Highlights from the Primary Science CPD event (November 8-10, 2007 at the Glasgow Science Centre

Primary teachers from across Scotland gathered at the Glasgow Science Centre for an activity-packed CPD event. The group of thirty teachers explored the Science Centre, taking in the Planetarium as well as some of the exhibits on a whistle-stop tour. They were encouraged to think about ways of integrating the sights and sounds they experienced into their classroom learning and teaching. In the evening, they dissected a wide collection of children’s magazines searching for topical science ideas. This culminated in a poster presentation from each of the groups.

   
Figures 1 & 2 - Some sound activities from Dr. Bunhead’s workshop

The next day began with a wonderful presentation by Walter Whitelaw from Midlothian Council, on teaching today and then Marjorie Smith of Dollar Academy demonstrated the new resources, Let’s Talk Plants and Let’s Talk Environment. Bob Kibble of Moray House led a workshop on Sunshine, Shadows and Stone Circles and Gregor Steele of SSERC nurtured the teachers through an interactive session with their very own video digital cameras. That evening saw the use of Drama and Stories in the Primary Science classroom and the teachers experienced the realities of limited resources for families in a simulation activity called Basic Needs.

  
Figures 3 & 4 - “When the Sun is over here my shadow is down there” - Sunshine, Shadows & Stone Circles Workshop

Upcoming CPD events/activities for Primary in 2008