Beyond the Text Book

Programme Outline

1. Multimedia

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) offers a number of ways to show pupils of all ages what is actually happening in science today.

The programme shows Year 10 students using interactive CD-Roms to simulate real situations in the classroom, updating their knowledge through the Internet by e-mailing questions to professional scientists and sharing ideas face-to-face by video-conferencing with scientists and other students around the world.

2. Science Shows

Across the country, theatre groups put on science shows for primary and secondary schools to bring the world of science to the classroom in person.

Tailored to address the science curriculum and the school's specific needs, the interactive demonstration shown in the programme aims to help primary schoolchildren understand the respiratory system, and help teachers build on the experience.

3. Workpacks

Many industries produce teacher-friendly workpacks complete with clear guidelines and pupil worksheets aimed at helping teachers bring hands-on science into classroom projects. In the programme, a Year 11 class uses a workpack that simulates the industrial production of ethanol, and Year 4 pupils carry out a structured series of experiments to explore reversible and irreversible reactions using readily available materials.

4. Clubs

One way that primary and secondary schools can extend science project work is through clubs that operates outside class time. The programme shows how one school has benefited through affiliation to The British Association Youth Section (BAYS), the national organisation that supports science clubs for children from 5 years of age. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 are seen working on experiments from one of the BAYS support packs.

5. Awards and Competitions

The wide variety of awards and competitions available offers tangible ways of maintaining pupils' interest in science. Children have the satisfaction of completing in-depth projects and gain recognition for the work they have done. The final segment focuses on how a secondary school uses the CREST Awards Scheme, which recognises achievement at four levels, to develop a progression in pupils' skills throughout the school.