Teaching practical science: physics NE706 / C19
Summary
Online course. It is essential that students studying physics are given the opportunity to practice and embed understanding of practical skills in preparation for the assessment of their learning. This free 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 physics. Develop and share creative ways of teaching practical physics 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.
If no dates are shown, you may still be able to join this course directly on FutureLearn. Mentor supported until 07/08/2020.
"The course had excellent videos and tutorials on physics practicals, which is invaluable as a non-physics specialist and has definitely increased my confidence. It also challenged me to think how I could better assess progress of my pupils, build in formative assessment and plan for progression." - Participant feedback
Who is it for?
The course has been designed as CPD for teachers of science subjects for 14-16 year olds. Teachers of physics, 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: electromagnetism, radiation and waves
- contextualising practical work in physics 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. You can choose when and where to participate, studying around your work and life commitments. You are supported and encouraged to discuss your ideas with fellow teachers, try out activities, apply concepts to your teaching context and reflect on your practice. You will have access to high-quality resources, including classroom footage and guidance from experienced teachers and careers experts.
You will have five weeks free access to this course. To receive a certificate (once eligible) and for extended access, you will need to Upgrade with FutureLearn.
Who are the course leaders?
This course is led by Adam Little and Tom Lyons, STEM Learning.
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 physics for 14-16 year olds
- define effective learning outcomes for practical work in physics
- 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
| Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching practical science: physics | 13 July 2020 | 00:00-00:00 | Online course |
Notes
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.
This course is hosted on the FutureLearn social learning platform. In booking on this course you are consenting to your details being shared by the with FutureLearn under these Terms and Conditions: https://about.futurelearn.com/terms-for-invited-learners
By accepting the National STEM Learning Centre’s invitation to register on this course on FutureLearn, you agree that your information will be held by FutureLearn and National STEM Learning Centre as data controllers in common.
Actions
Cost
| Fee-paying school or college (independent) | Activity feeFree |
|---|---|
| State-funded school or college | Activity feeFree |
Participants from outside the UK will be charged the course fee and an additional £120 per day plus VAT.
Additional information
Alternative dates
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