Science: using the natural world for teaching science

This course is part of the Outdoor Learning Series for teachers and outdoor educators being delivered by FSC, three courses providing insights into different aspects of outdoor learning, all taking place at inspiring locations in Scotland. On this course there is a focus on holistic science and how we can ‘know’ more about the environment surrounding us. It will include activities and discussion on what is science as well as ways of scientific learning including traditional fieldwork, experience and intuition.

A focus on holistic science and how we can ‘know’ more about the environment surrounding us. It will include activities and discussion on what is science as well as ways of scientific learning including traditional fieldwork, experience and intuition.

Europe faces key issues of global importance: climate change, energy use and transport to name three. The economic and social future of the EU rests on meeting these challenges. Science will play a key role in exploring and developing viable solutions.

There is compelling evidence of the wide ranging benefits of science through fieldwork in natural environments. This course will explore how through outdoor learning students can connect science taught in the classroom to the community science needs to serve, and showcase a range of approaches to achieve this. Participants will learn about:

• Outdoor learning approaches applicable to teaching science;
• How local science experiments can link to issues of regional and global significance;
• The use of effective teamwork in scientific investigation; and
• The use of Assessment for Learning in monitoring student progression.

Workshops during the course will include:

Outdoor Science - an introduction to the science curriculum in England and the benefits of engaging in outdoor science.

Science and Teamwork – to succeed as a scientist teamwork is essential, using a series of teamwork tasks we will explore what this means for students and teachers.

Visit to Local School - We shall visit a school. We shall meet with teachers and students to see how they use their outdoor spaces for teaching science.

Boat Trip – investigating different sampling techniques and discussing ethical issues of educational benefit versus environmental impact of fieldwork...and how to explore ethical issues with students.

Rocky Shore - activities: including geology based experiential activities and the interaction between this and organisms on the rocky shore.

Plankton – lab session looking how to make concepts rarely explored with children in a practical way accessible – e.g. creating food chains of plankton observed under an scanning electron microscope.

Aquarium and museum – how to integrate this type of facility into other learning activities at a centre.

Coastal ‘fieldwork’ – including practical ways to explore the concept of ecosystems services.

Saturday 31 October to Friday 06 November

For more details and to apply visit us here.