Tag Archives: Sciences

Whole organ ‘grown’ in world first

August 26, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Fully functional immune organ grown in mice from lab-created cells.

Scientists have for the first time grown a complex, fully functional organ from scratch in a living animal by transplanting cells that were originally created in a laboratory. The advance could in future aid the development of ‘lab-grown’ replacement organs.

Researchers from the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, at the University of Edinburgh, took cells called fibroblasts from a mouse embryo and converted them directly into a completely unrelated type of cell – specialised thymus cells- using a technique called ‘reprogramming’. When mixed with other thymus cell types and transplanted into mice, these cells formed a replacement organ that had the same structure, complexity and function as a healthy native adult thymus. The reprogrammed cells were also capable of producing T cells – a type of white blood cell important for fighting infection – in the lab.

For the full story visit the Centre for Regenerative Medicine website

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

Free Community Resilience Conversation and Networking Event

August 20, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Community Resilience Education – Free Conversation Day and Networking Event

09:30 (for 10:00 start) – 15:00, Tuesday 7^th October 2014

Venue: Thistle Hotel, Millburn Road, Inverness, IV2 3TR

Education Scotland is excited to be hosting a second community resilience conversation and networking event with a view to developing a shared, partnership approach to provide 3-18 resilience education opportunities.

The day aims to bring together members of the Scottish Government, emergency planning and civil contingencies teams from local councils, representatives from local education authorities, and members of other key organisations to consider the potential of community resilience as a rich and exciting context for teaching and learning. Key contexts for focus include flooding, severe weather and pandemic flu and the impact they can have on communities and how we can take steps to mitigate against their impact through educating learners.

We would also like to extend this event invite to school representatives (members of management teams, or teachers who have been, or are interested in engaging in community resilience education) to explore how we can take forward resilience education. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Conversation activities will provide delegates with opportunities to network and engage in professional dialogue in relation to developing more resilient individuals, families and communities. Selected examples of good practice will be shared through engaging presentations delivered by Education Scotland, Scottish Government, local councils and schools.

All interested delegates should register online by Friday 29^th August 2014 at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N2F3TWC to confirm attendance and inform us of any special dietary or access requirements you may have.

If you have any further questions or your school is/has been involved in community resilience projects or initiatives and you would be interested in presenting at the event to share your practice with others, please contact Jennifer Moore at: Jennifer.Moore@educationscotland.gov.uk

CfE, Professional Learning, Sciences, Senior Phase

Future Learn – Inside Cancer: How Genes Influence Cancer Development

August 20, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Inside Cancer: How Genes Influence Cancer Development

An ideal introduction for those interested in understanding how genetics influences the development and spread of cancer.

As an ‘Inside Cancer’ student, you will learn about the fundamental biological concepts that inform our current understanding of the molecular genetics of cancer development and its spread within the body. The course will be delivered by some of the University of Bath’s leading cancer researchers and clinical oncologists.

Cancer cells form part of complex tissues, containing different cell types, each with their own unique set of rules of behaviour. As a class, we will explore this unique genetic landscape of cancer cells. We will introduce the concept of DNA mutations and the emerging area of epigenetics and identify how they confer a selective advantage to cancer cells with unstable DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumour growth.

For more course information follow the link

CfE, Sciences, Teacher Education, Technologies

Rethink the future-Ellen MacArthur Foundation

August 19, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

A one-day course for Secondary Teachers
Advancing Science, Technology and Safety
Imagine if we changed the way we used materials and energy. Imagine that instead of using things up, we designed objects so they were made to be made again. Firms have already begun to do this, and they are reaping the benefits of this ‘circular economy’ approach.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation and SSERC are offering a professional development workshop designed to enable participants to learn about the circular economy, to investigate case studies of some companies that are adopting this model, and to look at some of the 700 teaching resources the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has produced.
The course will be of interest to those who teach about:
 Industry
 Energy
 Raw materials
 Food and textiles
 New technologies
 Design
 Systems
 Business and economics

Participants will be supported to develop an inter-disciplinary learning (IDL) project in conjunction with others attending the event. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation will support schools in implementing the IDL project. We strongly encourage schools to send at least 2 members of staff to the event.
Costs: The cost per participant will be £15 to include refreshments and course
materials
The closing date for booking is Monday 25th August.

For more information visit:
www.sserc.org.uk or
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Connect your school with the world’s leading chemistry community

August 18, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Nearly 200 Scottish schools and FE colleges are now involved with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s free programme for schools, the Learn Chemistry Partnership, which was launched earlier this year. With your help, we’d like to ensure all Scottish schools are part of this network.

Educators who register their school – whether they are Head of Science, department technician or NQT – will become their school’s main contact for chemistry and will be the first to know of new Royal Society of Chemistry education products and discounts.

Registered schools receive free copies of Education in Chemistry and The Mole magazines (written for students); in addition, a monthly e-newsletter keeps Learn Chemistry Partnership contacts up-to-date with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s latest education news. You also receive discounts on products such as our giant periodic table as well as other free display materials such as careers posters.

In recognition of their subject expertise, Learn Chemistry Partnership contacts receive free Royal Society of Chemistry membership. Member benefits include careers support and a personal copy of Education in Chemistry, as well as the opportunity to join education interest groups.
For more information go to http://rsc.li/lcp-ts or contact Bill Beveridge, Regional Programme Manager for Scotland at beveridgew@rsc.org

CfE, Sciences

Royal Microscopical Society Microscope Activity Kit

August 15, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Royal Microscopical Society is dedicated to advancing science, developing careers and supporting wider understanding of science and microscopy.

The Society publishes The Journal of Microscopy and a series of microscopy books, as well as helping young scientists through Bursaries. In addition, the Society pursues initiatives to encourage young microscopists who may go on to influence our future.

To help practitioners bring an unseen world to life the society have produced a FREE Microscope Activity Kit.

They will deliver a fully-equipped RMS Microscope Activity Kit to your school, containing everything that you need to reveal microscopic life and structures.

For further information click: RMS Microscope Activity Kit

Sciences

Glow 365: Primary and Early Years Science

August 11, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The new Primary Science Glow 365 site is currently under development but at the moment we have a Primary /Early Years blog page which is easily accessible and provides up to date relevant information for practitioners in each sector.

Our latest blogs include highlighting the connection between language and STEM skills and provide access to the Science Conversation Day Summary document.

