Innovative ideas from an international consultant on leadership, careers, science and use of the new technologies from around the world. Observed many distant learning lessons during lockdown and shares her learning with educators across the world.
Innovative ideas from an international consultant on leadership, careers, science and use of the new technologies from around the world. Observed many distant learning lessons during lockdown and shares her learning with educators across the world.
This is one of a family of 14 resources aimed to encourage independent research skills for more able students. NOW ALSO HAS A TEACHERS’ GUIDE. There is a blank template and example topics including: ac generation, batteries , electromagnetism, graphene, industrial processes, magnetism, manufacture of polymers, metals, nanotechnology, newest elements ( atomic numbers over 100), rocks, solar energy, wind generation.
This a one of many differentiation tools available to teachers. Research topics can be done in class, with books, in libraries, in rooms with computers or tablets. These topics would make an ideal cover lesson.
Research could be published in a school newsletter, the school website or blog or in student publication magazines and blogs.
Duration: This depends on the age and ability of the students. For youngest students it could be for a week’s homework. As students get older the tasks could be set for half a term, even a whole term, could be linked with a science fair, STEM activity, open evening, assembly or business or commerce event,
This is one of a family of 14 resources aimed to encourage independent research skills for more able students. NOW WITH ADDITIONAL TEACHERS’ GUIDANCE. There is a blank template and example topics including: ac generation, electromagnetism, graphene, industrial processes, magnetism, metals, nanotechnology, newest elements ( atomic numbers over 100), polymers, rocks, solar energy, wind generation.
This a one of many differentiation tools available to teachers. Research topics can be done in class, with books, in libraries, in rooms with computers or tablets. These topics would make an ideal cover lesson.
Research could be published in a school newsletter, the school website or blog or in student publication magazines and blogs.
Duration: This depends on the age and ability of the students. For youngest students it could be for a week’s homework. As students get older the tasks could be set for half a term, even a whole term, could be linked with a science fair, STEM activity, open evening, assembly or business or commerce event,
Ideal for catch up post pandemic. Also a differentiation tool. NOW WITH ADDED TEACHERS’ GUIDE. This is ONE of a family of 14 resources aimed to encourage independent research skills for more able students. There is a blank template and example topics including: batteries (hyperlink) , electromagnetism, graphene, industrial processes, magnetism, making electricity, manufacture of polymers, metals, nanotechnology, newest elements ( atomic numbers over 100), rocks, solar energy, wind generation,
This a one of many differentiation tools available to teachers. Research topics can be done in class, with books, in libraries, in rooms with computers or tablets. These topics would make an ideal cover lesson.
Research could be published in a school newsletter, the school website or blog or in student publication magazines and blogs.
Duration: This depends on the age and ability of the students. For youngest students it could be for a week’s homework. As students get older the tasks could be set for half a term, even a whole term, could be linked with a science fair, STEM activity, open evening, assembly or business or commerce event.
This is a detailed five page teacher guide about how to use the audits if Essential Digital Skills of both teachers and students, including strategies to develop skills gaps found through the audits and ideas about comparing and addresses mismatches between teachers and students’ digital skills.
After lockdown, when people return to school, suddenly digital literacy has become really important for both students and their teachers. As education is catapulted into the 21 century digital skills are at a premium and are developing rapidly. This resource provides a series of audits for schools derived from the UK government Essential Digital Skills Framework which defines the digital skills adults need to safely benefit from, participate in and contribute to the digital world.
There are 12 FREE documents in the series:
• Digital Foundation skills audits for teachers
• Digital Foundation skills audit for students
• Digital Communication skills audit for teachers
• Digital Communication skills audit for students
• Digital Handling Information and content skills audit for teachers https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/digital-handling-information-and-content-skills-audit-teachers-12408412
• Digital Handling Information and content skills audit for students https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/digital-handling-information-and-content-skills-audit-teachers-12408412
• Digital Transaction skills afor teachers https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/digital-transaction-skills-audit-for-teachers-12408454
• Digital Transaction skills for students https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/digital-transaction-skills-audit-for-students-12408460
• Digital Problem-Solving skills for teachers https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/digital-problem-solving-skills-audit-for-teachers-12408432
• Digital Problem-Solving skills for students https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/digital-problem-solving-skills-audit-for-students-12408437
• Digital Being Safe and Legal Online skills for teachers https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/digital-being-safe-and-legal-online-skills-audit-for-teachers-12408953
• Digital Being Safe and Legal Online skills for students https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/digital-being-safe-and-legal-online-skills-audit-for-students-12409120
The wording for teachers, as the adults, is taken directly from the framework and turned into a checklist for schools to use. In the students’ checklists the wording has been slightly modified and the changes, made by the author, shown in red. The documents are in Word format to allow teachers to easily simplify and modify for their settings.
