Education News

Getting Good at Science

Education News from Alleyn's | www.alleyns.org.uk

Brett Goldspink, Science teacher at Alleyn’s Junior School tells us how to enjoy doing science activities at home with our children.

Parents frequently ask me how they can help their child in science at home. First, if you don’t have a background in science, stay calm! We are no longer the gatekeepers of knowledge, but (with the aid of technology) the facilitators of knowledge. If we don’t know something, that is completely fine and we can respond with, ‘how can we find out?’ Metacognition is the art of finding out, how to find things out. With the plethora of resources at our fingertips it is easy to create an enjoyable, shared learning experience for everyone. The pandemic has facilitated an explosion of websites offering resources to support science education both on and offline and they are very often free.

Hitting The Sweet Spot

Some of the most rewarding science investigations can be done cheaply with the most basic of ingredients. Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar with washing up liquid is an exciting and instant reaction that can bring gasps of astonishment. Water and fizzy vitamin tablets in a film canister will explode with screams of delight. Ride your child’s wave of enthusiasm with an online clip or a printed explanation of what they have seen to fuel their passion of wanting to find out why. This is the sweet spot where learning occurs.

Technology Is Your Friend

Most parents don’t want an online resource but technology can enhance learning and that doesn’t need to be indoors. Download a stargazing app on your phone and go out and look to the skies at night! January is the perfect time to see Venus and Mars and the moons of Jupiter. Find the constellations of Orion and Taurus. With the most basic telescope (perhaps a Christmas present?) the Moon becomes a thing of wonder and if you check the International Space Station calculator, discover an incredible amount of detail about every star you see.

Throw A Science Party

TOP TIP: Get a set of water-based dyes for less than £10. These won’t stain and there is a huge range of colours. A few drops go a long way. When diluted, these solutions are perfect for playing mad scientists or making magic potions. Pinterest is a touchstone for planning a science party which is easy on the pocket. From charity shop shirts transformed into lab coats to kitchen cupboard chemistry ideas, it is certainly the place to start. A word of advice: try everything out first (because you will enjoy it as much as them!) and make jelly!

Watch TV!

Your TV is your friend, especially when it comes to science documentaries, because when your child watches documentaries on any subject they are still learning. Look out for Stargazing Live and any other scientific programmes. They could inspire your child in science, and in other subjects too.

Useful Links

• www.stem.org.uk/primary-science • www.pstt.org.uk/resources/curriculum-materials

Science-Fun-at-Home • www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/learn/gsc-at-home