-quest International Inc and Former Chief Student Achievement Officer of Ontario. Dr Glaze brings a wealth of experience and expertise in addressing issues of equity and this is a unique opportunity to spend time with her in a small group setting. The afternoon will consider relevant research into equalities across STEM and how this is relevant to practitioners’ own contexts. A second day will be planned for early 2014 and will be held in a STEM industry setting with an opportunity for practitioners to share their own experiences and thinking and hear about equalities in STEM from a business perspective.

There are 20 places available to any interested practitioners and these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you are interested in taking part please email Diane Carson at Diane.Carson@educationscotland.gov.uk .The first day will take place on Tuesday September 24th in The Optima building in Glasgow. The second day will be held in early 2014 in an industry setting, date and venue are yet to be confirmed.

CfE, Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase, Supporting Learners, Technologies

Food and Science ‘Teach Meet’ Free Professional Learning @ Dundee Science Centre

August 16, 2013 User deactivated 1 Comment

When? 4th September 2013, 16:30 – 18:30

Where? Dundee Science Centre

Recommended for: Practitioners with responsibilities for Food and Health, sciences, and Health and Wellbeing, and planning for learning for early years to senior phase.

Sign up by contacting Michael Smith on michael.smith@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk or 01382 868609

Food and drink offers an engaging context for learning within Curriculum for Excellence, providing opportunities for

interdisciplinary learning, and for rich and meaningful partnerships between schools, the food and drink industry and other organisations.

4.30-5.15: Registration, light refreshments, networking and tours of the Cooking Bus

http://www.focusonfood.org/cookingbuses.html

5.15 – 6.00: Micro presentations from:

Education Scotland – Food for Thought – Food Education: an overview

Scottish Food and Drink Federation – How to link real life industrial applications to food education in schools

University of Abertay – What help can higher education provide and what are the next stages of study

Food Industry, Agrico– Why we get involved and how we can help support schools

Food and Drink Ambassadors – What we can offer schools

Eco-Schools Scotland – Food and the Environment’ topic; resources and case studies for interdisciplinary learning and teaching

Dundee Science Centre – Bringing food and science to life in Curriculum for Excellence

Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC) – sharing exciting activities on food chemistry

6.00 – 6.30: Food and Science marketplace, meet experts who can help with practical ideas and ways of using food as a context across learning. Discover the resources available from a range of organisations to support your planning for learning and teaching in the context of food and drink. Hear a selection of micro-presentations, explore exhibitor stands, take away free resources, network with colleagues and take the chance to visit the Cooking Bus

Delivered by Education Scotland, Scottish Food and Drink Federation, Dundee Science Centre and partners.

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences

SSERC – CPD Opportunities for Secondary Practitioners

August 16, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

The new term is about to begin and SSERC are once again offering a range of practical hands-on CPD courses for Secondary practitioners.

Places remain on the 2-part residential courses for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which support CfE up to National 4 and 5.

Places are also available on the Leading for Excellence in Science course which is supported by the National Science Learning Centre. Delegates from Local Authority schools will be granted an ENTHUSE Award, which covers the cost of the course.

Download flyers below:

Biology Residential – Innovative and Practical Workshops

Chemistry Residential – Ceramics, Metals and Products from Plants (1)

Physics Residential-Innovative and Practical Workshops

Leading for Excellence in Science

Please visit our website for our complete listing of CPD opportunities.

SSERC is a Local Authority shared-service providing support across all thirty-two Scottish Education Authorities. Our services are available to elected members and officers of Local Authorities, teachers, student teachers and technicians. In addition, the majority of FE colleges and independent schools within Scotland are members of our organisation.

CfE, Sciences

Women in Science – Think Exchange Debate

August 15, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

TEDX Women – Think Exchange Debate

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading.” The program is designed to give communities, organisations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.

At TEDx events, a screening of TEDTalks videos — or a combination of live presenters and TEDTalks videos — sparks deep conversation and connections. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis.

