UPGRADE OFFER: Teaching practical science: biology NE707 / A20

Duration
3 Weeks
Learning Method
Online Delivered CPD

Summary

Online course. There are only so many ways a student can look at an onion cell, so how do we engage students with biology practicals? It is essential that students studying biology are given the opportunity to practice and embed understanding of practical skills in preparation for assessment of their learning.

This online course allows you to discuss the relationship between theoretical concepts and practical work, challenging you to think about what is happening in the classroom and what your students are learning through practical work in biology. Develop and share creative ways of teaching practical biology with approaches that are applicable to a range of curricula, for example GCSE required practicals and other practical syllabuses for 14-16 year old students.

Teaching Practical Science: Biology

"This course has helped me to think about what I want from pupils when they complete practical activities, so they can see what they are learning and how the practical is helping." - Participant feedback

Join this course

Book onto our Teaching practical science: biology online course through the STEM Learning website and you can purchase an upgrade for only £20 +VAT. You will get unlimited access to the course and recognition with a STEM certificate on successful completion.

Usual upgrade price is £52 on FutureLearn.

Join on FutureLearn for free to get time-limited access without a certificate.

Who is it for?

The course has been designed as CPD for teachers of science subjects for 14-16 year olds. Teachers of biology, early career teachers, returning teachers, non-specialist teachers, technicians and teaching assistants will gain from the peer learning and resources available on this course. Learn from national CPD subject leaders, the experience of other teachers and access high quality supporting resources throughout this course.

What topics are covered?

This three week course covers:

  • practical work for 14-16 year olds for the following key topics: enzymes, microscopy, microbiology
  • contextualising practical work in biology to the everyday environment
  • how progression in practical work impacts on students’ learning
  • assessment of learning through practical work
  • approaches to teaching practical science that can be applied to other topic areas

This course takes around three hours per week to complete and you do not need to be online at any specific time.

This course has been developed by the Subject Expert Team at The National STEM Learning Centre. You will be supported online by our secondary science professional development leaders, including a Q&A opportunity.

Outcomes

You will be able to:

  • improve your confidence in delivering and evaluating teaching for practical skills in biology for 14-16 year olds
  • define effective learning outcomes for practical work in biology
  • reflect on the effectiveness of practical activities on every students’ learning
  • design progression and assessment approaches within practical work
  • collaborate with peers, educators and mentors to share and critique ideas for teaching practical science

Sessions

DateTime
Practical science: biology in the 14-16 classroom09 November 202000:00-00:00

Notes

This course is hosted on the FutureLearn social learning platform. The email address you give when you apply will be used to send you joining instructions and information about your course. Please make sure you can be contacted directly with this email address. You will be asked to create a FutureLearn account with the same email address you register, if you do not already have one.

In addition to STEM Learning Terms and Conditions, by booking on this course you are consenting to your details being shared with FutureLearn under their Terms and Conditions for Invited Learners. By booking onto this course, you agree that your information will be held by FutureLearn and National STEM Learning Centre as data controllers in common, and your progress on this course will be monitored by STEM Learning.

If you have booked in advance of the course being available, you will receive access to the course on FutureLearn no later than the course start date.

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Cost

Fee-paying school or college (independent)Activity fee£20.00 +VAT
State-funded school or collegeActivity fee£20.00 +VAT

Additional information

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