Get set for the non-stop, interactive Ultimate STEM School Trip at Winchester Science Centre!

Suitable for children in KS1, KS2 and Year 7 in KS3, this all-inclusive experience lasts the whole day. All you have to do is decide which of the seven curriculum-linked workshops on offer you’d like to try, and the centre’s team will do the rest.

Blast off on an astronomical adventure in Discover Space, code your own robot in Bots, or meet the residents of the South Downs National Park in Marvellous Minibeasts, a brand new workshop for September 2023.

And that’s not all! All school visits will get a bespoke Planetarium show. Invite your pupils to take a seat and zoom through the Solar System for an experience they’ll never forget.

There will also be lots of time to explore the two floors of interactive exhibits. Climb into a massive guitar, experience the acoustics of a sonic rocket, and blast off on an out-of-this-world journey through Explorer:Space.

Stay the night

If you don’t want the fun stop, why not book a sleepover! Snooze in the crash-landed spaceship of Explorer:Space or set up camp inside the giant guitar.

A typical sleepover includes time to explore the exhibits, hot chocolate and a cookie before bed, a yummy breakfast, and a morning Planetarium show – a completely unique camping experience!

Bringing learning to you

If you can’t make it to the Science Centre, why not let the team bring some science ‘wow’ to your school with the Ultimate Stem School Takeout.

Find out how STEM can save the planet through inspiring, hands-on workshops, a fun-filled assembly, and engaging teacher resources. Launch your planet mission with an exciting pre-visit welcome pack.

You can choose one or all four of the curriculum-linked workshops. Each is delivered as a one-hour session to one class at a time.

Add on an explosive assembly filled with huge demos and your group will be treated to fascinating facts about the state of our planet. It’s perfect for KS1 and KS2 pupils. 

Winchester Science Centre can also bring the magic of the Planetarium to your school with its Mobile Planetarium experience, which lets you turn your school hall into a space port.

The state-of-the-art digital dome comes with an astronomy expert; they’ll present live Planetarium shows, play 360° fulldome films, and answer questions.

The team can’t wait to see you and your students very soon!

The post Enjoy an out-of-this-world experience with Winchester Science Centre appeared first on Teachwire.

Specimens like lilies, tulips or daffodils are particularly suitable for this activity.

I find it works well for children to lay each dissected flower part onto a large piece of paper, then to label the part and its purpose underneath.

This activity is also a great way to make real-world links to different jobs, such as botanists, who study plants, as well as helping to conserve and protect them.

So grab your favourite blooms and dig in! 

1. Sepals and petals

Begin the flower dissection by asking the children to carefully remove the sepals and petals.

Explain that the outer parts are sepals and that they protect the flower when it is developing.

Ask them to use their magnifying glass to see if they can spot any pollen on the sepals and petals.

Then ask them to give the petals a sniff. Explain that they are fragrant to attract pollinators such as bees to the flower. 

2. Stamen

Next, ask the children to carefully remove the stamen.

Explain that this contains the male reproductive parts of the flower and consist of anthers (containing pollen) and filaments (supporting stalks).

Remind them to be careful when handling the pollen because it can easily stain your clothes!

Encourage a closer look at the pollen using a magnifying glass. These tiny grains have evolved to be transported on pollinators. 

3. Pistil

The children will now be left with the pistil.

Explain that this is the female reproductive part of the plant and consists of the style (the stalk) and stigma (the sticky bit at the top).

Let the children gently touch the stigma to feel how sticky it is. This is to help it catch pollen.

Ask them to use their scissors to cut the stigma open. Can they see the gap inside it?

Then ask them to look closely at the style. Can they spot the hollow path down the middle? 

4. Style and stem

Now ask the children to locate the ovary at the base of the style, just above the plant stem.

Explain that pollen on the stigma travels down the hollow path inside the style and fertilises the ovules in the ovary. These fertilised ovules will develop into seeds.

Encourage the children to carefully cut the ovary in half lengthways using scissors and use their magnifying glass to take a closer look. 

5. Types of flower

Finally, take the children on a nature walk outside to look at different types of flowers.

Take a closer look at each flower with magnifying glasses to see which parts they have in common. What are the similarities? What are the differences?

Challenge them to find and take photos of other flowering plants that have both male and female parts in a single flower. 

Emily Hunt is an experienced primary teacher and senior leader with a passion for STEM education. She is the author of the 15-Minute STEM book series and shares STEM activities on her website HowToSTEM. Follow Emily on Twitter @HowtoSTEM 

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World Environment Day is a United Nations international day that aims to brings together people across the world and put the spotlight on the key environmental issues of our times.