To access the site http://bit.ly/glowsciences and remember your glow password

The site is work in progress and further developments will be introduced as the Glow 365 platform takes shape

Outdoor Learning, Sciences

Science and Sustainability at the Scottish Learning Festival 2014

August 11, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

THE SCOTTISH LEARNING FESTIVAL 2014: RAISING ACHIEVEMENT AND ATTAINMENT FOR ALL

SLF 2014 is completely FREE for everyone to attend and will support practitioners as they explore a wide range of practical approaches, resources and research aimed at improving achievement and attainment for all learners in Scotland.
There will be inspirational keynotes speeches, conversation and debate in the professional discussion sessions and professional learning seminars where you can engage in activities and learn from practitioners and young people;

This includes a number of seminars specifically aimed at addressing the sciences curriculum.

Wednesday 24th
Learning for sustainability – a strategic agenda for change – SLF Guide Page 7

In February 2014, the National Implementation Group for Learning for Sustainability was established to ensure all learners in schools experience global citizenship, outdoor learning, sustainability, children’s rights and play in a transformative way. This seminar will outline the ambitions of the group and this exciting agenda for change which will impact on all schools and support the introduction of the new GTCS Professional Standards.

Thursday 25th
Supporting primary science to inspire STEM careers – SLF Guide Page 21
STEM subjects are central to Scotland’s economic future and our health and wellbeing. They also offer a range of excellent career opportunities for young people. This seminar will demonstrate how SSERC and Education Scotland provide valuable support for primary practitioners to enthuse and inspire learners about science and STEM careers.

Thursday 25th
Engaging pupils with science – SLF Guide Page 23
Outlining the various projects Aberdeen City have developed, which have increased pupils’ engagement and enthusiasm in science. This includes the S6 Science Ambassador Award; Science Buddy Award; P6/7 Science Champions; Intertek Science Fair; Science for PSAs & Playground Science.

To book your place browse the conference programme, note the seminars you want to
attend and visit the SLF website – www.scottishlearningfestival.org.uk.

CfE, Sciences

The Royal Institution Autumn Programme

August 11, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Royal Institution autumn programme, which caters for all ages, is now available to browse and download.

The programme includes:

The lagoon: How Aristotle invented science

Armand Leroi explores Aristotle’s science – its genius, its errors and its lessons for modern science.

Cowardice to shellshock: medicine, psychiatry and the Great War

World War I drove great advances in science and technology, but learn more about its impact on medicine.

An evening of Itchcraft with Simon Mayo and friends

Join BBC broadcaster and author Simon Mayo for the launch of his third book about science-mad element hunting teenager Itch.

For further details click: The Royal Institution

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Education Scotland NQ Sciences Resources

August 10, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Welcome back to the new session from Education Scotland,
A reminder of where you can find resources and some new additions.
The NQ Higher Sciences Site was created for the introduction of the revised Highers and has a number of teacher and learner resources including animations commissioned for the new content.

The NQ course materials Glow portal contains materials created by Education Scotland including Introductions and Learning Journeys for the CfE Highers as well as resources shared by local authorities for N3 level through to Advanced Higher.

The Sciences Glow 365 site, created in January this year provides a single national site for teachers to share resources. Its where to find materials produced by the Cross Authority writing groups, as well as the latest resources produced by Education Scotland.

Recent additions include N5 resources guides for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These guides, similar to those created for Higher, maps useful resources to key areas within the SQA’s course and unit support notes. Guides can be found in the appropriate subject folder.

Also created are evidence recording spread sheets for Higher Biology, Higher Chemistry, Higher Environmental Studies, Higher Human Biology and Higher Physics. Similar to the spreadsheets shared to record the evidence for nationals, these are bespoke to each Higher. They can accessed from the Higher folder for each subject. To download, click on the three dots on the right of the title, then click on the second set of three dots and click on download a copy. Many thanks to John Watson of Campbeltown Grammar and to the SQA for their help and support in producing these.
Use the hashtags for more updates into your Glow newsfeed or set alerts for these updates to appear in your Glow inbox.

CfE, Early Years, Sciences

Sciences: Glow 365, primary and early years blogs

August 8, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The new Primary Glow 365 site is currently under development but at the moment we have a Primary /Early Years blog page which is easily accessible and provides up to date relevant information for practitioners in each sector.

Our latest blogs include highlighting the connection between language and STEM skills and provide access to the Science Conversation Day Summary document.

To access the site http://bit.ly/glowsciences and remember your glow password

The site is work in progress and further developments will be introduced as the Glow 365 platform takes shape

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Higher Sciences Evidence Spreadsheets

August 8, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Posted on the Sciences Glow 365 site, Higher evidence recording spread sheets for Higher Biology, Higher Chemistry, Higher Environmental Studies, Higher Human Biology and Higher Physics. Similar to the spreadsheets shared to record the evidence for nationals, these are bespoke to each Higher. They can accessed from the Higher folder for each subject. To download, click on the three dots on the right of the title, then click on the second set of three dots and click on download a copy. Many thanks to John Watson of Campbeltown Grammar and to the SQA for their help and support in producing these. For more updates, delivered to your Glow newsfeed, for the subjects and levels you’re interested in click on the hashtags in the newsfeed and click on follow.

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

National 5 Sciences Resource Guides

August 6, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Education Scotland’s Sciences have posted resources guides for Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the Sciences Glow 365 site. These guides, similar to those created for Higher, maps useful resources to key areas within the SQA’s course and unit support notes. Guides can be found in the appropriate subject folder. Use the hashtags for more updates into your Glow newsfeed or set alerts for these updates to appear in your glow inbox. These guides are part of the increasing number of resources found on the NQ Higher Sciences Site , the NQ course materials Glow portal and the Sciences Glow 365 site

Sciences, Technologies

Gender imbalance in the universities and colleges of Scotland

August 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Education Secretary Michael Russell has raised concerns that there is a gender imbalance in Scotland’s colleges and universities, with too few women holding senior positions.

The problem appears to be most prevalent within the physics, maths and computer technology departments.

Mr Russell has suggested this issue be addressed as a priority with solutions, such as Universities and Colleges becoming more family orientated working environments to attract women into senior positions, a possibility.

Science must also be given the priority it deserves in school, starting in primary school, to encourage and enthuse girls into the sector.

Read the full article:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/herald-view/plotting-course-on-a-gender-balance.24908897

CfE, Literacy, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Sciences, Technologies

Languages and STEM skills, opening doors!

July 31, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages, is working with businesses and schools in Scotland to promote languages as a key skill for employment.

