UPD8

SCIq UPD8

Teaching about 'How Science Works'

Learning about the nature of science (known as How Science Works in the National Curriculum). is a vital component of a good science education. But it’s one that many pupils – and teachers – find challenging. SciQ is an original solution from upd8 to make How Science Works more accessible, and more exciting!

SciQ represents a major step forward for upd8. Instead of just producing individual activities, we are organising them into complete ‘teaching sequences’ - for a range of key science concepts.

What is ‘how science works?

It's a set of concepts and skills that help pupils critically challenge the science they meet in everyday life:

• to identify questions that science can (and cannot) address, and how scientists look for the answers
• how to evaluate scientific claims by judging the reliability and validity of the evidence
• how to critically appraise their content of reports of science they meet in the media, and to communicate their own findings
• to consider scientific findings in a wider context, recognising their tentative nature
• to make informed judgements about science and technology, including ethical issues

(See 'How Science Works' finder for the 14 HSW statements in the National Curriculum)

SciQ: 5 stage teaching cycle

We have organised our teaching sequences into a 5 stage model called the '5E's. It is based on principles of constructivism and active learning.

1. The 'Excite' stage
   First build interest in the subject, to propel pupils into the learning process. This could be with news stories, online video clips or other stimuli.
2. The 'Explore' stage
   Next pupils gain concrete experience and familiarity with the concept, before any formal definitions. This could be through hands-on, games, or discussion.
3. The 'Explain' stage
   Now comes the ‘teaching’ stage, where pupils are given explanations and how the concept relates to other ideas. They then practice using it.
4. The 'Extend' stage
   This stage is about achieving ‘transfer’. Pupils apply the concept to familiar and unfamiliar contexts and problems,. This is the stage upd8 activities traditionally addressed.
5. The 'Examine' stage
   Finally, the assessment of pupils’ understanding. This could be through quizzes, observation, or a ‘performance assessment’ such as making a presentation.