Managing My money Share Radio’s broadcast version of the Open University Business School’s eight week course with recognised accreditation
extension, enrichment, financial advice, independent learning, personal, social and health education, money management, ; income, taxation and benefits; expenditure and budgeting; debt and borrowing; savings and investments; housing, household balance sheet; pensions; insurance; economics; business studies, PHSE, Financial Capability, Managing My Money, finance,
Preparing to return to your school buildings? Ready to address and solve Post pandemic problems? This document is designed to help senior leaders devise strategies for helping students catch up and consolidate their learning. There are three strategies listed:
Independent Research Projects
Cross curricular projects
Collaborative learning projects
By setting simple research project teachers can help students to learn a lot about a subject very rapidly. Independent research opportunities are one of the best chances students can be given to deepen and widen their knowledge. Students who have been given opportunities to study topics of particular interest to them have on occasions gone on to do a doctorate in those areas!
Knowledge does not exist in little compartments and nor does learning. Cross curricular learning is important for students enabling them construct their understanding of the world. As we seek ways to help students catch up, CROSS-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HELP TIME CONSTRAINTS – MORE CONTENT CAN BE COVERED.
Collaborative learning is a much under-used technique in schools. . By talking and writing at the same time students can cross-fertilise ideas and produce much better material than any single student could do. When consolidating learning these experiences will provide opportunities to fill the gap in learning. If students are asked to produce a paragraph on a particular topic, then each student may have accessed different information during their home studies. By putting together three different collections of information, the students are able to share knowledge.
• Why not use the checklist to see which strategies your school is using to help students catch up and consolidate their learning?
• Ask different stake-holders to complete the document and compare their scores.
• Complete the audit when school re-opens, then at the beginning of the next two terms. What does the result tell you?
A word cloud creative activity on the topic of solar energy. This simple worksheet explains to students (and possibly their teachers) how to make a creative word cloud using text relevant to a lesson or series of lessons.
It can be used as a differentiated activity for a whole range of students. More able can import text from an essay, a Scheme of Work, a curriculum document.
Suitable for all curricula e.g. UK, USA, IB
Word clouds can be used in books, folders and on notice boards.
This is one of a family of 14 resources aimed to encourage independent research skills for more able students. NOW WITH ADDED TEACHERS’ GUIDE. There is a blank template and example topics including:ac generation (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/independent-research-project-ac-generation-differentiation-tool-12185726) batteries (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/independent-research-project-batteries-differentiation-tool-12185716) , electromagnetism, graphene, industrial processes, magnetism, metals, nanotechnology, newest elements ( atomic numbers over 100), polymers, rocks, wind generation.
This a one of many differentiation tools available to teachers. Research topics can be done in class, with books, in libraries, in rooms with computers or tablets. These topics would make an ideal cover lesson.
Research could be published in a school newsletter, the school website or blog or in student publication magazines and blogs.
Duration: This depends on the age and ability of the students. For youngest students it could be for a week’s homework. As students get older the tasks could be set for half a term, even a whole term, could be linked with a science fair, STEM activity, open evening, assembly or business or commerce event,
Differentiation made easy!
This resource provides differentiated practicals and quizzes for the FREE solar lesson.
The higher level practical develops students investigative and team working skills; their report writing skills and prepares them for the world of work.
These differentiated resources not only saves teachers time but provides Professional Development for newer teachers with ideas and strategies to help them improve their teaching skills.
A strategy to stretch the more able students is a resource which aims to encourage independent research skills. There is a blank template and teacher guidance https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/independent-research-project-advanced-12192493
Another approach is ‘If this is the answer - what is the question (WITQ) in a word and visual form. The resource consists of a PowerPoint slide with a series of ‘answers’ relating to Solar Energy. Students are asked to create questions that would give these answers. The technique develops thinking skills as there are NO RIGHT QUESTIONS.
The visual example is particularly appealing to students with dyslexia to students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and those with reading difficulties; lower ability students and a range of Special Educational Needs (especially if you allow them to speak their answer – not write it! Try using a digital recorder or voice to text for example);
The blank template provided allow teachers to design their own resources.
Word clouds appeal to a students’ creativity. The simple worksheet explains to students (and possibly their teachers) how to make a creative word cloud using text relevant to a lesson or series of lessons.
It can be used as a differentiated activity for a whole range of students. More able can import text from an essay, a SOW, a curriculum document.
Can also be used on display boards or in folders or exercise books… https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/solar-12272012
A range of imaginitive resources to teach solar cells, including lesson plan and resources, word clouds and 'If this is the answer- What is the question? technique.
These are magnetism and electromagnetism wordsearches adapted to lower ability students and visually impaired students. Letters are larger and there are only 15 words in the lower ability sheet with the simplest words.
