This event, in partnership with Sheffield Institute of Education, is all about the most effective teaching to help our students/pupils be inspired by science and learn to their full potential. There is a rich and varied programme for EYFS, primary and secondary phases. Whether you are a practicing teacher, a trainee teacher, a researcher, a consultant or anyone with an interest in and passion for science education, the programme should have much to interest and excite you.

There will be a range of sessions for you to choose from as well as a substantial exhibition of providers of resources, equipment and services to science teaching/education. Full details of the sessions will appear here and on the ASE website soon.

The conference is hosted by Sheffield Institute of Education (part of Sheffield Hallam University, a short walk from Sheffield’s main railway station), who will also be making a big contribution to the programme.

Lunch and refreshments are included with the delegate fee. There are big discounts for ASE members and Trainee Teachers. If you are not already an ASE member why not join now and start taking advantage of the many benefits that membership offers. ASE is driven by its members and many give up their time to contribute to the varied work that ASE does for the good of Science Education. By joining, you support the great work of the Association and become part of a vibrant, expert and wonderfully supportive community. More details are available here: https://www.ase.org.uk/join

Programme details

Session 1 (9.45 – 10.45)

1.1 Primary, Enabling Accurate Teacher Assessment in Primary Science, Nicky Waller

This session will offer ideas and comprehensive support materials from CIEC to facilitate a whole school approach to carrying out, monitoring and providing evidence of teacher assessments in primary science lessons.

 1.2 Primary and Secondary, SAPS workshop drop-in, Fiona Woodhouse

A chance to consider some Plant activities and practicals for Key Stage 2, 3 and 4. These are based around the SAPS activities (see www.saps.org.uk) and you will be able to spend some time looking at the resources and having a go at trying some.

 1.3 Secondary, STEM club ideas for secondary students, Sarah Longshaw

The session will look at possible activities to include in STEM Clubs designed for KS3/4 students including different approaches to extend the ‘required’ practicals.

1.4 Primary and secondary, Attention please – meeting the challenge of the enquiry process Danielle Meeds, Joelle Halliday and Andy Bullough

Focused Science Learning’ Find out and experience how through a better understanding of ‘focus and attention’ teachers can engage their students more productively with science enquiry.

1.5 Secondary, Examining Inquiry in Science and Geography Classrooms Stuart Bevins, Eleanor Byrne and David Owen

In this session we will examine how ‘inquiry’ is used in science and geography classrooms, discuss the benefits and pitfalls of the approach, and compare approaches across the two subjects. The session will be a collaborative discussion that will aim to generate ideas for use in your classroom.

Session 2 (11.15 – 12.15)

2.1 Primary, Effective use of iPads in the Primary Science classroom, Bob Pritchard

iPads can be a powerful tool in the Primary classroom. In this hands-on workshop we will try out some key (and free) apps that can be used for teaching Science and helping pupils to Work Scientifically.

 2.2 Primary and secondary, Getting more out of the outdoors, Leigh Hoath

This session will focus on teachers’ teaching in the outdoor setting in order to support learning and management beyond the classroom. Leigh will share a simple pedagogical framework which can be applied to any age phase or outdoor location… from the school grounds to a longer residential.

2.3 Secondary, Back to the Future: How digital technology can enhance practical work John Walker and Lee Grahame

Research evidence has consistently cited benefits to children’s learning from effective use of digital technology in science practical work, but it remains under-used in many secondary schools. This practical session will provide a simple and straightforward introduction to some of the many ways that technology can be used creatively to enhance learning from practical science.

2.4 Secondary, SEND Learners – activities to help learning and retention, Rob Butler

Rob was a science teacher in a special school for twenty years teaching students through KS3 to Entry Level Certificate and GCSE. Rob will share with you a selection of his favourite strategies and resources that he has used with his students over this time to engage his learners and help them understand key topics and retain this information.

2.5 Secondary, Do physics!, Mick Rolley, Institute of Physics

Do Physics is a series of 20 short hands-on practicals designed to inspire provoke and engage. They may be used as starters, investigations or bait to draw students into greater involvement in Physics. They are cheap, easily set up and rich in intriguing Physics. KS 3-5

Session 3 (13.15 – 14.15)

3.1 EYFS and primary, How well are we progressing with working scientifically? Joy Parvin

Practical suggestions for tackling ‘Working Scientifically’ in each of the primary age groups, followed by a discussion of the successes and challenges faced by primary teachers and subject leaders. Free publication available.

3.2 Primary and secondary, Developing a framework for the biology curriculum Alistair Moore

The Royal Society of Biology (RSB) is working with the bioscience and education communities to develop an informed position for a framework for a coherent 5-19 biology curriculum, in preparation for curriculum development in the future. At this interactive workshop session, teachers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on a biology curriculum framework developed by our curriculum committee.

3.3 Secondary, Good Practical Science – Making it Happen Richard Needham

A practical session to try out resources to support Good Practical Science being developed by ASE

3.4 Secondary, The science of learning science Alastair Gittner

How we can apply what is known from cognitive and neuro science in our science lessons.

3.5 Secondary, Inclusive physics teaching, Rachel Hartley Institute of Physics

We’ll look at tricks, tips and something more strategic that you can do in your science lessons from the IOP’s Improving Gender Balance programme to help engage all your students

Session 4 (14.45 – 15.45)

4.1 EYFS, Awe and Wonder in Foundation Stage Sarah Steel and Louise Riches

How science is promoted through understanding of the world, how children develop, and the characteristics of active learning in EYFS (Playing and Exploring – Engagement, Active Learning – Motivation and Creating and Thinking Critically – Thinking) Practical hands on activities for three and four year olds

4.2 Primary and secondary, Measuring progress, Mary Whitehouse

A workshop to explore the process of comparative judgement as a way of assessing students’ progress in their learning in science.

4.3 Primary and secondary, The Wellcome CPD Challenge Nan Davies, Joelle Halliday and Emily Perry

The aim of the Wellcome CPD Challenge is to understand how we can ensure all teachers have access to high quality professional development. If you are interested in improving the CPD on offer in your school, this workshop will provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your approaches and consider next steps.

4.4  Primary and secondary, Practical STEM – Practical Challenges – Practical Action Bryony Turford

Join us to get to know our fabulous FREE online resources for your Science or D&T classroom; Science or STEM club and your Science week; all set in a real world global context. We will be hands on with one of our favourite STEM challenges and each attendee will receive a FREE teacher pack of resources and ideas to take away with them.

4.5 Secondary, Smarter Practical work – Sheffield Innovation Project David Garlovsky Abdul Hoque and Andy Bullough

We will explore our 1-2-3 approach of  KS3 practicals set within real life context that 1. endorses linked relevant KS3 content. 2. Develops practical skills that are needed to achieve results in required practicals at KS4. 3. Check progress in current topic.