Briefings > Outreach - schools

Outreach - schools Science education is of crucial importance for society since science and technology are essential for economic success, as well as for our quality of life. One of ECRR's aims is the encouragement of science education at all levels. In the past we have organised, with the help of HM Inspectorate of Education in Scotland, a scheme of 100-talks-for-schools. Talks were offered on topics of current or emerging scientific interest that drew on the depth and breadth of ECRR expertise. ECRR organised a seminar on ways of encouraging young people to follow careers in science and technology. Slide presentations can be viewed here . Contributing to school science programmes ECRR members contribute to school science in a number of ways: Activity Offered by ECRR member (Click on name for further info) Hosting school visits: UoE HWU STIR SAC CEH RBGE NMS RSPB SCRI BGS RSPB Roadshows & presentations: UoE HWU STIR SAC RBGE NMS Curriculum resources: UoE CEH RBGE NMS RSPB SCRI SASA BGS RSPB SNH CPD for teachers: UoE RBGE HRSU Nuffield Science Bursary host: UoE SAC CEH SCRI Individual contributions University of Edinburgh School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, physics, maths, engineering, geology, geography, computer science, electronics, biotechnology, land & environment; Schools liaison contact : See Student Recruitment & Admissions . Initiatives : SCI-FUN - Science Technology Roadshow, focused mainly on S1/2 pupils, conveys the fascination of science and its importance to life in the modern world. The roadshow visits schools and science events across Scotland, presenting interactive exhibits and talks. SIBE - Scottish Institute for Biotechnology Education, supports teachers in preparing students for biotechnology subject areas in higher education. Pathways to the Professions - provides information and guidance to school students interested in studying a range of topics including veterinary medicine. -> back Heriot-Watt University School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, physics, maths, engineering, computer science, electronics, biotechnology, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : See Recruitment & Admissions Service web site. Initiatives : Girls Get SET (Science, Engineering, Technology) consists of a week-long residential programme in March for S3 girls. The aim of the project is to encourage girls to study SET courses. The project is lead by Heriot-Watt University in partnership with Edinburgh University, Napier University and QMUC. -> back University of Stirling School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, maths, engineering, geography, computer science, electronics, biotechnology, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : See Undergraduate Admissions Office web site. Initiatives : SUCROS (Scottish Universities and Colleges Representation Outside Scotland) is a consortium representing six HEIs. The aim is to promote the benefits of Scottish higher education and provide impartial advice on the opportunities available at each of the member institutions. -> back SAC School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, geography, biotechnology, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : See Parents and Teachers web page. -> back Centre for Ecology & Hydrology School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, geography, biotechnology, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : See Science in Society web page. Initiatives : School Net provides a web-based science resource for teachers of both primary and secondary school pupils. It includes project worksheets on topics such as acid rain, hedgerows and nature's calendar. -> back Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh School curriculum subjects : biology, biotechnology, geography, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : See Schools Education Service offers a programme of educational visits for pupils of all levels. The aim is to inspire young people about the wonders of nature. The RBGE also provides CPD training for teachers through Teacher Placement Weeks and other schemes. Initiatives : Rainforest Roadshow Flora Celtica - promoting knowledge of native plants in Celtic countries. Gaelic Week - learning about plants through the Gaelic language Benmore Week - schools programme in September based at Benmore Botanic Garden -> back National Museums of Scotland School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, physics, maths, geography, engineering, electronics, computer science, geology, human biology, land & environment, managing environmental resources technological studies, science; Schools liaison contact : The NMS schools programme aims to bring the curriculum to life with a range of inspiring activities. The NMS offers CPD courses for teachers. Teacher resource packs are also available. Initiatives : The Access & Outreach Team encourages wider access to Museum resources with projects throughout Scotland. -> back Roslin Institute School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, biotechnology, human biology, science, social subjects, technological studies, project based courses; Schools liaison contact : Institute staff have given talks to schools all over the UK. Initiatives : The BBSRC, Roslin's main sponsors, have developed resources for teachers. These include packs on how science works, its controversies, uncertainties and ethics. -> back Royal Society for the Protection of Birds School curriculum subjects : biology, maths, science, geography, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : The Learn web site gives useful information on projects relating to birds and the environment. Included are teaching resources for primary and secondary schools. Initiatives : Living Classrooms - RSPB field teachers lead school visits to nature reserves throughout the UK. -> back Forest Research School curriculum subjects : biology, science, geography, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : The Forest Education Initiative aims to increase young people's understanding of the environmental, social and economic importance of trees. Teacher resource material are available appropriate to age group and curriculum subject. -> back Scottish Natural Heritage School curriculum subjects : biology, science, geography, geology, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : The SNH Education web site provides a wealth of information, material and resources, for teachers. An Education Request Service can give further help. Initiatives : Meeting the Needs - a general guide for teachers in preparing and evaluating environmental curricular resources. -> back British Geological Survey School curriculum subjects : geology, physics, chemistry, science, geography, geology, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : The BGS Education & Popular Geology web site has information on geological topics developed with schools in mind. Initiatives : Science & Society - a programme of talks and visits together with a set of Education & Leisure Popular Publications. -> back Scottish Crop Research Institute School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, science, biotechnology, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : The Science for Learning web pages describe the Institute's involvement in science for schools. This includes visits to SCRI, theme days for biology & chemistry, teacher training and the production of material based on the National Curriculum Initiatives : The Living Field - a down-loadable resource for schools on learning about plants, soils, fungi, insects, worms, bacteria, vertebrates and invertebrates. -> back Science & Advice for Scottish Agricuture School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, science, biotechnology, land & environment, managing environmental resources; Schools liaison contact : See the Science and Plants for Schools web page which describes how SASA supplies ELISA kits to schools along with advice on their use. -> back MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit School curriculum subjects : biology, chemistry, science, biotechnology, human biology Schools liaison contact : The Unit's contribution to science in schools includes: workshops for teachers; equal access programmes; development of material for science festivals; scientists visiting schools to give talks. -> back Contributing to national outreach programmes ECRR members are involved in national programmes to encourage an interest in science: Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries for Schools which helps post-16 science students to take part in science-based projects, lasting 4-6 weeks, in universities, industry or research institutions, during the summer holidays. In 2005 projects were carried out at SAC, SCRI and Edinburgh University. Scottish Earth Science Education Forum (SESEF) is an association of educators and scientists promoting understanding of planet Earth in Scottish schools and colleges. SAPS Biotechnology Scotland Project (SAPS Scotland) develops science teaching materials and provides training for teachers. Other Science Outreach Links ASE - Association for Science Education An organisation for the promotion of excellence in science teaching and learning. ASE - Association for Science Education Scotland The ASE in Scotland. STEMNET A consortium of more than 100 member organisations that seeks to stimulate the interests of young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and in pursuing careers in these subjects. It promotes its mission through a UK-wide network of local STEMPOINTs. Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEA) are enthusiastic volunteers who are employed to work with schools and colleges. STEMPOINT Scotland There are four regional STEMPOINTS in Scotland, covering the West, East, Greater Glasgow and the North of Scotland. Aims of STEMPOINTS include: providing a 'one-stop-shop' for information on STEM; encouraging cooperation in organisation of events; promoting publicity on successes for students and teachers. Science & Engineering Ambassadors SEAs are volunteers with a science background who work with schools, providing support and encouragement, as well as role models, for young people in science, technology, engineering and maths. British Association for the Advancement of Science Information on a host of initiatives including award schemes, science fairs, discovery days, and educator days. British Association for the Advancement of Science CREST Scheme Awards scheme for project work in science and technology aimed at 11-19 year-olds. Encourages students to develop their scientific curiosity, problem-solving and communication skills. ISE5-14 - Improving Science Education 5-14 Supporting teachers of environmental studies in Scotland. SSERC - Scottish Schools Equipment Research Centre A resource for those seeking information on science teaching. LT Scotland - Learning & Teaching Scotland Online Service Provides resources and advice for teachers and others involved in education. Science Live Guide to science presenters and outeach science shows. Science Learning Centres Professional development in science teaching. Planet Science Information, ideas and classroom resources for primary and secondary school teachers. Research Councils UK Science in Schools A variety of activities, resources and grant schemes which are available for teachers and others delivering science, technology, engineering and maths in schools. Nuffield Foundation Science Bursary Scheme The scheme helps post-16 science students to take part in science based projects, lasting 4-6 weeks, in universities, industry or research institutions during the summer holidays. Science One Stop A reference point for primary and secondary school science teachers organised by the Association for Science Education. BBC Schools Many online learning resources for the national curriculum.