Operating effectively in a global economy relies on many skills and includes the right language skills. People who can communicate, at least conversationally, can make all the difference in the conduct of business, consolidating relationships with existing suppliers and customers and opening the way to new overseas contacts. When combined with STEM skills, the career opportunities in a vast array of sectors widens.

Key facts from the CBI Education and Skills Survey 2013

Seven out of ten (70%) businesses value foreign language skills among their employees

French(49%) and German(45%) are the leading languages in demand, but those geared to businesses in China feature increasingly prominently – of those valuing staff with foreign language skills, 28% value Manderin and 16% Cantonese
STEM skills are in high demand and nearly two in five firms (39%) are having difficulties recruiting staff. 41% expect this to persist over the next three years
Shortages of STEM qualified technicians (29%) and graduates (26%) are widespread among firms in engineering, hi-tech/IT and science areas
Businesses recognise that they have a key role in encouraging more young people to study STEM subjects, enthusing young people about STEM (55%) and working with Universities to ensure the business relevance of the course (50%).

Read about people who have combined their STEM and language skills in the pharmaceutical industry, technologies and the Scottish Football Association and find out why they consider that learning a language is really important.

http://www.scilt.org.uk/Business/Jobprofilesandcareers/tabid/2867/Default.aspx

CfE, Sciences

Education Scotland Science Conversation Days Summary

July 30, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Following the publication of the updated Sciences 3-18 Curriculum Impact Report, Education Scotland hosted a series of conversation days to engage stakeholders in discussions around the findings of the report and to collectively identify priorities for action to secure improvements in science education nationally.

The first of four conversations took place in December 2012 in Denholm House, Livingstone, followed by a further two during June 2013 at Bishopbriggs Academy and Millburn Academy, with the final conversation taking place in Bucksburn Academy on 12th December 2013.

Education Scotland collated the responses from each event and produced blogs for our CfE Learning and Stem Central in Motion sites to disseminate the findings across Scotland and provide opportunity for those who were unable to attend to give their views.

We have now collated the responses from all four conversation days and produced a summary document, which highlights the key themes to emerge and details the views and suggestions of the delegates in attendance.

To download a copy : Education Scotland Science Conversation Days, Summary

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

Sciences

First Lego League World Class Challenge – August 26th 2014

July 25, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

FIRST LEGO League is a robotics program for 9 to16 year olds designed to get young learners interested in and enthsed by science and technology — and teach them valuable employment and life skills.

It can be used in the classroom or teams, composed of up to ten children with at least one adult coach, can come from a club or organisation who just want to participate in a challenge.

In First Lego League learners need to think like scientists and engineers as they programme a robot (using the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robot set) to score points, devising a solution to a problem as part of their project, all while being guided by the FLL Core Values.

These three elements – the Robot Game, Project, and FLL Core Values – make up the Challenge.

Registration will open soon for the 2014 First Lego League World Class Challenge, What is the future of learning? exploring how we gather knowledge and develop skills in the 21^st Century.

For more information: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/mission/support#sthash.PAN7FUy8.dpuf

Sciences, Senior Phase

Higgs Prize winners visit CERN

July 18, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Higgs Prize is awarded on merit to two pupils from a publicly-funded school who have shown outstanding performance in the Advanced Higher Physics exam.

Established in recognition of the impact Nobel Physics Prize winner Professor Higgs’ theoretical work has had on modern day particle physics, it aims to reward and inspire Scotland’s best young school physicists.

The first ever winners of the award were announced last December and have just returned from their prize winning visit to CERN.

Lucy Willets-White, who is now studying Physics at Imperial College, London and Peter Rhodes, who is about to begin his medical studies also at Imperial College joined undergraduates on the CERN Summer Student Programme.

The prize winners’ views can be read in Issue 46 of the CERN newsletter
Further information regarding next year’s Higgs Prize will follow shortly.

Sciences

July at the Royal Institute

July 8, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Royal Institute is holding a series of events and workshops for all ages throughout July.

Take a trip to Antartica

Chris Turney will present the initial findings of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition 2013-2014, and explore what’s happened since the trip to Antarctica this winter.

The Physics of Winning

Journey through the history of sporting inventions and ask ‘at what point is having better equipment cheating?’

The Domesticated Brain

Explore the neuroscience of our social behaviour and learn how our brains are adapted to living in close quarters.

For further information http://www.rigb.org/

CfE, Early Years, Sciences, Senior Phase, Uncategorised

What issue should science solve next? Ask the Longitude Prize challenge champions.

June 20, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Water. Paralysis. Food. Flight. Dementia. Antibiotics. Which challenge should science solve next?

In 1714 the UK Government offered £20,000 to the person who could solve the Longitude problem. In 2014 the prize fund has increased to £10,000,000 and the public get to decide what challenge needs to be solved.

I’m a Scientist get me out of here are giving the public the chance to ask before they vote with our Longitude Prize Zone. Until Wednesday June 25th anyone can quiz their champions to help decide which challenge to vote for, at:longitude.imascientist.org.uk

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase, Uncategorised

Physics resources for N4 and N5 from Aberdeen City Council

June 20, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Many thanks to Aberdeen City Council for sharing resources.
These materials are provided to support staff who are delivering programmes of learning in Physics National 4 and National 5. Staff are encouraged to draw on these materials, and existing materials, to develop their own programmes of learning which are appropriate to the needs of each individual school.

The materials include National 4 and National 5 teacher guide and a complete set of problems and answers for:
•Electricity and energy
•Waves and radiation.

They are available in the NQ Sciences Glow Portal.

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcoursematerials/subjects/p/nqresource_tcm4817069.asp

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase, Uncategorised

Chemistry resources for N4 and N5 from Aberdeen City Council

June 20, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Many thanks to Aberdeen City Council for sharing resources.

These materials are provided to support staff who are delivering programmes of learning in Chemistry National 4 and 5. The materials include teaching and learning activities for:
•Chemical formulae and reaction quantities
•Acids and alkalis
•Neutralisation
•Rates of reaction
•Energy changes
•Atomic structure
•Chemical formulae and equations.

They are available in the NQ Sciences Glow Portal.

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcoursematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm4749193.asp

CfE, Early Years, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase, Uncategorised

SSERC Teaching Resources

June 17, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

SSERC has recently moved all of its teaching resources to the open section of its website making them more readily available for public access. The SSERC website is at www.sserc.org.uk

Assessment, CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Higher Human Biology Resource Guide

June 9, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

This Higher Human Biology Resources Guide links Mandatory key areas to useful learning and teaching resources.

