Outcomes of our research may also take the form of instruments designed for use within the projects or materials which result from them. It is intended that over time these pages will present a comprehensive representation of what has been learned through the Trust's work and provide teachers and PGCE teachers in training with creative ideas, tips and tools for teaching science.
The “Talking Science” Project: Argumentation in Science
The “Talking Science” resources and materials located here were created as part of a project designed to improve pupil transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 through an argument-based approach to teaching science. The materials include teacher guidance for Year 6 and Year 7 and two complementary sets of PowerPoint presentations (one set for Y6 and a second for Y7) designed to illustrate the approach.
Focused assessment of SC1
This approach uses activities from the QCA Scheme of Work to focus assessment on specific aspects of scientific inquiry (SC1). It has been based on a strategy first devised by Bristol LEA then developed by the Improving Science Together Project funded by the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust. Classroom and teaching resources were developed, along with information and tips on how to use focused assessment in the classroom.
The Cambridgeshire project - STRATA
The Cambridgeshire STRATA (Science To Raise And Track Achievement) project involves a cluster of special schools. Their aim was to produce a scheme of work and an assessment framework for science which went further than the recently published QCA document or the EQUALS project.
This scheme of work is made available for you to download and use as you wish. However, we would be very grateful to hear from you if you intend using it. We would like you to contact us so that we can evaluate the materials and their usage.
This resource represents the Cambridgeshire scheme of work for the 'P' levels for teachers working in special needs schools and/or working with children with SEN. This scheme of work has been developed by the Cambridgeshire project led by Shân Oswald, Science Advisor for Cambridgeshire.
The Science of Colour - "Creating a Colourful Life" Project
The “Creating a Colourful Life” resources were developed for use in both Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. Using the topics of Light and Colour their cross-curricular nature provides the opportunity for teachers to include key concepts such as scientific thinking, the applications and implications of science, cultural understanding of science, and science in real-world situations in their lessons.
Teaching Language through Thinking in Science: Supporting and Challenging Advanced EAL Learners
This project built on the success of previous projects, adapting resources and providing opportunities for teachers to develop and challenge their learners in the area of language needed for scientific reasoning and understanding. The resources were developed for use from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 3 and provide teachers with practical tools for encouraging thinking and learning in science.
"Getting Practical" - ASE/CLEAPPS Project
It is widely recognised that practical work is a vital element of school science, and there are a number of high quality resources to support it. However, practical science work per se may not always impact sufficiently on pupils’ engagement and learning. The "Getting Practical" project aims to improve: the clarity of learning outcomes associated with practical work; the effectiveness and impact of practical work on learning; the quality rather than quantity of practical work and to ensure that these developments are sustainable in schools. The materials encourage teachers to improve their practice.
Activities for STEM Ambassadors
The STEM Ambassador programme run by STEMNET has over 25,000 STEM Ambassadors from all walks of life who go into schools to inspire young people into the STEM arena. Feedback from STEM Ambassadors suggests that off-the-shelf activities are extremely useful to facilitate school visits, and when delivered effectively they can increase the impact ambassadors have with school students.
Six different biology activities were developed for use at KS 3 to help facilitate and support KS 2 to KS 3 transition and provide real-world, career-related hands-on activities for Ambassadors and teachers to use in the classroom.
Let's Talk Science and Health
The 'Let’s Talk Science and Health' resources provide teachers with a highly interactive set of science teaching resources which encourage discussion about health related science issues in the classroom. They help to develop the important skills of expressing informed and balanced opinions based on understanding and evidence. They are suitable for use at both KS 2 and KS 3 and the educational resources available here are based around 3 themes: Diet, Diabetes and Obesity, The Liver and Alcohol and Vaccines and Vaccinations.
Up-skilling in Practical Science - Resources for Primary Schools
With resources developed by Bristol primary school teachers, this project created a loanable library of scientific apparatus and teacher guides for local schools. The boxes of apparatus were created within a context of improving teacher knowledge and confidence for teaching practical science and involving pupils in practical science investigations. The resources were designed to be easily accessible and as self-contained and complete as possible to enable any teacher to pick them up and use them. Manuals were developed to include lesson plans and health and safety information and it is these resources that are available on the website.