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 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,
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.
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.
Citizen science projects for all three sciences - biology, chemistry and physics. These three documents to advise teachers about Citizen science.
NOW WITH ADDED STUDENT SHEET.
Citizen science in an increasingly important tool in classes where science is being taught. It means that students better understand the importance of science and the scientific process through an active involvement with the science community.
Different projects can be used for EACH year group.
The resource contains advice for teachers about using, reporting and publishing information about participation in Citizen Science projects. There are also web links to a range of projects.
Suitable for students of all ages and across all curricula.
This is one of three documents to advise teachers about Citizen science. NOW WITH ADDED STUDENT SHEET
This focuses on physics with two others featuring chemistry and biology. Citizen science in an increasingly important tool in classes where science is being taught. It means that students better understand the importance of science and the scientific process through an active involvement with the science community.
It contains advice for teachers about using, reporting and publishing information about participation in Citizen Science projects. There are also web links to a range of projects. Different projects can be used for EACH year group.
Suitable for students of all ages and across all curricula.
This is one of a family of 14 resources aimed to encourage independent research skills for more able students. NOW WITH ADDITIONAL TEACHERS’ GUIDE. There is a blank template and example topics including: ac generation, batteries , 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,
This is one of a family of 14 resources aimed to encourage independent research skills for more able students. NOW WITH ADDED TEACHER GUIDANCE. There is a blank template and example topics including: ac generation batteries, 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. Contains a basic and an advanced template which are differentiation tools to stretch more able students. PLUS an additional word cloud idea to add fun to learning
NOW WITH ADDED TEACHERS’ GUIDE! Idea for Catch up after lockdown .
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: a.c. generation batteries, electromagnetism, graphene, industrial processes, magnetism, metals, nanotechnology, newest elements ( atomic numbers over 100) manufacture of polymers, rocks, solar energy, wind generation.
This is 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 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.
Why not download a FREE solar energy lesson?
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. In this case - careers. Subject teachers need to advise students about possible careers in their subject. There is a list of physics careers available here
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
This worksheet is one of a series of three, covering physics, chemistry and biology. It is for students aiming for the highest grades in their science examinations. These students may be part of a STEM programme.
The resource is suitable for GCSE science, physics, A level physics in the UK, International Baccalaureate (IB) and other international curricula.
The sheet could be given to students at the beginning of their courses in electronic format and students encouraged to try references that interest them. There is a checklist to enable students to keep a note of what has been tried and how effective it is . This information should be regularly shared with others in the group.
The resource is particularly useful as this information is not readily available to students (or their teachers).
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.