TEDWomen 2013 will continue TED’s multi-year conversation about women’s work and lives, present and future. A powerful conversation was started at TEDWomen in 2010 and continued through the next two years as TEDxWomen in New York, LA and Washington, D.C. The spark: How are women and girls reshaping the future? From the developing world, where a small loan to a young woman can transform a village, to the West, where generations of educated women are transforming entire industries, women are change agents, inventors, idea champions.

The success stories of all women, regardless of age, are lauded and applauded. The success of Brittany Wenger is just one to read and view on line.

“With Science, the more you know the more you wonder.”(Brittany Wenger)

Links:

http:/tedxwomen.org/speakers/brittany-wenger

http://tedxwomen.org/

TEDxWomen on Facebook

@TEDxWomen on Twitter

#TEDxWomen 

CfE, Sciences

Glow Meet – The Physics of Superheroes

August 15, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Glow Meet – 20^th August 2013- 12.00pm

Event suitable for S2-S6

Join our Glow Meet, where author and Physics Professor, James Kakalios, will explain the basic principles of Physics within the context of superheroes!

Professor Kakalios earned his PhD from the University of Chicago in 1985 and began his comic book collection as a graduate student, as a way to relieve stress. At Minnesota University one of his teaching seminars, Everything I Know About Science I Learned From Reading Comic Books, used the physics of superheroes as a way to motivate students. This course gained great popularity as an enticing alternative to the typical inclined planes and pulleys of physics.

The success of this seminar led to writing articles in popular magazines, lectures on the subject and the publication of his popular book “The Physics of Superheroes”. In his talks, favourite examples are the death of Gwen Stacy (Spider-Man‘s girlfriend), “can Superman jump over tall buildings and what does this tell us about Krypton?”, the high-velocity actions of The Flash, and the shrinking problem of the Atom. His analysis of Gwen Stacy’s death eventually became integral to the plot of a new Spider-Man comic.

“The most important thing is getting the students to ask the right kinds of questions. If a character has wings on her back, what important physical forces and issues do we need to consider if she’s going to use them to fly? What kind of wingspan and muscle structure would that require? Hopefully, pointing out issues like these will help students think critically in other situations,” says James.

Professor Kakalios has also acted as a consultant in the film industry, specifically for the films Watchmen and Green Lantern. The real science knowledge that he provides has made these movies more scientifically correct and may help attract more of the younger generations into the field of Physics.

Join Glow Meet on the day through:
http://bit.ly/1477joh

Sciences

BP online science resources

July 18, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

The BP Educational Service provides over 200 free science teaching ideas, videos, online activities and challenges. All the resources are searchable by age and topic.

The free primary resources cover topics from electricity and energy to forces, materials and life processes.

Stepping into Science is targeted at learners aged 4 – 7 years whilst the InvestiGATE section helps prepare learners aged 9-12 years for the transition to secondary school science.

At secondary level the free teaching resources feature topics from Chemical and Material Behaviour, Energy Electricity and Forces, and the Environment, Earth and the Universe.

There are films on the properties of hydrocarbons, an interactive challenge on wind power and a Carbon Footprint Toolkit for schools.

Secondary teachers can also order the free Periodic Table poster – and test themselves and their students in the Periodic Table Challenge .

Visit www.bp.com/bpes to view the resources

Sciences, Technologies

Ask An Astronaut with the Scottish Space School

June 13, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Join us in Glow TV for the fourth year of ‘Ask an Astronaut’ in collaboration with the Scottish Space School. Take part in this exclusive opportunity to talk to two star guests Rick Hieb and Amber Gell.

Rick Heib is a former NASA astronaut and a veteran of three space shuttle missions. He has logged over 750 hours in space, including over 17 hours of EVA (space walk). He was a mission specialist on STS-39 and STS-49, and was a payload commander on STS-65. He is currently the Vice-President of Lockheed Martin and part of what they do, alongside other partners, is combining their talents to launch a bold new era of space exploration.

