ASE Outdoor Science Working Group

Beyond the classroom: Inspirational outdoor science for all!

The Nuffield Foundation has announced that it will fund the ASE’s Outdoor Science Working Group to organise a series of invitational seminars focusing on the theme of outdoor science for all. Specifically, the seminars will address the following questions:

1. What have been the successes and failures and resulting impacts, of recent ‘outdoor learning’ initiatives on teaching and learning, particularly in STEM subjects?
2. How do we identify and build on existing good practice in terms of learning science outside the classroom?
3. What changes in curriculum, assessment, pedagogy, training and supporting resources are needed to enable teachers of STEM subjects to work together beyond the classroom?
4. What can we learn from research, in the UK and elsewhere, about effective teaching beyond the classroom and how can we implement transferable solutions into mainstream STEM education?

The questions will be addressed through a series of themes including: initial teacher education; CPD; policy; inclusion; assessment and examinations; and research into learning in informal contexts.

The seminars will examine opportunities for cross-curricular work involving STEM subjects and other aspects of the curriculum, particularly in the light of the new GCSE criteria.

Following the seminars, a summary with recommendations will be drafted for wide consultation among the STEM community and the final report will be launched at the ASE Annual Meeting in 2011.

More details of the initiative will be available in late January 2010 – watch this space