The pages show the Mandatory key areas table from the SQA Higher Biology course and unit support notes with an additional column containing hyperlinks to videos, animations and other resources. Content new to the course from the Higher Still Higher have been highlighted in green to further assist practitioners.

Updates will be posted on GLOW 365

This resource compliments similar guides produced for Higher Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Higher Human Biology Resource Guide

CfE, Research, Sciences, Skills

Citizen Science for Hurricane Season: Cyclone Center

June 4, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

June 1st marked the official beginning of the hurricane season in the Atlantic, and you can help improve our understanding of these powerful storms on www.cyclonecenter.org

To recognize the start of the season, Cyclone Center (or Centre – depending on where you are in the world) is focussing on four hurricanes that all struck Florida ten years ago in 2004: Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. These storms claimed 34 lives and caused $18.9 billion in damages. We can’t prevent these disasters from happening, but your clicks can help us understand them better.

We’ll be doing more special storm sets throughout the hurricane season, so keep checking on the site.

PS If storms aren’t your thing, then maybe try our most-recently launched animal-spotting project: Condor Watch.

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Higher Sciences Cross Authority Writing Group

June 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Following the NQ Sciences events which took place in Hampden Stadium in December 2013, Education Scotland, in partnership with the SQA, organised cross authority writing workshops for NQ sciences qualifications. Faculty Heads and Principal Teachers from 30 local authorities have attended and worked collaboratively to co-develop materials for priority areas identified required support at the Hampden events.
These events have been hugely successful; at the first event hosted at SSERC materials for the National 5 Assignment, National 4 Added Value Unit were produced along with a bank of open ended questions.
The first Higher event allowed practitioners to evaluate Education Scotland materials and to generate and share further support materials. The second event at SSERC allowed delegates to choose practical activities appropriate for the new Highers and practice these as well as gain some content training from our partners at SSERC. Over 500 resources was shared through the GLOW 365 sciences platform.
The third Higher Cross-Authority Writing Workshop took place on Tuesday 27th May.
The purpose of the day was to provide practitioners with the opportunity to complete the materials they are developing for the Higher Sciences qualifications and professional learning events with updates from industry and further education professionals of the applications and theory of new content areas. Colleagues from HMI, SQA, learned societies, STEMnet ambassadors and research institutes join the group. Presentations included careers in life sciences venture capital, the Higgs Boson, Antioxidants in food and Stem Cell research. Speakers then worked with teachers to produce professional learning materials, teacher and pupil resources and assignment materials.
The feedback from the events was very positive with those attending keen for the model of cross-authority collaboration to be extended to include preparation for the new Advanced Higher courses, review best practice in National 3,4 and 5 courses and to quality assure materials share through the GLOW 365 sciences platform.

Sciences

Royal Institute – Big Physics

June 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Join the Royal Institute this month for a series of physics events and workshops.

Black Hole Firewalls: What would you experience if you jumped into a black hole?

Matter Atoms in Action – explore the far-reaching applications of being able to watch atoms in action in important chemical reactions.

Faraday’s magnetic laboratory – explore the lab in which he worked.

Watch Physics Talks and hear the latest plans to explore Mars.

For further information about all events http://www.rigb.org/whats-on

CfE, Sciences, Senior Phase

Higher Biology Resource Guide

May 30, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

This Higher Biology Resources guide links Mandatory key areas to learning and teaching resources.

The pages show the Mandatory key areas table from the SQA Higher Biology course and unit support notes with an additional column containing hyperlinks to videos, animations and other resources. Content new to the course from the Higher Still Higher has been highlighted in green to further assist practitioners.

Updates will be posted on GLOW 365

Higher Biology Resources Guide

National Qualifications, Senior Phase, Technologies

Software to support server-side development for Higher Computing Science

May 21, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The new Higher Computing Science has a clear focus on modern technologies and development for the Web. Server-side scripting and online databases are the building blocks of the large information systems that we all use today.

The new Higher requires learners to provide “exemplifications and implementation of coding to create and modify information systems including the use of: … scripting (database/web pages), server-side scripting…”

This means that every learner studying Higher Computing Science should have experience of using these technologies. To support the introduction of the new Higher Computing Science, Aberdeen City Council have created and deployed a number of open source software packages.

We have deployed EasyPHP to provide each learner with a dedicated web and database server. This open source software provides an Apache Web Server, MySQL Database Server, PHP language plug-in (to allow for server-side scripting), phpMyAdmin (a web based database management tool) and Xdebug (to provide full debug information for learners as they develop programs). These servers are hosted locally on each computer where this software is deployed and the servers are controlled via a small application that learners can manage to start/store the servers as required.

This solution provides a full suite of technology that our teachers can now deploy in the classroom. We have modified the software so the data that a learner creates is stored and moves with the leaner in his/her roaming profile. No matter which computer he/she is using the required data is available.

As the solution is deployed locally on each station, the web pages are viewed using the localhost (http://localhost/) URL and the server is not broadcast to the wider Internet.

To assist with the development of programs, we have also deployed the open source NetBeans web project editor which supports development using a number of technologies that feature in the new Higher: Javascript (client-side scripting), PHP (server-side scripting), MySQL (database queries), HTML, CSS and others.

In tandem with this software deployment, we have also provided training to support this technology, which all our Computing Science teachers have been involved with.

If you would like additional information about this solution please contact Charlie Love at Aberdeen City Council.

CfE, Sciences

Twitter chats with the Royal Institute

May 21, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Ever wished you could attend an event at the Royal Institute but haven’t been able to get tickets? Or do you live too far away to make evening events?

The Ri are now offering more opportunities for you to hear from researchers and experts from the UK and beyond.

As well as filming many events, making talks and debates available online for free, the Ri are now running Twitter chats with speakers to give everyone at home the chance to ask their questions.

The Twitter chat series launches TOMORROW Thursday 21 May with astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell at 7.30pm BST and mathematician Jordan Ellenberg on 4 June at 7pm BST.

For more information about twitter chats and What’s On in May at the Royal Institute: http://www.rigb.org/whats-on

Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

Primary practitioner information Glasgow Science Festival 5th – 15th June 2014

May 20, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Glasgow Science Festival is preparing to bring its exciting mix of science and innovative events to its biggest ever festival.

Primary practitioners can access a variety of events, activities and workshops which showcase the contribution Glasgow and Glasgow based researchers make to the worlds of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).