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution.

When is World Environment Day 2023?

World Environment Day is on Monday 5th June 2023. Find out how you can get involved by visiting the official World Environment Day website.

World Environment Day KS2 maths lesson plan

This free KS2 maths lesson plan investigates single-use plastics while also covering key aspects of the maths curriculum.

Pupils will learn to analyse real-life data, create bar graphs and pie charts and more.

Year 6 writing model text

This two-lesson writing unit from Plazoom is based on an original model text by Anita Loughrey. Pupils can use it to identify arguments for and against the use of plastic, then write their own discursive text.

KS2 science resource for World Environment Day

This free PDF resource includes an article from The Week Junior about plastic bags and their effect on animals and the environment. There are also accompanying activity ideas to try, including writing, debate and maths tasks.

Find another free The Week Junior activity here, all about climate change.

KS2 recycling lesson plan

This free science and geography KS2 lesson plan encourages pupils to learn new facts about plastic pollution, and reinforces the view that caring for the environment is an important part of life.

October, October book topic

Use this free three-page PDF to explore the book October, October by Katya Balen in a cross-curricular way. The story focuses on our connection to the natural world, making it a great choice for World Environment Day.

Creative ways to reuse plastic bottles

This free PDF from the charity Global Ocean features ten creative ways to reuse plastic bottles.

Also from Global Ocean, you can also download two posters. The first is about how children can help fight plastic pollution. The second shows how plastic ends up in the ocean in the first place.

Global warming resources for World Environment Day

If you want to focus specifically on global warming, check out our round-up of the best climate change for kids classroom resources.

KS2 RE medium term plan

Science isn’t the only subject you can fit climate discussions into. This free RE medium term plan for KS2 explores stewardship in Islam, how the Hajj pilgrimage is being affected by the climate and more.   

Imaginary adventure to the Amazon lesson plan

Take an imaginary class trip to the jungle to study its unique environment, important weather patterns and environmental challenges. This free KS2 geography lesson plan will teach kids why the Amazon is so important and why it needs protecting.

RSPCA bees, pollination and honey lesson

This free minibeasts lesson plan from the RSPCA will get pupils thinking about different types of insects, our attitudes to them and the roles they play in the ecosystem.

This lesson focuses upon bees to give an insight into the complexity of insect life and to explore the beneficial effect of bees on humans and the environment.

Michael Morpurgo book topic

Use Judy Clark’s activity ideas to explore This Morning I Met a Whale – Morpurgo’s tale of a boy who spies a bottlenose whale in the Thames. There are loads of writing opportunities, from environmental information pamphlets to persuasive letters and news reports.

Build a mini rainforest shelter lesson plan

In this hands-on survival lesson for KS1, children will use teamwork, communication skills and lots of creativity and imagination to build mini rainforest shelters from outdoor stuff found in your school grounds.

Leaf book topic

Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann is a beautiful picture book with plenty of heart – but there’s bite here, too. Use these activity ideas to explore the threat of environmental imbalance with your KS1 pupils.

Kids Against Plastic

Before we can expect anyone to protect the natural world, we need help them learn to love it first.

So, Kids Against Plastic has compiled a load of visual resources that will hopefully help you bring the ocean, and some of its glorious inhabitants, into your classroom or onto your screen.

‘Earth’ acrostic poem printout

This printable worksheet tasks students with writing an acrostic poem using the word ‘Earth’, all about our planet, and why it’s important to look after it.

There’s also space for children to draw illustrations to accompany their poems.

Wildlife and habitats RSPCA lesson

Encourage your young learners to explore the world around them, think about the impact humans have on wildlife and what we can do, as compassionate citizens, to protect them.

These free KS1 activities from the RSPCA introduce pupils to the effect that human actions can have on both animals and their environments.

Persuasive recycling poster

This worksheet with writing prompts, taken from the OUP primary literacy resource series Project X Origins, is designed to help pupils create a persuasive poster promoting the benefits of recycling.

Environment and sustainability lessons

The YPTE (Young People’s Trust for the Environment) has a selection of lessons covering plants, animals, fairtrade, food miles, seashores and more.

Find more great environmental ideas and resources for celebrating Earth Day.

The post World Environment Day – Great ideas and resources for primary schools appeared first on Teachwire.

Earth Day happens every year on April 22nd to raise awareness for environmental concerns.

The first Earth Day was held in 1970. It’s now a popular hook for schools to use to have conversations with pupils around climate change.

Celebrations include various events coordinated globally by earthday.org. Around 1 billion people in more than 193 countries take part.

