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 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
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.
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.
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?
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 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.
The resource is in response to the current Coronavirus issue. It is a WORD CLOUD that can be printed out, laminated and put on notice boards. The wording of the World Health Organisation webpage was used to produce the word cloud.
There is also an instruction sheet to enable teachers and students to make their own images with different topics, colours and shapes.
Digital literacy is increasingly important! This resource has two record cards for teachers to track students literacy and digital literacy from starting school to adulthood. This document has many uses and possibilities and can be used in all curriculum.
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 three documents to advise teachers about Citizen science.
NOW WITH ADDED STUDENT SHEET. This resource focuses on physics with two others featuring chemistry and biology. There is also a bundle containing ALL three.
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 biology with two others featuring chemistry and physics. 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.
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. Different projects can be used for EACH year group.
Suitable for students of all ages and across all curricula.
Careers advice for primary schools. This resource is to support primary school teachers delivering KS2 careers and PHSE (Personal, Health, Social Education). There is a detailed advice sheet for teachers to find enterprise and financial resources and to help pupils find information about jobs, careers, and their future. In addition there is a record sheet for pupils to fill in during years 4,5 and 6. It should also provide feedback for teachers to see if pupils raise their aspirations.
National Careers Week is in early March each year.
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.
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
Word clouds can be used for displays, section dividers in folders. Images can be simple clouds or a whole range of shapes which are seasonal, topical or just attractive.
There are four reasons for using the ‘What is the Question technique:
(i) it encourages students to develop their thinking skills
(ii) through discussion, students use and therefore internalise technical, scientific language
(iii) as the method is not used in classrooms frequently, it is more engaging
(iv) it is fun and there are no right answers therefore students make more of an effort to find suitable answers.
The resource consists of a single PowerPoint slide with six ‘answers’ related to graphene. Students are asked ’ If this is the answer, what is the question?’
It is a powerful tool to develop students thinking skills.
Possible answers are provided but there is no right and wrong.
There is a second visual version with images instead of words. ? It will be helpful to students with difficulty reading words; it will be useful to students who are visual learners; it provides an alternative approach for other learners.
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.
. 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.
Five resources using the concept of alphabetic animals. The Alphabetic Animals – teachers sheet has about 1000 animals listed. An amazing resource for any science teacher! Will help you with quizzes, competitions, vocabulary improvements etc. The youngest children can draw animals starting with a single letter. Animal challenge encourages younger children to collect animals and get stars; animal usage gives ideas to teachers; alphabetic animals sheets encourage students to build up their vocabulary until the end of primary education. Plan for the pupils to keep it and improve from year to year.