Nationwide, England (Yorkshire & the Humber)

21.05.2012

10am - 4pm

Futures is a cross-curricular project suitable for timetabled or off-curriculum learning. It challenges pupils to explore a positive sustainable future based on the principles of closed loop systems in nature. STEM Games inspired by London 2012 includes activities which explore fitness, fairness and the design of sports equipment. In both of these topics learners develop a set of STEM skills that promote enquiry based project work. In this induction day Futures will be used to exemplify the key features of cross-curricular STEM learning.

Agenda

10:00 - 10:30 - Session 1: Background to the Nuffield STEM Project
The Nuffield STEM project was designed in response to changes to the Key Stage Curriculum in 2008. This session explores the legacy of these changes and why cross-curricular STEM is still important.

10:30 - 11:30 - Session 2: Closed loop systems thinking
Activity 1 – Linear and Closed Loop Systems
Activities from Futures are used demonstrate how systems thinking can help learners distinguish between wasteful linear processes and the sustainable circular systems that characterise nature

11:30 - 11:45 - Break

11:45 - 12:45 - Session 3: Resources and pedagogy
Activity 2 – Unpacking a pod
Delegates will be introduced to the key features of the Waste pod as they plan its delivery in a school setting. They will learn how to navigate around the multimedia package and engage with the STEM skills framework.

12:45 - 13:45 - Lunch

13:45 - 14:30 - Session 4: Scaffolding project work
Activity 3 – Framing the project question
In this session delegates learn how to help learners define a key closed loop question as an alternative to a traditional green problem
.
14:30 - 15:00 - Session 5: Support for teachers
Activity 4 – Exploring the CPD modules
In this session delegates will explore and give feedback on a selection of the CPD modules available for use with teachers.

15:00 - 15:10 - Break

15:10 - 15:35 - Session 6: Planning training sessions
Delegates will consider their audience and present an outline plan on how they will present Futures/Games at a training session.

15:35 - 16:00 - Session 7: Plenary and next steps
The day will finish with a discussion about the best way that trainers might promote and disseminate Nuffield STEM Futures/Games to their respective audiences.

There will be opportunities to explore National STEM Centre resources and how the Centre can support teachers and trainers.

Audience: Consultant / Adviser, Head of Mathematics / Mathematics Coordinators, Lecturer, Mentor, Newly Qualified Teacher, Teacher

Contact Details: events@nuffieldfoundation.org

Venue Details: National STEM Centre, York