INTRODUCTION

Pupil activities outwith the classroom can be powerful motivating and enriching experiences. Teachers can build on interest and knowledge acquired.

Science Sacks     HOPS (Home Opportunities for Practical Science)      Other Homework Exemplars

‘…homework can too often be conducted in an environment which is antagonistic to ‘relaxed alertness’. Often homework is associated with exercises, drill or ‘finishing off.’   (Thomas and Dhority, 1997).

For homework to make a difference to understanding, it must engage the pupil in his/her own learning.

Innovative strategies such as science sacks, and HOPS, go a long way to try and make pupils responsible for developing their own understanding.

Other examples of innovative homework, which have been found to be useful, have been included here.

Some suggestions for homework other than sets of questions

Before a topic or unit:

• a relevant concept cartoon to be discussed

• bring in pictures/drawings of an animal/living thing/plant

During a topic:

• carry out a piece of research

• plan an investigation

• carry out an investigation

After a topic:

• construct a cartoon or fill in bubbles

• make a concept or mind map

• make up a quiz based on learning criteria

• make up a marking scheme based on a set of questions

• design an animal /plant or home or habitat for an animal or plant

• construct a true /false card sort/ KWL grid etc ,etc

Science Sacks are an innovative lending resource aimed to enhance understanding of all aspects of the School Science Curriculum for P5 pupils. They have been developed for use as a homework resource to make science enjoyable, interesting and fun for pupils. Skills such as prediction, sequencing, planning, reporting and observation are practiced during pleasant challenges, which can be shared with the family.

Each sack contains :-

• a science book

• science equipment or materials

• a related “hands on” activity

• an evaluation sheet for pupils with space for parents’ comments

• safety warnings

Some of the activities require the use of common household items.

In the sacks are books for the pupils to read, refer to and gain knowledge from. While carrying out science challenges, pupils will be putting into practice many language skills:-

• reading for information

• reading instructions

• reference skills

• functional writing of reports, lists and conclusions

A different sack is issued every two weeks to a pupil. They are taken home for ten days and returned with time allowed for the sack to be checked and consumable materials restocked before being reissued. A £10 deposit is collected to cover loss or damage to equipment. Activities are related to the curriculum but do not repeat activities carried out in the classroom.

Examples of Science Sacks for the strand ‘Understanding Living things and the Processes of life’ are:

• make a see-through garden

• minibeasts in the soil

• why do insects visit flowers? (see below)

Gowriehill Science Sack Number 1 - Insects

Understanding Living Things and the Processes of Life

Contents:

• Book – Dorling Kindersley Insects – Pockets Full of Knowledge

• Insect Activity Sheet 1

• Equipment:

  • magnifying glass

  • coloured Cards (red, yellow, blue, orange, pink, green)

  • 3 plastic bugs

  • plastic box

• Recording Sheet

• Observation Sheet

Insect Activity Sheet 1

Gowriehill Science Sacks

Understanding Living Things and the Processes of Life

Insects

Activity 1  - Why do insects visit flowers?

Experiment to find out which colours attract which insects.

What you need:  squares of coloured card (red, yellow, blue, orange, pink, green)

1. Lay the squares of card on the grass on a warm sunny day.

2. Find out which is the most popular colour by keeping a record of the insects that visit the cards.

Insects go to flowers looking for nectar. They are attracted to the flowers by the bright colours and smell or scent.

Parent Guide To Using Science Sacks

Science Sacks have been devised by the school to enhance understanding of all aspects of the School Science Curriculum.

The Sacks aim to develop an interest in science through enjoyable activities, reading and fun.

It is intended that prediction and sequencing, planning, reporting and observational skills will be practiced during pleasant challenges that can be shared with the family.

Each sack will contain:

• A science book

• Science equipment or materials

• A related ‘hands on’ activity

Some of the activities will require the use of common household items that we hope you will provide for your child to ensure the benefit form their experience.

The Books

In the sacks are books for the pupils to read, refer to and gain knowledge from. They do not need to be read from cover to cover but ‘dipped into’ as dictated by the activities and the pupil’s interest.

While carrying out science challenges, pupils will be putting into practice many language skills:

• Reading for information

• Reading instructions

• Reference skills

• Function writing of reports, lists and conclusions

Time allocation

We recommend that time be put aside every week to look at the books and instructions prior to carrying out the activity. Additional time allowance should be made afterwards for reading and reporting.

Responsibility and Cost

As the Science Sacks cost a considerable amount of time and money to put together, we do ask that children are encouraged to look after items in the sack responsibly and return them to school on Tuesday. Please ensure that all items are returned and report any losses or damage to items. There will be a charge for Sacks or items which are lost or damaged. We also ask for a £10 deposit from each child before they can borrow the Sacks. This deposit will be returned by June each year.