The project takes shape

The project has been evolving gradually throughout May with 3 main elements emerging:

• Resources
• Schools activities
• CPD

I am working on resources to deliver to pupils and teachers that aim to assist the teaching and learning of controversial topics in GCSE science. I am designing a 2 lesson programme for school pupils based around stem cells initially which involve a PowerPoint, web quest and some debating/discussion style activities. I am hoping to pilot these materials with some year 9 pupils before the holidays.

Last week I met with James Probert of the English Speaking Union and Tony Gilland of the Institute of Ideas to discuss how they stage debating projects with young people. James seemed keen to collaborate on a debating day event for schools where we provide the materials and possibly experts, they are working with other organisations in similar events.

Over the next 3 weeks, I have more meetings planned with the Deputy Director of the Science Learning Centre network, the Natural History Museum's Education Programme Developer, the Learning and Programmes Manager from At-Bristol and Frank Swain from http://www.senseaboutscience.org/

That's all for now.

The plan

Last week I met with the National Science Learning Centre in York as they are the experts in teacher's CPD. Hopefully we will be able to work with them in providing some really useful CPD sessions in their 9 regional centres throughout the land.

I hope to enlist the services of brilliant and charismatic scientists to talk to teachers about their research in contempory and controversial areas such as Stem Cell Research, GM Crops and Designer Babies.

I would also like to provide a workshop to give science teachers ideas and confidence in debating ethical and moral issues that are thrown up as a result of scientific advances. I hope to meet with some experts in debating next week!

Watch this space....

Introduction to the project

Hi, I am Jane.

I have recently started work at the Biochemical Society to work on schools outreach projects.

We were given some money from the Monsanto Fund to help with some of the planned projects for 2008 so I am trying to devise a master plan to spend the budget as wisely as possible.

The plan so far is to create a CPD session for teachers, a schools event and some supporting online materials.

More later.....