Connecting Science

Connecting Science is a new enquiry-based course with built-in flexibility to enable personalised learning. At its heart are interactive resources that can be presented on-screen from the Dynamic Learning Network CD-ROM. The CD-ROM screens are topic-based, matching the topics in the Connecting Science Pupil's Guide and Teacher's Guides. A resource menu lists the digital resources provided for each topic (Core and Options lessons). The relevant Teacher's Guide page can also be opened, providing lesson plans with learning objectives and levelled outcomes for each topic. The lesson plans in the Connecting Science Year 7 Teacher's Guide show how resources on the Dynamic Learning Network CD-ROM support each part of the lesson. Users can also search for resources by keyword, topic and resource type, allowing teachers to select relevant contexts for their school vary task style to meet the individual needs of different learners customise and adapt schemes of work to suit different teaching styles and levels of experience. The resources on this Network CD-ROM provide: task briefs to support activities from Options lessons background information, stimulus images and vetted weblinks to motivate pupils and support them in completing tasks and activities write-in planners to support pupils in planning open-ended enquiry or research skills tutorials to show how to think scientifically, analyse and communicate results animations of concepts which are hard to visualise interactive quizzes and open-ended tasks to review pupils' progress and encourage them to assess their own progress. The tools provided also enable teachers to import their own resources and weblinks into the lesson groups, and to populate a VLE at the click of a button. ASE and the Centre for Science Education are delighted to be working with Hodder Education to support relevant and contemporary Science in your Key Stage 3 teaching through full integration of Upd8 Topicals with Connecting Science and Science. Visit www.dynamic-learning.co.uk or www.upd8.org.uk to find out more about this exclusive partnership.

About the Author :
Lynn Chapman originally worked in bio-industries and medical diagnostics before training as a science teacher at theInstitute ofEducation,London. She then taught in a number of secondary schools heading a biology department and went on to become a Senior Lecturer, running the training programme for postgraduate and GTP science trainees at theUniversity ofHertfordshire. She also provides CPD courses (through the science learning centres and the ASE), and writes curriculum materials.Lynn is actively involved in research looking at the effectiveness of teacher training in promoting constructivist teaching practices.David E.Quinn originally trained as a physics teacher and subsequently managed a science department in the north east ofEngland. He then moved into the primary sector, becoming Headteacher, while continuing to develop curriculum materials for science. He currently divides his time between initial teacher training, providing CPD courses (through the science learning centres and the ASE), and writing curriculum materials. During the last few years David and Lynn have together developed courses to promote the structured teaching of scientific enquiry -- presenting their unique approach (the 5-part lesson) throughout theUK and beyond.