The official theme for 2023 is Invest in Our Planet.

When is Earth Day?

This year, Earth Day is celebrated on 22nd April 2023.

KS2 maths lesson

This free KS2 maths lesson plan will help you to look at the important issue of single-use plastics with your class. You’ll cover key aspects of the maths curriculum in a practical, real-world way by delving into real data.

Climate change debate reading and writing activity

This free resource pack for KS2 includes a story about the heatwave of 2020 from The Week Jr newspaper, plus a sheet of activities designed to get children talking, thinking and writing about the world around them.

KS2 book topic

October, October by Katya Balen explores our connection to the natural world, making it a great choice for Earth Day. Every page of this wonderful book will give your class lots to think about. Use this free plan to explore the book in a cross-curricular way.

KS2 RE medium term plan

Lots of subjects lend themselves to climate discussions, including RE. This free medium term plan by Adam Smith explores stewardship in Islam, how the Hajj pilgrimage is being affected by the climate and more.   

How to teach about the climate

Want to engage your pupils with the crisis without scaring them? Try these ideas from Nicola Penfold to show children the happy side of environmentalism…

1. Find relevant books 

There are many brilliant, engaging, thought-provoking stories out there to capture your students’ imagination and interest, including The Last Bear by Hannah Gold, Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari and The Last Wild books by Piers Torday.

For younger children, there’s a raft of picture books about protecting nature and plastic in the ocean, etc.

These titles generate conversation and empower change. They can also be prompts for creative writing.

A ‘climate-fiction’ story provides an intriguing setting and a ready-made goal (finding clean water / air / land / food / justice). Pupils can write survival stories, journeys and revolutions. 

2. Get gardening 

The nature crisis comes hand-in-hand with the climate crisis. Teach them together. Schools can make a big difference to biodiversity locally.

If every school encourages wildlife into its grounds – wildflowers, log piles, bird feeders, ivy screens separating playgrounds from roads – this adds to nature corridors up and down our country and allows more species to thrive.

It enables all pupils to play a part in protecting their local environment, too, whether they have outside space at home or not. 

3. Go outside 

Being in nature is good for us. The evidence is overwhelming. It makes us happier, healthier, calmer, even kinder.

Make time to take your class outside to any wilder areas in your school grounds, or visit local green spaces.

Enjoying being in the natural world is a gift you can give your pupils that, like reading for pleasure, they can benefit from their entire lives.

“Enjoying being in the natural world is a gift you can give your pupils”

The climate and biodiversity crisis are the biggest challenges we face, and there are difficult times ahead, especially for younger generations.

Many young people know this and are frightened. Equip them with the solace nature can provide. 

4. Model eco-friendly behaviour  

Reducing waste, encouraging recycling, introducing meat free days, avoiding single use plastic, starting a school compost heap – these habits spread out to families and the benefit goes well beyond the classroom.

Don’t underestimate the power of what you model and teach. One of my daughters learned about palm oil and orangutans at school and this directly changed our family’s shopping habits. 

5. Stay tuned to current events 

Many organisations reach out to schools with climate education tools, for example WWF has free live lessons you can register for online.

All these things increase around Earth Day in April. Celebrate it in your school.

You can also have a go at identifying wildlife you see outside.

It doesn’t matter if your starting point is ignorance; show curiosity and learn alongside your pupils (or from the more nature-literate ones among them). 

6. Find out about natural climate solutions  

What is rewilding? What natural habitats capture and store carbon? It goes way beyond trees. When researching my book I was fascinated to learn about the part whales play in the climate.

They feed in the depths of the ocean, but return to the surface to poo. Their excrement feeds vast plumes of phytoplankton, which in turn captures carbon dioxide (four times as much as the Amazon rainforest!).

When a whale dies naturally, it sinks to the ocean floor and the carbon in its enormous body is locked away for centuries.

Knowing that the natural world has in-built climate solutions can give us hope, and also make us double down on our efforts to protect it.  

Nicola Penfold is author of Beyond the Frozen Horizon (£7.99, Little Tiger). 

Using trees to teach climate change in KS3

We hear from Forestry England how a discussion of trees can be the springboard for some powerful lessons on climate change…

Trees play a vital role in tackling the climate emergency, by absorbing carbon dioxide and storing it as carbon in the form of wood. They can also play an important role in reducing flooding and keeping our air clean.

Introduce your students to the role that well-managed forests play in tackling the climate emergency by watching the below video.

Whether your school is located near a forest or not, trees can still be used to spark useful discussion. The cross-curricular activities below can be completed sequentially over a number of weeks.

