Whizz-bang for ASE Scotland 2013

2 Whizz-bangs, 17 marvellous molecules and 13 Aberdeen Schools awarded Primary Science Quality Mark – 1 Amazing ASE Scotland Annual Conference 2013.

ASE Scotland Annual Conference 2013 rallied to dispel the myth that ‘whizz-bang’ hands-on science experiments are banned in classrooms. Conference workshops aimed to counter claims that hands-on science is a no-go in the classroom with workshops. ‘Gonnae dae that again’ by the Institute of Physics and Dr Bunhead’s Science Education ‘dangerous demos’ workshop was packed with fire tornadoes and foam fountains. 

Gregor Steele, Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC) said, “‘Compensation culture’ is blamed for fearful school managers putting a stop to the high octane, high voltage activities... However, the truth is that very little that was not banned decades ago is banned now and, if it is banned, then it’s for a good reason. The whole subject is awash with myths and misconceptions.” SSERC’s sessions explained how to work safely with materials of living origin; sampling blood, using saliva, keeping animals and dissection. See Scotland Herald Article

The Crieff Molecule Hunt draws to a close at ASE’s ‘Science Fun Factory’ on Saturday 9 March 2013. As part of ASE Scotland’s ‘Science Fun Factory’ at the Crieff Hydro, local children and their families were invited to find molecule models in 17 shop windows in Crieff. A sweetie shop, woollen mill and delicatessen all took part in the Molecule Hunt, demonstrating that science is everywhere. The molecule models were linked to what the shops produce or sell from theobromine in chocolate flavouring to tartaric acid, an additive used in cheese production, the caffeine in our coffee and oleic acid, a constituent of olive oil. See Strathallan Times article

ASE Scotland Annual Conference celebrates 13 Aberdeen Schools awarded Primary Science Quality Mark. Bramble Brae Primary, was one of the first in Scotland to gain the Primary Science Quality Mark. "It's an award that seeks to raise the profile of science in the school and makes sure there is high-quality science going on throughout it," says Katie Glass, Science Co-ordinator and genetics graduate now in her sixth year of teaching. It was one of 13 Aberdeen schools to win PSQM recognition, following a pilot sponsored by BP. This year, 28 Aberdeen schools are pursuing the award and many of the teachers attended the conference at Crieff supported by ASE Scotland. See full TESS article

A BIG thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to ASE Scotland Annual Conference 2013. The ASE Annual Scotland Conference 2013 was held at Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire from 8-9 March 2013.