INNOVATIVE HOMEWORK  

HOPS - INTRODUCTION

This pack was produced to support the Renfrewshire Programme for 5-14 science. The pack consists of practical activities to be used as homework opportunities for classes P1 to S2.

A key objective was to produce activities which involved a practical investigation of science and which were directed at the key ideas in the science programme. Activities are provided which cover each stage of the programme from Primary 1 to Secondary 2.

The H.O.P.S. activities should not be seen as traditional homework, rather they represent opportunities to develop the children’s earning of science outside the classroom environment.  In this regard activities have been developed which address the key ideas of the science programme instead of being directed at individual attainment targets.

To effectively develop the learning of science in school it is important that we engage with the parents and other family members in pupil learning. A significant element of the pack is the involvement of other family members in the science activity. The activities are of a practical nature and usually involve the collaboration of parents or other significant adults.

It is also necessary to ensure that the materials provided do not present an additional burden to the teachers. All of the activities suggested are designed to be carried out at home or in the local area. There is no marking associated with the activities.

The objective was to produce a set of opportunities for practical science which could be easily carried out at home, which teachers could utilise easily to support the learning of science.

Context

The activities are set in the context of the units, which make up the science programme. Each unit addresses a number of Attainment Targets usually at two levels. Rather than address the ideas of science in an atomistic way the activities have been designed to deal with the key idea within a unit.

In order that we can clearly identify the key idea in a unit each unit has an associated key question, the answer to which represents the key concept covered in this unit.

In this model the curriculum represents the gradual development of an understanding of scientific concepts through the answering of these questions.

For information contact:

Bill Fleming, Education Adviser
Renfrewshire Council
Abbey House,
8 Seedhill Road,
Paisley PA1 1JT                        (0141-842 5619)

bill.fleming@renfrewshire.gov.uk