Find out more about Amber’s experience as a Rocket Scientist and Spacecraft Systems Engineer with NASA/Lockheed Martin. She is a member of the team that is designing the Orion Spacecraft which will replace the Space Shuttle and can be used to return humans to the Moon, rendezvous with asteroids, and explore Mars.

Use this unique opportunity to ask questions of our guests to get a better idea about the fascinating world of space and their experience of it.

Take part in some space polls to find fabulous facts – do you know what was the first music video from space was?

Also watch Amber and Rick taking part in a simulation to move a robotic land rover around the surface of Mars. This will mimic what astronauts have to do when they collect samples from the surface of Mars but they also have the extra task of challenging pupils on this mission!

To find out more and sign up for this event in Glow TV click here.

To learn more about the NASA Space Shuttle Missions and program here click here.

To learn more about Orion (America’s new spacecraft for human exploration) click here.

Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Sciences

Schools to give sleep lessons as late nights exhaust pupils

June 2, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

PARENTS regularly face a battle to make their children switch off their games consoles and computers and go to bed at night.

Teachers are then faced with exhausted pupils in the classroom each morning because they have not had enough sleep.

Now the Scottish Government is to spend £200,000 on sleep lessons for secondary school pupils who will be taught how to achieve at least nine hours’ sleep a night in a bid to boost academic performance.

Contextual targeting label:

Education

The cash – £100,000 a year for two years – will be handed to a charity who will give parents, teachers and sixth-formers sleep lessons in a move welcomed by teaching unions.

Recent research at a Scottish high school found one in six pupils falls asleep at their desk every day.

The public money will be given to Sleep Scotland, which has successfully piloted sleep lessons at West Calder High, West Lothian.

Schools in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Grampian and the Highlands will now receive sleep lessons, delivered by teachers and sixth-form mentors.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Ensuring children and young people sleep properly and get the correct amount of sleep each night is important to their development.

“We expect Sleep Scotland to use a proportion of their funding to work in schools to promote children’s Health and Wellbeing, an integral part of Curriculum for Excellence.”

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/schools-to-give-sleep-lessons-as-late-nights-exhaust-pupils.21215983

Assessment, Languages, Mathematics, Sciences

Content Authors Required

June 1, 2013 User deactivated 1 Comment

SCHOLAR is a major national programme delivering online learning content to support the secondary and tertiary sectors in Scotland.

As part of a programme to upgrade the SCHOLAR materials and ensure relevance to the SQA curriculum they wish to recruit authors to write new materials for CfE Higher for delivery in 2014/15. This will also include identifying appropriate content from existing SCHOLAR materials.

SCHOLAR require authors from the Teaching sector to revise our current portfolio of the following Higher SCHOLAR subjects.

· Accounting
· Art & Design (Textiles)
· Biology
· Business Management
· Chemistry
· Computing
· Economics
· ESOL
· French
· Gaelic
· German
· Human Biology
· Mathematics
· Physics
· Psychology
· Spanish

The course development will be expected to last from September 2013 until September 2014. The aim is to have some initial materials live for September 2014.The remaining materials will be made live throughout the school session 2014/15.

More details about this opportunity can be found on the CfE Higher Document.
Closing date is 28th June 2013.

Expressive Arts, Outdoor Learning, Sciences, Technologies

Look, Capture, Create

May 27, 2013 User deactivated 1 Comment

Curious and creative learners from across Scotland have been exploring the importance and beauty of Scottish Biodiversity through Scottish designer/illustrator Johanna Basford’s exhibition ‘Wonderlands’ via Glow TV. This interdisciplinary learning experience has been developed in partnership with Dundee Contemporary Arts and is being supported by Sarah Derrick, Head of Education at DCA and Anna Rossvoll, Emerging Technologies Development Officer with Education Scotland.

Look Capture Create outline for educators

Johanna Basford is an ink evangelist who creates beautifully intricate hand drawn designs using black ink. ‘Wonderlands’ is her first solo exhibition and it is proving to be a magical context for creative learning through expressive arts, science, mathematics and languages.

