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ASE's Outdoor Science Working Group
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With thanks to Rolls-Royce
for the use of the above photographs
Welcome to The Association for Science Education's Outdoor
Science area which is supported by the activities of
our Outdoor
Science Working Group. and is working as part of
the Real World Learning Partnership. The partnership
was founded in 2003 to influence decision makers, support
teachers and increase participation in out-of-classroom
learning. Members include the Field Studies Council,
RSPB, Royal Geographical Society, Geographical Association
and National Trust.
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
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This map, that appears in the September 2008 edition of Primary Science, shows some of the wonderful
places to visit outside the classroom – and if you visit SchoolScience and look
in the news section on the home page, you will find a few more! |
Download the booklet, Out-of-Classroom: Practical
information and guidance for schools and teachers. Published
May 2006. All schools have also been sent a copy of
this booklet.
The Working Group is currently working on a leaflet
showing progression opportunities for science in out
of classroom environments from 4 to 19 years. We would
welcome examples from across all the sciences and in
a range of urban and rural situations. Please send them
to Marianne Cutler on mariannecutler@ase.org.uk
Below are some articles on outdoor science in pdf format
taken from The Association for Science Education Journals,
School Science Review and Primary Science
Review. The Journals are part of the benefits of
being an ASE member. please enjoy these sample articles,
If you are an ASE member logon and select the Journals
Tab to access all the articles in the members area
We are encouraging the Science Learning Centre courses
on KS4 How Science Works (data and enquiry skills focus)
to include elements on outdoor learning/fieldwork. Take
a look at www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk
for details of these courses running during this summer
term and beyond.
To find out more about ASE’s Outdoor Science work,
contact Marianne Cutler on 01707 283000 or email mariannecutler@ase.org.uk
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