Science with Attitude

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Science with Attitude
HMIe 2005 science education needs to fulfil
two quite different purposes simultaneously.. it
needs to provide inspiration and a sound
preparation for the longer-term learning and
development of in science young people who will
go on to embark on higher study and careers
related areas. On the other hand, science
education in schools also needs to ensure that
all young people are equipped with the knowledge,
understanding, skills and attitudes that will
enable them to engage positively with scientific
issues and debates as they occur in their daily
lives.
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HMIe 2005 We know that traditionally our science
education has tended to be better at the
preparation of specialists than the development
of all young people as scientifically literate
citizens.
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Watts and Alsop (1997) Learners more likely to
be engaged and have existing beliefs challenged
if learning opportunities are salient, palatable
and germane.
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Moving towards Constantly evolving
curriculum Science for citizenship Developing
Informed Attitudes losing Cinderella status.
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Activity Examine some of the newspaper
articles. Discuss whether science is shown in a
positive or negative light.
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The citizens today were the science pupils of the
last few decades. What should have been their
school science experience if they are to make
informed decisions and choices on the issues of
today?
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Strategies and Activities If you had a chance to
interview a scientist involved in .. what would
you ask her? If you wanted to convince your MSP
to vote a particular way on .. what would you
say in a letter? Design an advert to convince
people of the benefits / disadvantages of
Statements on cards about an issue, pupils
agree / disagree / partly agree, with
justification
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Activity We have prepared some scenarios on
cards for you to consider in your groups. Each
takes a slightly different approach towards
engaging pupils. Discuss each one, then move on
stations style.
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Strategies and Activities (continued) Debate,
giving pupils roles for /against Get pupils to
design a game Pupils put together a presentation
(written, Powerpoint, video, cartoon script,
playlet etc) Pupils write a newspaper
article Pupil write a job description Circle
time
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Strategies and Activities (continued) Devise
criteria for a new product or fuel Use
photographs, news reports as a stimulus What
would life be like without? discussion Balloon
games (What should stay in the balloon nuclear
power, fossil fuels) Glasgow Science Centre
(third floor) is very good
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Activity In groups, choose one of the headlines
you looked at earlier. Match it to an attainment
target in 5-14. Discuss a strategy you might use
with pupils to encourage them to discuss the
issues behind the headline.