From the intriguing Commonwealth Games Whodunnit, to the genetic investigation entitled Blame it on the Parents, to demonstrating energy and forces through the construction of a medieval castle there is something for every budding STEM learner.

For further information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/events/sciencefestival/events/schools/

Mathematics, Sciences, Skills, Technologies

Scottish Engineering – Special Leaders Award 2014/2015

May 20, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Leaders Award for STEM is a fun and rewarding way of finding out about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). We also play host to additional Special Leaders Awards which run throughout the year, each having a particular focus.

If you could be an engineer in Scotland – what would you do?

We challenge Primary and Secondary school pupils in Scotland to research and interview inspiring engineers!

This award is a great opportunity to engage pupils with real engineers who will convey the importance of STEM in their daily working lives. Schools will be able to develop relationships with industry, both local and worldwide, giving pupils a unique perspective of professions and their significance in the wider world. Our website contains resources and lesson plans which can help pupils get their research underway. Just visit the ‘Downloads’ section of our website at www.leadersaward.com. All successful participants will receive a certificate and winning entries will be exhibited to the public at the Barony Hall, University of Strathclyde (date TBC).

Closing date: 10th February 2015.

The Challenge

Pupils are asked to research engineering and interview a practicing engineer to interpret the statement “if you could be an engineer in Scotland – what would you do?”

Primary pupils are asked to illustrate their response, accompanied by 100 words.

Secondary pupils are asked to illustrate their response, accompanied by 350 words.

Register your school via the website www.leadersaward.com. Once registered, you will receive an application pack and further guidance on completing the award.

For more information about the Scottish Engineering Special Leaders Award, please visit www.leadersaward.com

CfE, Sciences

Open day – a whole cluster approach to science

May 16, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Venue: Mearns Primary School, East Renfrewshire

Date: 9am to 12:30pm, Tuesday 3^rd June 2014

This professional learning event presents an exciting opportunity to learn about the approaches to 3-18 sciences developed by the Eastwood High School and Mearns Castle High School clusters which have been identified through the inspection process as being very good practice.

The event is aimed at Quality Improvement Officers, Science Development Officers, science coordinators, school leaders and practitioners from all sectors with responsibility for sciences as well as national agencies and partner organisations.

The event will provide delegates with an opportunity to hear about various strengths of work taking place in the cluster including the:

effectiveness of their collegiate working led by the Science Ambassadors and also the partnership with SSERC
cross-cluster development which has produced a very high-quality programme with strong progression across all the organisers and significant aspects of learning
well planned discrete and interdisciplinary learning experiences from nursery to secondary
outstanding resources for science across all stages which are easily accessible and very well matched to the experiences and outcomes
learning rounds involving staff across the clusters focused on progression which provide very good evidence of how well children are progressing through the levels
curriculum transitions which are described as sector leading.

To book a place at this event please contact Jennifer.Moore@educationscotland.gov.uk. It is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.

Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

National Women in Engineering Day June 23rd 2014

May 13, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

National Women in Engineering Day has been set up by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) to celebrate its 95th anniversary. It takes place on 23 June 2014.

The aim is to celebrate the work that women do in engineering, and to showcase the great engineering careers that are available for girls.

The WES is calling on all groups (Governmental, educational, corporate, Professional Engineering Institutions, individuals and other organisations) to organise their own events in support of the day, and link them together for maximum impact through the use of the NWED logo, corresponding website, and supporting resources.

Find out how you can get involved here National Women in Engineering Day

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

HIgher Chemistry Resources Guide

May 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

This is the next in a series of Higher Resources guides linking key areas of the curriculum to identified learning and teaching resources

The pages show the SQA Higher Chemistry course and unit support notes with an extra column. Content new to the course from the Higher Still Higher are highlighted in green.

The extra column, entitled “Resources identified by Education Scotland”, shows links to resources each with a brief description. They are web-based resources such as animations which help understanding of the mandatory content listed. Each resource is placed adjacent to the content it exemplifies.

Updates will appear on GLOW 365.

Higher Chemistry Resources Guide

Assessment, CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase, Supporting Learners

Higher Physics Resources Guide

May 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

This is part of a series of Higher Resources guides linking Mandatory Course key areas to useful learning and teaching resources.

The pages show the Mandatory Course key areas table from the SQA Higher Physics Course and Unit Support Notes with an additional column containing hyperlinks to videos, animations and other resources. Content new to the course from the Higher Still Higher has been highlighted in green to further assist practitioners.

Updates will appear on GLOW 365

Higher Physics Resources Guide

CfE, Sciences, Skills

I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here!

May 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here! have been producing a series of science debate kits for some years now. They contain a detailed lesson plans and online resources. They are simple and ready to use educational resources that are good for small groups or a whole class.

Their latest free debate kit is on the topic of Electricity Distribution. It gets secondary students thinking about how electricity distribution is a major engineering and technical challenge. Teachers can sign up to receive this kit and future ones here: debate.imascientist.org.uk/electricity.

CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Particle Physics Masterclass, 17th June 2014

May 1, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

On behalf of Dr Aidan Robson FInstP,

Reader in Physics,

The University of Glasgow

Dear colleagues,

As part of “Elementary – CERN and Scotland”, http://cernandscotland.tumblr.com,

I’m pleased to invite you and your current 5th-year students to this year’s schools Particle Physics Masterclass, which will be held on Tuesday 17th June 2014 at Glasgow University.

This one-day introduction to fundamental particles and forces will be led by experts working at CERN and will convey some of the excitement of front-line research in a rapidly-developing field, with talks and hands-on sessions in particle detection and analysis of real collider data.

The masterclass will take place on Tuesday 17th June 2014 from 10am to 3.30pm, with registration from 9.30am, in the Kelvin Building at the University of Glasgow. It is intended for students who are just finishing 5th year; ideally for those continuing to Advanced Higher. There is no charge, and lunch will be provided. However, participation is by advance booking only and numbers are limited.

Please consult your pupils and if they would like to attend, email a list of their names to masterclass@physics.gla.ac.uk and indicate whether you would like to accompany them. The masterclass is normally oversubscribed, so I will try to make a fair allocation to schools on 9th May or shortly thereafter. Note that I’m unlikely to be able to fulfil requests for groups of more than about 10 per school.

We all look forward to seeing some of you here on 17th June.

Best wishes,

Aidan Robson

Assessment, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

N5 Chemistry Past Paper Guidance

April 29, 2014 User deactivated 1 Comment

Education Scotland and SQA have identified questions from Standard Grade Credit and Intermediate 2 papers from the last three years and matched them to Key Areas in the N5 Chemistry Curriculum.

