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FAQs Teacher Scientist Network (Teachers)

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What is the Teacher Scientist Network North East?

The Teacher Scientist Network is a scheme that puts the scientific community of the North East’s industries and Universities into contact with the teachers of science in the North East Education Community. The core activity is a network of one-to-one teacher-scientist partnerships. The scheme is based on the ground-breaking and highly successful best practice model of the TSN in Norfolk www.tsn.org.uk

The main purposes of the network are:

• To support and encourage teachers in helping them to deliver up-to-date and relevant science.
• To help counteract the ‘eccentric boffin’ stereotype of scientists.
• To encourage scientists to interact with teachers and children.

Who runs the Teacher Scientist Network North East?

The Teacher Scientist Network North East is coordinated from Science Learning Centre North East in Pity Me, Durham www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk/northeast and is funded by a grant from One North East, the Regional Development Agency covering Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham and the Tees Valley www.onenortheast.co.uk

The TSN Coordinator at the centre is Claire Willis. Claire has a long career in non-formal science education working initially with the national chain of Sea Life Centres and then as Education Manger at Newcastle’s Centre for Life.

Claire ran her own science education company providing bespoke workshops for local schools, regional science festivals and museums and has good links with the EBP network, local businesses and universities. She has delivered national biotechnology CPD training as well as writing resource material for several popular science websites.

You can contact Claire on 0191 370 6215 or claire.willis@durham.ac.uk

What will the Scientist do in school?

Many teachers encourage classroom visits from the scientist so that their children and the scientist get to know one another; children can talk to a 'real' scientist and get to know him or her as an ordinary person. The scientist may help the teacher or the children develop new investigations and other activities, perhaps by suggesting different contexts or procedures. Occasionally the scientist may make a more direct contribution by illustrating his or her work. As well as offering advice and expertise, some scientists are able to help with resources and materials for a particular section of school science work.

What other activities are there?

There are meetings where information and ideas are shared and exchanged and a newsletter keeps members in touch with network activity. For all teachers there are master classes in particular subjects, and occasional evening seminars on science matters of the moment. You can attend as many or as few of these as you choose. There are other one-off events for teachers and children, such as the Christmas Lecture series, often in partnership with other organisations.

How much of my time will this take up?

Typically, TSN partners meet at school at least once each term. However some partners prefer more frequent meetings or a more long term ‘block’ of contact. Each partnership, with help initially, makes its own arrangements - whatever suits; whatever is needed.

You will need time for planning any special lessons with your TSN partner but this should not take up any more time than normal lesson planning.

TSN Members contact one another informally about science and about science education. The core activity of the network is contact and communication between 'partnered' scientists and teachers but other activities and meetings take place so that the network sometimes meets as a group.

Who can join?

The Network is open to anyone who teaches Science in a State school, whether Primary or Secondary.

How much does it cost?

There is no fee for joining the Teacher Scientist Network, it is completely free.

Do I need any special resources?

No, you don’t need anything special to become involved although you may find that your Scientist can offer you access to resources they may use in their work. In addition, Science Learning Centre North East runs a ‘kit club’ which allows you to borrow equipment and resources for classroom use at no charge. (Insert link to Kit club)

How do I join?

You can fill in the online form here or contact the TSN Co-coordinator directly on 0191 370 6215 or at claire.willis@durham.ac.uk . The TSN Co-coordinator will then try to find a Scientist to match your requirements in your area and arrange an initial meeting for you both. We look forward to meeting you soon.