Scientific enquiry

Science

Secondary

STEM activities are introduced in a KS3 cross-curricular approach

A Year 8 class build model gliders as part of a KS3 cross-curricular STEM project, exploring the science and engineering behind flight. The aim of the lesson at Ash Manor School in Surrey is to construct a working glider. Students start by looking at wings found in nature and produce blueprints of their gliders on paper, before constructing a working prototype. After initial testing they re-evaluate their designs and modify them based around concepts of drag, thrust, weight and design. Finally the whole class launch their models to see whose design has flown the furthest. This video shows the impact a well thought out STEM activity can have in bringing to life the future possibilities available to all pupils.

Finding Time for STEM

Teaching traditional, practical research skills in KS4 science

This video highlights the importance of teaching practical research skills to Key Stage 4 science pupils. A dependence on the internet in some subjects, but particularly science, can take students away from a hands-on approach to learning. Teacher, Simon Pugh-Jones, of Writhlington School in Somerset, shows how science at KS4 is rooted in the traditional skills, practical work, books and interaction with professional scientists. Simon's motivation has led to the school developing a globally recognised Orchid Project which forms the basis of KS4 teaching. Through learning about rare orchids, students hone general skills for their GCSEs and also create real data for the scientific community to use. One key example is the work of 16-year-old Luke, whose research into the effect of climate change on the altitude at which orchids grow in the Himalayas is about to be published. All of his modern, computerised data was based on the findings of a survey first published in the Victorian era.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

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Finding Time for STEM

Teaching Traditional Research Skills in Science