Plant science summer school NV202 / A15

If you are interested in the Plant Science Summer School please send an email to saps@hermes.cam.ac.uk prior to booking, to register your interest and to complete a pre booking questionnaire to confirm the course is suitable for you.

This course gives a select group of post-16 biology teachers the opportunity to join a plant science summer school hosted by some of the leading lights in plant science.

The programme aligns with the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School for biology undergraduates, and shares some of its inspiring practical workshops, contemporary plant science research updates, and discussions on the importance and relevance of plant science. This residential summer school takes place at the end of the summer term from 26 – 29 June, near York. You’ll stay in accommodation close to the summer school venue. A generous ENTHUSE Award is available to eligible schools to cover costs and to support the implementation of your professional development.

Inspired by the sessions, you will be supported - during the summer school and afterwards - in producing new teaching and learning resources relevant to new post-16 biology specifications. In time, these will be disseminated via the SAPS website, the ASE annual conference, and the National STEM Learning Centre and Network. The aim is to engage other teachers and students, in line with the mission of the summer school to inspire and motivate future plant scientists. Gatsby, SAPS and STEM Learning value excellent teaching about plants in schools and colleges: this summer school is one way to support and encourage enthusiastic teachers.

You’ll have access to the facilities and resources at the National STEM Learning Centre. In return, you will be expected to implement an action plan for developing teaching and learning resources inspired by the summer school, to be drafted by November 2016. To help with this, the course includes an online component to extend and embed your CPD, providing you with support when back at school or college, and enabling you to collaborate with others, sharing experiences and resources. You will receive support to enable you to complete your action plan or gap task and you will also be able to access the STEM Learning online community after this period. The online component is an integral part of the course and has been included in the fee and the associated ENTHUSE Award (normal terms and conditions apply).

Practical sessions for 2016 include:

Plant pathology with FERA scientists track pathogen infections using real time PCR and identify common plant pathogens. Useful for the new GCSE specification.

Cell biology - use confocal microscopes to experience real time cell processes visualised with GFPs

Plant development - unravel the secrets behind the spiral and body form patterns, programme your own flower plan and re-create plant forms in-silico.

Plant ID - experience a fool proof way to identify and plant to family level and practice your field ID skills

Seminars and lectures for 2016 include:

Cutting pollution from our fields, Prof Liam Dolan, University of Oxford Conservation, ecology and genetics, Prof Kathy Willis of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Measuring forests from space to tackle climate change, Dr Ed Mitchard, University of Edinburgh

Next-generation biofuels, Professor Angela Karp, Rothamsted Research

For more details, and to apply for a place on the Plant Science Summer School please send an email to saps@hermes.cam.ac.uk.  You can read more about the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School for undergraduates here: www.gatsbysummerschool.org.uk