Becta, the government agency that developed the innovative use of technology throughout learning, closed on January 31, 2011.
Thankfully, the ASE have archived some of the science education resources produced by BECTA.
You can download them here. There are guides for both Primary and Secondary Science covering different aspects of ICT in Science
Red Nose Day is coming! This activity focuses on red – why do things look red? Why are red noses shiny? More than half of Red Nose Day funds end up in Africa, so this activity also highlights some of the science happening across the continent – from armyworm killers to metals for mobiles; from satellites to methane-rich lakes. Students can plan (and give!) an assembly based on the Science Behind the Nose, or use the information and explanations to prepare a TV programme.
Students will reinforce their understanding of why things appear coloured and why things look shiny or dull. They will also remind themselves what happens when solids dissolve in water. Students will know about some of the science happening in Africa.
This is a free resource from the ASE via their UPD8 website – you can download these and other resources for free. You need to register, but it is free to do so.
Download and find out more here.
The Association for Science Education Outdoor Science Working Group’s (OSWG) report, entitled Outdoor Science, sponsored by the Nuffield Foundation, was released yesterday.
The report urged the Government to develop a co-ordinated programme of teacher training in fieldwork to promote a more effective and inspirational approach to teaching science and mathematics using outdoor sites and venues in our towns and countryside. More info here:
“As president it is important to see that ASE is taking a lead through the OSWG in ensuring that science fieldwork is a critical part of science education. Without it I think that the subject could be killed stone dead,” said Professor Steve Jones, ASE President. “I am glad to support to the ASE’s vision of bringing fieldwork back to the centre of science education.”
The report recognizes:
“Many teachers lack confidence, competence, and expertise to take children out of the classroom for quality and effective science experiences,” said Marianne Cutler, ASE’s Executive Director: Professional and Curriculum Innovation. “The opportunity for trainee teachers and practicing teachers to develop their own pedagogy and practice outside the classroom is needed.”
Please click here to read the report.
More information about the teaching of Outdoor Science can be found here: http://www.ase.org.uk/resources/outdoor-science/
Principles and Ideas in Science Education is a report, developed by a group of ten international experts in science education and edited by Wynn Harlen, sets out the principles that should underpin the science education of all students throughout their schooling.
It argues that students should be helped to develop ‘big ideas’ of science and about science that will enable them to understand the scientific aspects of the world around and make informed decisions about the applications of science.
The report outlines the 10 principles of Science education along with 14 big ideas in Science that all teachers should be able to understand.
It was published by the ASE and is freely available, as long as the sources are credited. You can download a copy here. It’s a must-read for all teachers and student teachers.
The ASE has collated some guidance on Outdoor Science – making use of the school grounds and beyond to teach Science.
You can find the guides, including links to some ASE journal articles, here:
http://www.ase.org.uk/htm/teacher_zone/outdoor_science/outdoor_science.php
Del.icio.us Links Whiteboard Blog