1. Goals, Ambitions and Effects of Practical Work A short presentation on the techniques and aims of practical work James Bickerstaff

2. The Curriculum How science works features as heavily as understanding itself. “There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of science and how science works.” (1)

3. The Curriculum There are 3 processes which are needed to be learned for progress to be made; ◦ Practical and enquiry skills ◦ Critical understanding of evidence ◦ Communication (1) These skills and techniques are vital in both modern science and education.

4. Short and Long Term Advantages of Practical Lessons Short Term Improves ease of memorizing Challenges ideas and misconceptions Stimulates and motivates children Long Term Encourages curiosity and understanding of science Teaches communication skills Develops the ability to interpret results

5. The Chicken or the Egg? Should theory precede practical? Piaget’s developmental theorem (2) Could argue that humans are hard-wired to learn through experience rather than relaying knowledge. http://www.ted.com/talks/beau_lotto_optical_illusions_show_how_we_see.html

6. References 1. The national curriculum for KS3 - https://learningedge.edgehill.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_gr oup_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3 Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_103986_1%26url%3D https://learningedge.edgehill.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_gr oup_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3 Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_103986_1%26url%3D 2. Piaget’s developmental theorem - https://studentlife.tamu.edu/sites/studentlife.tamu.edu/files/EDM%20Work book.pdf https://studentlife.tamu.edu/sites/studentlife.tamu.edu/files/EDM%20Work book.pdf