This resource has been produced in response to the requests from practitioners who attended the National Qualifications Sciences events at Hampden Stadium in December 2013 which Education Scotland organised in partnership with the SQA.

The questions in this resource relate to National 5 Chemistry and have been taken from the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 Past Papers.

Booklets of past papers and answers have been collated for the three units and a problem solving booklet for teachers and students to use as part of their revision programme for the N5 exam.

Chemistry N5 Past Paper Questions Chemical Changes and Structure (pdf)

Chemistry N5 Past Paper Questions Chemical Changes and Structure

Chemistry N5 Past Paper Questions Chemistry in Society (pdf)

Chemistry N5 Past Paper Questions Chemistry in Society

Chemistry N5 Past Paper Questions Nature’s Chemistry (pdf)

Chemistry N5 Past Paper Questions Nature’s Chemistry

Chemistry N5 Past Paper Questions Problem Solving (pdf)

Chemistry N5 Past Paper Questions Problem Solving

Assessment, CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

N5 Biology Past Paper booklets

April 28, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Education Scotland and SQA have identified questions from Standard Grade Credit and Intermediate 2 papers from the last three years and matched them to Key Areas in the N5 Biology Curriculum.

The questions in this resource relate to National 5 Biology and have been taken from the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 Past Papers.

Booklets of past papers and answers have been collated for the three units for teachers and students to use as part of their revision programme for the N5 exam.

Biology-N5-Past-Paper-Questions-Cell-Biology

Biology-N5-Past-Paper-Questions-Life-on-Earth

Biology-N5-Past-Paper-Questions-Multicellular-Organisms

Assessment, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

N5 Physics past paper booklets

April 28, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Education Scotland and SQA have identified questions from Standard Grade Credit and Intermediate 2 papers from the last three years and matched them to Key Areas in the N5 Physics Curriculum.

The questions in this resource relate to National 5 Physics and have been taken from the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 Past Papers.

Booklets of past papers and answers have been collated for the three units for teachers and students to use as part of their revision programme for the N5 exam.

Physics-N5-Past-Paper-Questions-Dynamics-and-Space

Physics-N5-Past-Paper-Questions-Energy-and-Electricity

Physics-N5-Past-Paper-Questions-Waves-and-Radiation

Assessment, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Free Online Study Resources for N4/5 Physics

March 28, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Flash Learning is pleased to announce free online access to Virtual National 4 Physics and Virtual National 5 Physics until July 2014.

Our software to support National 4 and 5 Physics has been very well received and is now in use in approximately two thirds of Scottish schools. We have developed an enhanced version of the material and this is available online at www.eflashlearning.co.uk

All Scottish pupils (and teachers) are invited to register online. Click on the Join Now button and you will be asked to supply a username, password and email address.

This online, enhanced version of the software includes topic quizzes and progress checks. There is also a forum (one for each course) and this will be available for a trial period . Please note that the website uses advanced web design technology and is best viewed with a modern web browser.

Pupils need to provide an email address when they register and we undertake not to do anything with this, other than to send one mail in August, inviting them to subscribe to the next physics course they may be taking.

Assessment, CfE, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Route Maps through Assessment in the Sciences

March 23, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Route maps through assessment

The Minister for Learning, Dr Alasdair Allan, recently put in place a package of support to help secondary schools to deliver the new National Qualifications. This support included new route maps through assessment and these have now been published on the Education Scotland website. Developed by Education Scotland, in partnership with the SQA, these provide a sequenced list of main messages and links for National 4 and National 5 Sciences.

Assessment, CfE, Sciences

TigTag – free primary science resource for Glow users

March 21, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

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

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

There is no need to ask for a free trial or subscribe to the site if you are already a glow user.

Simply, click on www.tigtagonglow.com

You will see a box labelled Glow User. Put in your glow user name and password and start using this fabulous resource.

Alternatively, if you have entered a search for Tigtag and gone through http://www.twig-world.co.uk/tigtag/ click on the Tigtag image in the top right hand corner

and you will be taken to the Tigtag home page.

You will then see this image

Click on Log in with Glow and input your user name and password to start using the resource.

Remember there is no need to click free school trial if you are an existing Glow user.

You can use Tigtag straight away to enhance and support your science learning and teaching.

Tigtag provides access to:

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

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

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

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

Assessment, National Qualifications, Sciences, Senior Phase

Past Paper Guidance for N5 sciences and assessment tracking support

March 20, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Science Resources for the Nationals

Following the SQA/ Education Scotland joint publication of Past Paper Guidance for N5. Education Scotland has published copies of the identified questions on Sciences Glow 365 site, in the N5 folders for each subject. This compliments the previously shared N5 Biology questions. Further support materials for N5 will be published in the near future.

Shared on the Sciences Glow 365 site new class spreadsheets for tracking assessment standard passes at National 4 and an updated version for National 5. Look in the N4 and N5 folders in your subject.

CfE, Sciences

Bucksburn Academy Conversation Day 4

March 18, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Delegates attending our fourth conversation day at Bucksburn Academy identified three key themes for improving science education.

Discussions focussed on:

Priorities for sciences education

Identifying partnerships that work

What does great learning in the sciences look like?

Education Scotland is keen to hear your views regarding the third theme, addressing what great learning in the sciences looks like.

What does great learning in the sciences look like?

Science education is important for every child and not just for those who may be headed toward a scientific or technical career.

Great learning in the sciences encourages young people to make sense of the world around them, to be scientifically literate. It develops skills enabling them to analyse, evaluate, think critically, justify conclusions and be creative and innovative; skills required to thrive and succeed in an increasingly globalised and technological society.

Delegates identified factors contributing to great learning in the sciences:

relevant and purposeful (real life) teaching through engaging activities, which occur in and out of the classroom environment
learning environment has motivated and enthusiastic teachers and pupils
lessons have variety, depth, challenge and are interactive, delivered by inspirational teachers with a passion and enthusiasm for the subject and who convey a love of learning
consistent and firm discipline
learners are taught the skills they need through a variety of methodologies e.g. active, visual, audio and concepts are revisited in different ways
progression is evident
subjects are interlinked and connected
great learning is different in different schools and classes, and good teachers are still learning.

The final part of this discussion addressed the question, how do we get it right for every child and young person? Delegates’ suggestions included:

good communication between primary and secondary
establish where the “starting point” for every child is and identify children who need to extend their knowledge
ensure learners feel safe enough to ask for help/guidance
quality provision must be evident all the time
teaching should be delivered in different order/style depending on the needs of the learner.

