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Claire Willis, TSN Coordinator, Science Learning Centre North East
What is Scientists@Work? Scientists@Work is a project that brings small teams (~15) of secondary (Year 12) or FE students and their teacher/lecturer into direct contact with a working scientist. The emphasis is on practical experience and engagement with the research process.
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Scientists@Work combines two major components – a hands-on experience in a lab and a competition. The competitive element provides students with the motivation to stretch themselves to be the best.
Scientists@Work is based on a highly successful scheme that runs in Belgium with the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) with over 1000 students taking part every year.
This project aims to have youngsters and teachers come into contact with real world science in a qualitative and lasting way − in which the emphasis lies on practical experience, contact with scientists, and long-term interaction.
In addition to the obvious benefits to students (motivation, engagement, raising aspirations) teachers report that the scheme provides excellent professional development and the scientists enjoy working with the students, being impressed by their enthusiasm and commitment. |
How does Scientists@Work work?
A list of projects submitted by the scientists will be available for the pupils to choose from on the Science Learning Centre website. If their project has already been taken, an alternative project is offered. The scientist is then notified of the chosen school/college and a visit by the students is arranged by the Coordinator. The group of 15 students and their teacher/lecturer then work on the project with the scientist(s) for one day.
On the day, the students are welcomed by one or two scientists. They are shown around the lab and are invited to participate in the research and conduct the experiments together. The scientists may tell the students a little more about what their lab is working on and about their own projects in particular. The students are advised to take notes (and photographs, if permission allowed) on their experience in preparation for their written report. This report will be assessed in advance of the grand final by a judging panel.
Writing of the report may require further contact with the partner scientist. Searching on the Internet for international examples of similar research is also encouraged.
- The report is essential to the Scientists@Work process and if judged to be of an insufficient standard, would result in the team not securing a place in the final. Members of the jury are chosen for their experience in either teaching, science communication and/or industry.
- The 5 groups present their work at the final where they are invited to present a 10 minute poster presentation on their project to the judging panel as well as an invited audience. They will also be asked questions by the judges and audience members. All the participants of Scientists@Work receive prizes with the final 3 winners receiving 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd prizes.
The competition
Each group that is registered and assigned a project can take part in the competition by participating in the lab day and submitting their report to the organizer. All 5 reports will go through to the final.
Composition of the report
The report will consist of a project description, the nature and results of the experiments, the techniques used, thoughts, interactions with other scientists, etc.
The following criteria must be observed:
The report should be composed of an introduction, materials and methods, results, conclusions, abstract, references and introduction of the group (maximum 5 pages):
Introduction
Details of experiments, techniques used, information on the scientists research and other research being carried out in this field.
Materials and methods
How the experiment was conducted (Hypothesis)
Results
Which experiment was conducted and what the results were including identification of controls, reliability and format of data,
Conclusions
What can you conclude from the experiment and the information collected
References
References to articles or sources that were used in this project and the context of the research
Abstract
A brief one page summary of the whole project
Introduction of the group
Who took part in the project and who did what (enclose a group photo!)
Although we invite participation by the accompanying teacher, the report must be all the students work.
Submitting the final report
The report must be submitted to the organiser by the agreed date.
If the final report is selected by the jury to go through to the final, the teacher will be informed and the group should then prepare a poster and presentation for the final.
The following practical guidelines must be adhered to:
The poster may have the following maximum dimensions: 90 x 140 cm. 1 poster panel and 1 table is available per team. Extra materials can be displayed on the table to support the information on the poster. The jury will walk around the poster exhibition, examining each poster, and asking questions.
Each team have a maximum of 10 minutes for the presentation, after which the jury (and possibly the audience) will ask several more questions. The team may choose the number of students who give the presentation (with a maximum of 15). The PowerPoint presentation must be provided to the organizer well in advance of the final.
The final
The final − which is open to the public − will take place at Science Learning Centre North East, a local university, theatre or appropriate venue. The organiser will send out invitations and announce the event on the Science Learning Centre website and through the local press.
The groups can set up their posters and practice their presentation in advance according to a schedule determined by the organizer. Lunch will be provided. The jury will arrive at an agreed time and will examine all the posters and ask questions as necessary. Following each presentation, the jury − and possibly the audience as well − will ask several more questions concerning the content of the project.
After a brief deliberation by the jury – during which a reception is held in the exhibition area – everyone is again invited into the auditorium. Representatives from the groups that win the 5 th through the 4 th prizes are called onto the stage to accept their prize and a certificate. Next, the 3 rd, 2 nd and, finally, the 1 st prize places are awarded.
The supporting scientists are also invited to the final and may wish to introduce their groups project as well as explaining to the audience the kind of research they are involved in.
Information for the scientists
The organiser gives the participating scientists information about the S@W project and what is expected of them. This is important to create a ‘bank’ of scientists willing to participate in the scheme year after year.
Cost
Science Learning Centre North East has secured funding from Aim Higher to run this project between July 2008 and July 2010.
Timing
The following schedule is suggested for the UK Pilot;
August 2008 Invitation to scientists & project titles finalised
Sept 2008 Project ideas advertised and online registration
Sept 2008 Mailing to teachers
Oct 2008 Project registration to organiser (online)
Oct 2008 Twilight network meeting
Nov 2008 – Jan 2009 Lab visit & submission of thesis
Feb 2009 Notification of finalists
March 2009 Final Presentations
*Repeat of above with a further 150 students + teachers (10 projects)
Curriculum fit
This project complements the revised GCE ‘A’ specifications for all sciences which requires the teaching of ‘How Science Works’. In addition, the revised assessment of practical skills at KS4 and now GCE ‘A’ include an Investigative Skills Assessment (ISA). This activity provides an enhanced opportunity to practice the requisite skills in a real life situation.
This project also fits into the Applied Science Curriculum, in particular;
OCR Unit 1: Science at Work
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