British Chemistry Master Class For Teachers Get A Visit From Lord Drayson
Science Minister Lord Drayson drops into a centre today where teachers return to the classroom to transform their practical skills and inspire the scientists of tomorrow.
The Minister will discover how a programme offered by the Science Learning Centre East Midlands at the University of Leicester helps teachers to learn new knowledge and techniques to deliver science classes which are even more exciting and relevant.
These include a multitude of hands-on practical challenges such as the “Cannon Fire” demonstration which uses chemicals to produce explosive noises and flames or the “blue bottle experiment” – where a clear liquid made up of two chemicals turns a dramatic Leicester City FC blue when shaken.
At the centre, Lord Drayson will meet the latest intake of 13 teachers on its TDA funded Science Additional Specialism Programme (SAPS), aimed at teachers who want to teach physics or chemistry to students aged 11-19 but do not have a degree or Secondary Initial Teacher Training specialism in the subject.
Currently they are non-specialist chemistry teachers, while some lead classes in other subjects, predominantly another science, PE or technology. SASP combines hands-on practical sessions alongside theory work, so that they can deliver exciting science lessons which challenge pupils and appeal to their natural curiosity.
Lord Drayson said:
“Science is exciting. Whether as teachers or ministers, we must communicate that to young people. Science careers provide some of the most rewarding and stimulating jobs available. It’s crucial that we inspire today’s pupils to become the next generation of scientists and take on the big challenges ahead – such as climate change.”
Since opening in 2004, more than 7,000 teachers, technicians and teaching assistants have graduated from the Science Learning Centre. The SASP course has been running for chemistry since July and the centre plans to start offering a new one for physics from July 2010.
The centre’s director, Sue Bull, said:
“We are delighted that Lord Drayson has chosen to visit the Science Learning Centre East Midlands at the University of Leicester. We hope he’ll be able to see that by working closely with colleagues from across the University we provide the very best training opportunities for all those involved in science education across the region.”
Topics: BIS, education, Governance, higher learning, Innovation and Skills, learning, Leicester, Lord Drayson, Minister, science, Science Additional Specialism Programme, secondary education, teacher, university
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