Science
Improving a young person's understanding of and enthusiasm for science is at the heart of the Government's commitment to encourage more pupils and students to study science subjects. A good science education is not only vital preparation for scientific literacy later in life: by continuing to study science throughout school and college, young people open themselves up to a world of possibilities. Today a career in science promises some of the best business and job prospects on offer.
This area of TeacherNet points to guidance, ideas and resources for science teachers.
Nurturing tomorrow's scientists: Science at Key Stage 4
You can now read or download this booklet here.
The Triple Science Support Programme
Since September 2008 all students who achieve Level 6 in Science at Key Stage 3 have been entitled to study GCSEs in physics, chemistry and biology ('Triple Science').
The Learning and Skills Network (LSN) — with partners the Science Learning Centres, The Institute of Physics, The Institute of Biology and The Royal Society of Chemistry — launched the Triple Science Support Programme in autumn 2007 to help schools plan, prepare and deliver the triple science entitlement.
Every school will have different needs as it develops its offer — particularly in the areas of:
- increasing subject-specific expertise
- curriculum development and modelling
- strategies for raising attainment
- developing collaborative approaches between schools and other learning providers to deliver Triple Science.
LSN's support programme is geared to meet those needs and will provide a wide range of free support including: publications; newsletters; networks; and training and consultancy to targeted schools. More information can be found at the Triple Science Support Programme website.
Triple science will not only be a requirement for schools with Level 6 achievers, but will also benefit many students. They will enjoy the pursuit of knowledge and increased understanding of science which Triple Science provides — and many students will decide to progress to one or more of the science A-levels.
To find out how your school can get involved, contact the LSN helpline on 0845 071 0800 or visit the Triple Science Support Programme website (link above).
ICT in science teaching
You can download British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) curriculum entitlement documents which offer a valuable resource for using ICT to enhance the teaching and learning of primary and secondary subjects.
ICT in primary science: A pupil's entitlement
This document describes lessons that focus on the use of
ICT to:
- provide information and support fieldwork
- record information and share it with others
- simulate experiments and provide models or demonstrations.
ICT in secondary science: A pupil's entitlement (document
1)
This document provides examples of how ICT can be used in
science to help pupils:
- developing explanations using ideas and models
- consider how scientific knowledge is generated
- communicate their ideas using a range of media.
ICT in secondary science: A pupil's entitlement (document 2)
This document provides examples of how ICT may be used in
science, such as the use of technology to:
- provide immediate feedback when collecting primary data
- monitor investigations and speed up practical work
- reduce risk by allowing remote working
- collect and display primary evidence.
A
national network of Science Learning Centres
Science Learning Centres have been set up in partnership with the DCSF and the
Wellcome Trust. The centres deliver high-quality continuing professional
development for teachers, technicians and classroom assistants, from primary to
post-16.
Resources
A list of organisations and associations that provide teaching resources on their websites. They offer lesson plans — both printable and online — and a broad range of activities and resources relevant to science teaching.
Teachers' recommendations
Forums and chat rooms are a great way to share ideas with fellow science teachers and pick up tips, as are lists of favourite or popular websites.
- Nuffield Curriculum Centre explores new approaches to teaching and learning in various subjects including science. The science discussion forum can be found under Curriculum issues where you can post your own comments.
- The Education Forum hosts discussions on all curriculum subjects. Join the science forum to chat about science curriculum issues, pick up useful site suggestions and ask for advice.
- Teachers magazine regularly asks teachers to name their favourite sites.
Supply teacher's resources
The supply teacher's survival guide can be found on TES Connect and provides guidance and advice for supply teachers on subjects such as training, skills, pay and agencies.
Teacher-training
resources
The Association for Science Education has information on resources being
developed for teacher training.
The Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Forum
This is an opportunity for all those interested in the teaching and learning of
science, technology, engineering and mathematics to contribute their views on
the STEM agenda. The views expressed on this website will be used to help
inform the DCSF and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
(BIS) in taking forward the Government's STEM agenda.
The Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEMNET)
STEMNET is a collaborative force of nearly 100 member organisations that
seeks to stimulate the interests of young people in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics, and in pursuing careers related to these
subjects.
Teaching in England
Overseas teachers looking for a primer on the education system in England and guidance on how to deliver the curriculum will find it all here. Each key stage is looked at in detail. Teaching resources relating to core subjects are signposted.
Teachers TV
Teachers TV offers a wealth of resources for teachers, including
curriculum-based programmes for use in the classroom.
Last updated: 02 November 2009