CfE

Scotland’s Environment Youth Discussion

March 12, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Would you like to win £1000 for your school or group?

Enter Scotland’s Environment Website Youth Discussion competition by 31 March for a chance to win.

We have £1000 to award to the best school/group entry and £100 for the best individual entry. We have lots of other exciting prizes including HP tablets, educational experience days with a “green” theme, a backstage tour of The Hydro and tickets to the Irn Bru Carnival 2014.

To enter, just answer the following question: “What needs to change in your local community that will make a positive difference to your environment and what role can you play in making it happen?” then submit your answer in an imaginative way.

Follow the link for further information about this competition and to get an entry form: www.environment.scotland.gov.uk/yd

The competition is easy to enter and is relevant to many areas of the curriculum including drama, art, science, English and even modern languages. This means entering the competition can easily be dovetailed into current project work or class topics. The competition entry rules are very flexible which enables teachers to choose the level of input they feel is appropriate and suitable for their pupils. A number of useful teaching aids and resources have been developed that provide a good starting point.

You can choose to present your answer in a number of formats from a simple drawing, painting or report to something more complex such as a video, website or photographic essay; be as creative as you want!

The competition is open to all young Scots aged between 5 and 18 years old and you can enter as an individual or as a group e.g. Eco Group, class, youth group. The closing date is 31 March 2014 so there is still time to enter – what are you waiting for?

Your entry may also be eligible for the Young Reporters for the Environment competition. It is being run in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful and is open to young people aged 11 to 21 years.

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

Last Chance: Community Resilience Conversation and Networking event – Monday 17th March 2014 at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel. (09:30 for 10:00 start – 15:00)

March 12, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

There are still places available at Education Scotland’s Community Resilience Conversation and Networking Event on Monday 17^th March.

The day is aimed at members of the Scottish Government, emergency planning and civil contingencies teams from local councils, representatives from local education authorities, and members of other key organisations to consider community resilience as a rich and exciting context for teaching and learning.

Conversation activities will provide delegates with opportunities to network with one another and engage in professional dialogue in relation to preparing for emergencies and developing resilient communities. Selected examples of good practice will also be shared through engaging presentations delivered by government, local council and school representatives.

We would like to invite you to take part in the event at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on the 17^th March 2014 to explore how we might take forward resilience education in schools and consider important developments in teaching and learning.

We would be grateful if you could register online at http://svy.mk/Mb8ZM7 by end of day Thursday 13^th March 2014 to confirm your attendance and inform us of any special dietary or access requirements you may have.

CfE, Sciences, Senior Phase

Bucksburn Conversation Day

March 10, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Delegates attending our fourth conversation day at Bucksburn Academy identified three key themes for improving science education.

Discussions focussed on:

Priorities for sciences education
Identifying partnerships that work
What does great learning in the sciences look like?

Education Scotland is keen to hear your views regarding the second theme which addressed identifying partnerships that work.

Identifying partnerships that work

Delegates identified various partner organisations that they were engaging with including subsea 7, forest rangers, ABC, mentoring John Lewis, STEM ambassadors, car safety, BP renewable, Forvie Nature reserve, university medical students, Zoo lab, forensic scientists, “curious about chemistry”. Learners at Bucksburn Academy had also set up a programme of advanced level lunchtime lectures in relation to STEM.

Delegates put forward suggestions for successful partnership working. It was agreed that this had to be mutually beneficial, providing support, resources and expertise for the school, whilst meeting the business needs of the organisation. In addition delegates highlighted the following:

organisation must provide support in the classroom and visit the school (not the other way)
partnerships should be innovative, curriculum led, embedded in the curriculum
personnel involved are enthusiastic individuals with a willingness to commit extra time to establish short/long term working relationship
investment and funding through the partnership provides opportunities for all

Delegates identified areas of partnership working which they regarded as requiring further development:

not enough organisations/partnerships to support early years
more visiting scientists lecturing at a high level – aspirations needed to be raised
speakers need to be able to pitch talk at right level for young people
mixture of input needed for different levels of interest required

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

National Qualifications, Sciences

March NQ Science Update

March 10, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Nominations for the next three rounds of cross authority working groups are due by 5pm on Monday 10th of March. If you’re interested in attending please contact your local authority organiser.

Glow TV events:

Ask the Expert – Neil Kermode 11 March 10.30 http://bit.ly/1g9zh90

As part of the Get Energised with the ScottishPower Foundation project, this series of broadcasts from the National Museum of Scotland will help N4/5 students in STEM subjects to learn more about renewables in Scotland. Hear from leading experts in the field and ask them about their work.

Past papers identified by Education Scotland and SQA as appropriate for N5 Biology have been collated and shared by Invergordon Academy. These are posted on the Sciences Glow 365 site.

Geneious software suitable for case studies, a free download suitable for case studies in the Genome key area of DNA and the Genome unit at cfe Higher Biology is available from.

http://geneious.com/

A free online Environmental Studies textbook, Earth’s Dynamic Systems is available at http://earthds.info/ particularly good for Geosphere, Hydrosphere etc.

Dave Edwards from the Open University asked Education Scotland to publicise this MOOC.

The OU’s free Moons MOOC is at; https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/moons and I am gearing up to facilitate some of the discussion. It starts on 17 March.

We envisage it taking around 3 hours per week, for the eight week presentation.

Aberdeen Biodiversity Centre have a S1-3 poster competition running currently, copies can be downloaded from their website under secondary education – ttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/biodiversity/education/secondary/cfe-support/

CfE, Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

New Water Learning Journeys for STEM Central

March 4, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

STEM Central supports the delivery of teaching in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Through Learning in Context, practitioners can source information, resources, learning journeys and videos for nine learning contexts, including Food Security, Transport and Water.

To support and enhance the existing Water context section we have added three new learning journeys:

Changing States – Early Level

learners explore the changing states of water as they investigate freezing, melting, boiling and evaporation.

Travelling on Water – First Level

learners investigate floating, sinking and buoyancy and develop their understanding of the concept of density and Archemides’ Principle.

Uses of Water – Second Level

through science challenges and investigations learners improve their knowledge and understanding of the different uses of water in Scotland and the world e.g. as source of power or use in recreation.

The new water learning journey format incorporates the Design Principles demonstrating their relevance to planning enjoyable, contextualised and challenging learning experiences and in identifying appropriate forms of assessment.