Before the project went live learners were invited to join the Look, Capture, Create Glow group by submitting an InkyME! The response was astounding. Currently there are InkyMEs exhibiting from Burravoe, Carron, Clackmannan, Hythehill, Lochgelly West, Lincluden, St Andrews and St Patricks primary schools. The InkyMEs have even travelled to Dundee to attend the first live Glow TV event ‘Wondertales’ at Dundee Contemporary Arts on 13^th May.

‘Wondertales’ encouraged learners to look at the intricacy of Johanna’s designs and to capture the detail in words to create a Wondertale! Wendy Woolfson, an incredibly talented storyteller led the event, creating breath taking stories based on three of Johanna’s wallpaper designs. She then went on to create a collaborative tale as learners submitted their ideas live during the event. You can watch Wendy in action here.

This use of an exhibition as a form of text truly captured the imagination of learners and they have submitted incredible Wondertales to the Glow wiki. Learners are taking the time to read each other’s work and leave comments. It would be lovely if you could do the same. (Glow username and password required)

Keep up to date with the Look, Capture, Create Glow blog and the next Look, Capture, Create Glow TV event will take place at Dundee Botanical Gardens at 10am on the 4^th June.

CfE, Mathematics, Sciences

Scottish Engineering Special Leaders Award for STEM 2013

May 27, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Leaders Award for STEM and Scottish Engineering are challenging primary and secondary school learners in Scotland to consider what they would do if they were an engineer. Learners are being asked to research engineering and interview practicing engineers to illustrate and annotate their interpretation of the statement “If I could be an engineer in Scotland, what would I do?”

This award is a great opportunity to engage both primary and secondary school learners 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 children and young people a unique perspective of the diversity of engineering professions and their significance in the wider world.

Register your school via the website and state that you are participating in the Scottish Engineering Special Leaders Award.

CfE, Early Years, Sciences

Developing progression in science – Perth High School Local Management Group

May 27, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

Over a year and half ago the 16 schools in Perth High School Local Management Group (LMG) decided to work collaboratively to develop learning and teaching in science. The aim of their partnership working was to:

Support primary/secondary transition
Provide a progressive, cohesive science experience for all learners
Build staff partnerships and understanding across primary and secondary
Build staff confidence in teaching science
Promote science as being exciting and fun
Promote interdisciplinary learning
Support eco work and careers education.

In the first phase of development, six primary and two secondary practitioners worked together with Education Scotland’s Sciences Development Officer to produce three sets of rich tasks from Early to Second Level which focussed on the themes of energy and forces, biodiversity and materials. The positive response to these resources persuaded the LMG to invest further in the programme and led to a practitioner from each of the primary schools and secondary school being allocated time to work together to produce a comprehensive science programme comprising further rich tasks from Early to Second Level as well as a skills progression framework, a science glossary and teachers’ guide. The science programme that has been produced also incorporates a number of the learning journeys from STEM Central.

An LMG engagement event in March was used to roll out the suite of meaningful and useable support materials to all practitioners across the 16 schools. These materials will be used to support learning and teaching in sciences from the start of the next academic session. The LMG also report other positive benefits from the collaboration including the development of leadership capacity and growth in confidence amongst practitioners with regards to the sciences. The LMG will continue to network and share their practice between the schools involved and across their education authority. In the coming months they also hope to publish their resources for others to use. Watch this space for further details.

Sciences, Technologies

How the Twig Summer Challenge fits CfE

May 14, 2013 User deactivated Leave a comment

This summer Twig on Glow is offering Scottish students a chance to tackle some ‘big questions’ that even scientists struggle to answer.

How will humans continue to evolve?
Are we alone in the Universe?
Is plastic mankind’s worst invention?

Using Twig’s film editing software, Twig Studio, students can create their own short films in answer the these ‘ungoogleable’ questions. This is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of the sciences.

Visit this page to see how the Twig Summer Challenge fits experiences and outcomes for Science and Technologies at levels 2,3 and 4.

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A training blog for PLSuperheroes