Wordsearches are an excellent tool to develop and improve scientific vocabulary. Students should be encouraged to work together and say the words aloud to ensure they are internalised,
The sheet suitable for students with visual impairment (SEND) has good contrast colours (black and yellow), recommended font ARIAL size of 14.
They are suitable for students aged from 7 -15 for all curriculum
A range of resource types to extend a teacher’s repertoire and enrich the teaching of magnetism.
Independent research project template suitable for extending the more able students
What is the question? Slide giving six answers related to magnetism for students to answer; a page long teachers guide on a range of possible answers - basic, intermediate and advanced; teachers guidance offering advice for using the activity for a range of students; blank template for students to write their own
Word cloud with simple to follow instructions for students (and their teachers).
Word searches for higher ability and average students.
Word searches for lower ability and SEN visually impaired students
A word cloud creative homework. This simple worksheet explains to students (and possibly their teachers) how to make a creative word cloud using text relevant to a lesson or series of lessons.
It can be used as a differentiated activity for a whole range of students. More able can import text from an essay, a SOW, a curriculum document.
Suitable for all curricula e.g. UK, USA, IB
What is the question - magnetism - thinking skills -RECENTLY REVISED
This resource is designed to develop students’ ability to think and question.
Now contains: pedagological guidance for teachers to use the resources across a wide range of ages and abilities; a visual version and a blank template for students to design their own answers and questions and possible answers for basic, intermediate and advanced level students.
Why use what is the question?
Traditionally the teacher is the centre of attention, the owner of knowledge and information. In this situation the role becomes more a facilitator than an instructor. Students who learn to ask their own questions become more curious, take ownership of their learning, and demonstrate greater comprehension of challenging content the students are thinking and doing more, rather than the teacher.
Socrates wandered around Athens asking questions to get at a deeper truth. Since then teachers have used questions as a way to get students to think more deeply, rather than giving them the information directly.
Is applicable to all specifications, curricula and standards
**Duration: **
Can be used: as a five-minute starter at the beginning of a lesson to assess prior learning; a test of understanding in the middle of a lesson; an exit task at the end of the lesson or a homework.
As long as the question gives the answer on the slide it is correct.
Differentiation: Teachers can encourage older and more able students to re-phrase and re-formulate their questions, perhaps using a thesaurus.
Can be used in a wide range of curriculum
This is a series of differentiated word searches on topic of magnetism and electromagnetism. Word searches are ideal tools to use for developing technical language. In order to learn, students need to internalize vocabulary. Encourage students to work in pairs and say aloud the words they are using. This sheet is part of a series that contains a sheet for higher ability and one for lower ability and SEND - visual impairment. The answers are provided on a separate sheet.
The sheet is designed for the new science curriculum Y8 but is suitable for Y10 and most international curricular.
There are 20 words hidden: magnet, bell, coil, north, south, electricity, generator headphones, loudspeaker, motor, mri , record, storage, transformer, wire, pole , attract , repel, cobalt, nickel
There are only 15 words in the lower ability sheet with the simplest words from th list above used.
The higher ability sheet has additional, ‘if this is the answer what is the question?’ which allows for creativity and high level thinking.
The sheet suitable for students with visual impairment (SEND) has good contrast colours (black and yellow), recommended font ARIAL size of 14.
Independent Research templates for solar and geothermal, wind and batteries,
Differentiation opportunities - suitable for stretching more able students.
Comprising a detailed lesson plan; a word cloud activity; an independent research project template and two ‘If this is the answer, what is the question?’ powerpoint slides, one with words and one visual.
Consists of 3 documents: detailed lesson plan ; worksheet to go with video; exit questions and answers. The lesson plan contains sections on prior learning, introduction of new material, questions to check understanding, answers and techniques, differentiated activities, SEN modifications for visually impaired, hearing impaired, moderate learning difficulties, physical impairment and short attention span; differentiated opportunities; use of new technologies; health and safety; advice to teachers; exit questions and answers, enrichment, extension and homework.
This document gives advice to parents having to home school their children during the corona virus pandemic. The information is in two sections. There are ideas for free activities that engage young people such as on-line art, CAD, cartoon design, game design, music and painting. There is also a list of places to find resources.
Free resource! This is a PowerPoint presentation comprising 21 slides of which 8 are pictures showing 14 recent uses of solar energy by various countries across the world. In a rapidly changing world this presentation gives teachers and their students up-to-date knowledge.
• Up to date information about the uses of solar cells including:
• An engaging and visually attractive PowerPoint
• Class practical instructions
• A quiz for average ability
• teacher guidance
• SEN adaptation
• differentiation opportunities
• use of new technologies
• health and safety
• enrichment
• extension
homework
Could be used in conjunction with Independent Research Project template and teacher guidance - differentiation tool- solar
Can be used as part of an energy lesson, or a STEM day project.