There are supporting resources for each new journey and links identified for additional learning and teaching opportunities.

Access the water learning journeys and supporting resources on STEM Central

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/stemcentral/contexts/water/index.asp

CfE, Sciences

Sciences – National Qualifications Update

March 4, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Sciences – National Qualifications Update

We can now confirm that three Higher Cross-Authority Writing Workshops will now take place as follows:

Session 1 – Evening session 5pm – 7:30pm on Wednesday 19^th March and all day Thursday 20^th March 2014. Venue: Stirling Management Centre, Stirling

Session 2 – Thursday 24^th April 2014. Venue: SSERC, Dunfermline

Session 3 – Tuesday 27^th May 2014. Venue: Glasgow, to be confirmed. Note: Date changed due to clash with Biology Markers’ Meeting.

The purpose of the days will be to provide practitioners with the opportunity to share existing materials developed for the Higher Sciences qualifications and co-develop further materials as required including resources for each Higher Unit, banks of questions etc. Our hope is that we will have groups collaborating to support all five sciences Highers including: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science. Education Scotland and SQA colleagues will also be attending to work alongside practitioners.

Each local authority is invited to identify one practitioner to attend. This should be a Faculty Head, Principal Teacher and/or someone with experience of developing course materials for national qualifications. Nominations should be sent to Grant.McAllister@educationscotland.gov.uk by 5pm Monday 10^th March 2014. When submitting nominations please provide the following details: name, role, school, email, subject specialism and dietary requirements. Our hope is that the same representative will attend all three events to ensure continuity but we realise that this may not always be possible.

One place for each local authority is guaranteed providing nominations are received by the deadline. Places not claimed by this point will be reallocated to other authorities. A limited number of reserve places will also be available to ensure balance across each of the five Higher qualifications. Authorities can nominate a second individual, from a different subject specialism, to be added to this list. We will notify reserve list nominees about availability of places shortly after the deadline on the 10^th March.

Other updates:

The high-level summary notes, videos and presentations from the NQ Sciences events which took place at Hampden Stadium in December 2013 are now available on Glow: https://portal.glowscotland.org.uk/establishments/nationalsite/Science/DiscussionIdeas%20%20Noticeboard/Hampden%20events%20-%20NQ%20Sciences%20Dec%202013.aspx?PageView=Shared

Please note: you may need to click the compatibility view icon and/or refresh button in the top navigation bar of your internet browser to see the videos.

At the Hampden events, one of the requests was for condensed versions of SQA documentation to be made available. A condensed guide has been produced by Brian Smith of South Lanarkshire Council and is now available on the NQ Glow Portal: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcoursematerials/subjects/s/nqresource_tcm4826680.asp
Most of the N3 and Higher sciences materials commissioned by Education Scotland have now been published and are available on the NQ Glow Portal: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcoursematerials/curriculumareas/sciences.asp

An extensive range of course materials for Higher Sciences is available from Education Scotland’s NQ Higher Sciences website: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/highersciences/

The cross authority writing group’s approach to National 5 Hydrogels assignment has been published on the NQ Glow portal. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcoursematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm4827127.asp .

Highland council have kindly shared their mapping of changes from traditional higher to CfE Higher for Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology and Physics. Again available on the NQ Glow Portal.

South Lanarkshire have produced a guide to assessments in the sciences at national 3, 4 & 5. This has been adapted to into subject specific versions and are available on the NQ glow portal http://bit.ly/1lcuFGn

The sciences glow 365 site http:\bit.ly/glowsciences continues to be populated with more materials including resources for National 4 & 5 Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has an educators’ group: http://is.gd/circulareconomy. The Ellen MacArthur foundation has a number of resources suitable across the sciences and interdisciplinary learning activities. The Scotland’s Environment Website Youth Discussion competition is aimed at 5-18 yr olds and closes on 31 March. The competition has an environmental theme so it could cover a range of areas within the curriculum.

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

Community Resilience Education – Conversation Day and Networking Event – Mon 17th March 2014

March 4, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Time: 09:30 (for 10:00 start) – 15:00

Venue: Glasgow Hilton Hotel, William Street, Glasgow, G3 8HT

Education Scotland is excited to be hosting its first community resilience conversation and networking event with a view to developing a shared, partnership approach to provide 3-18 resilience education opportunities.

The day aims to bring together members of the Scottish Government, emergency planning and civil contingencies teams from local councils, representatives from local education authorities, and members of other key organisations to consider community resilience as a rich and exciting context for teaching and learning focusing on a range of contexts such as flooding and other forms of extreme weather and their impact on our lives.

We would like to invite you to take part in the event at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on the 17^th March 2014 to explore how we might take forward resilience education and consider important developments in teaching and learning. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. There is no cost to attend.

We would be grateful if you could register online at http://svy.mk/Mb8ZM7 by Monday 10^th March 2014 to confirm your attendance and inform us of any special dietary or access requirements you may have.

CfE, Sciences

How to access Tigtag, the new online primary science resource

March 3, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

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

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

There is no need to ask for a free trial if you are already a glow user.

Simply, click on www.tigtagonglow.com

Put in your glow user name and password and start using this fabulous resource.

Alternatively, if you have entered a search for Tigtag and gone through http://www.twig-world.co.uk/tigtag/

Click on this tigtag image in the top right hand corner and you will be taken to the Tigtag home page.

You will see this image .

Click on Log in with Glow and input your user name and password to start using the resource.

Remember there is no need to click free trial if you are an existing Glow user.

You can use Tigtag straight away to enhance and support your science learning and teaching.

Tigtag provides access to:

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

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

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

CfE, Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

STEM Central Food Security Learning Journeys

February 21, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Education Scotland has produced a series of second level learning journeys addressing the subject of Food Security, which is about people having enough food and water to survive.

There are many factors affecting food security around the world such as natural disasters and the weather, which can lead to malnutrition, disease and ultimately death.

Science, technology and maths play an important part in improving food security through, for example, the development of new drought resistant crops, fertilisers and pesticides.

The food security learning journeys enable learners to develop an understanding of plant life cycle and growth conditions, recognise the importance of a biodiverse ecosystem and understand that all life depends on plants. There are also Teachers’ Notes and additional resources to support the learning experiences.

Access the food security learning journeys and resources on Stem Central through: http://bit.ly/1btaxg0

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Would you like to win £1000 for your school or group?

Enter Scotland’s Environment Website Youth Discussion competition by 31 March for a chance to win.

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A training blog for PLSuperheroes