Remember that it’s important to reassure your students that actions they take now can have an important positive impact in future.

1. Get outside

Take students outside and ask them to hug a tree in the school grounds or your local area – it’s a fun way to introduce the topic.

Discuss the tree’s natural and seasonal processes. How does it function? Where does it store carbon? What role does it play in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen?

2. Talk it through

Lead a discussion on how planting more trees can help ease local issues. Topics that could be covered here include sustainable timber, wildlife habitats and the wellbeing benefits of spending time in green spaces.

3. Self-reflect

Ask students to calculate how much carbon a specific tree can store, using this carbon capture activity sheet. Then ask students to research how much carbon they use themselves each day or week – this carbon footprint analysis table can provide a good starting point.

How many trees would you need to plant to offset this carbon, both individually and for the whole class?

4. Carry out an audit

Discuss whether there’s enough land to keep planting more trees to sequester our carbon needs. What else does your class think we could do collectively to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions?

Split students into smaller groups and ask them to walk around the school, carrying out an audit of small changes that can be made to help reduce carbon emissions.

Focus on areas such as energy, water, food, sustainable materials, waste, transport and biodiversity.

5. Weigh up the solutions

Review the groups’ audits during an open discussion, encouraging students to consider which suggestions are most cost effective versus those that will have the biggest impact.

Don’t forget to consider negative outcomes and mitigation tactics.

6. Draft a pledge

Use the information your students have gathered to draft a class pledge to tackle your school’s carbon footprint. Make sure it’s achievable and measurable, so that your class can see what difference they’re able to make.

Reassure your students that as individuals, we can have valuable impact – but that collectively, we can achieve so much more.

Forestry England’s climate change resource hub contains a range of free, curriculum-linked KS3 resources, including videos, case studies and student investigations.

The post Earth Day 2023 – Great activity ideas for schools appeared first on Teachwire.

Recent research by The British Science Association, however, shows that this isn’t what young people want, nor feel they need in order to prepare themselves for the future. In their view, they’re pigeonholed – forced to select between distinct scientific or creative pathways, and missing out on opportunities to develop multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving in process.

The shift of focus towards STEM and away from STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and maths) over the last decade plus has only exacerbated this trend, and seen creative subjects become increasingly relegated in importance.
It’s therefore no surprise that one of the key concerns raised by the BSA’s Future Forms research was a lack of access to practical teaching – something highlighted by students in science and art pathways alike.

Budgetary pressures

Tight budgets and increasing costs for schools have forced many to reduce their practical offering. Both science and art subject areas make regular use of perishable items – chemicals, paints and so forth – which can only be used once, which doesn’t help. Nor does the lack of teachers, particularly in science subjects.

Shockingly, one science teacher I spoke to informed me that he’d previously been forced to teach groups of 90 in a school hall when no teachers, not even a supply, could be found. When pressures like that take hold, practical offerings will often be the first to go.

However, budgetary pressures aren’t the only thing both subject areas share. There are some genuinely exciting ways of addressing these issues, while also giving students more of the connected approach between the two that they so desperately want. Let’s look at some examples of art history and science working in union, and see what we can take from them.

Art and biology

This is perhaps the most obvious place to start. We’ve all seen Da Vinci’s illustrations of human anatomy, and can instinctively recognise that visual understanding is a key skill for any student wanting to progress in medicine or veterinary science.

Combining observational drawing of animals with a science lesson in anatomy can open up two approaches to exploring the same artifact. This is great if you have a collection of beetles in the back office, or work at a school that still dissects mice – but if you don’t, then the work of Victorian botanist and artist Marianne North could provide you with a much easier route.

Her painting depicts exotic flowers from her wide travels, and was considered by Charles Darwin to be excellent documentary material for illustrating the theory of natural selection. Her rich, in situ compositions can be used in art as an artist starting point, and in science to illuminate the differences between the plants she captured and explore general plant anatomy. With over 800 paintings to choose from, her work provides both subject areas with a rich source to draw from.

Art and chemistry

Many of what are now our most commonly used colours were originally stumbled upon by scientists attempting to create something rather different than a novel shade to welcome in a new fashion season. My favourite account relates to William Perkin – a celebrated British scientist who sought to create a synthetic quinine which, during the mid 1800s, was the only known cure for malaria.

While experimenting with coal tar, he kept producing a light purple liquid. Alongside his passion for chemistry he had once also dreamed of being an artist, and with his curiosity piqued, he placed some fabric in the liquid. He soon realised he’d created a light- and wash-proof dye in a colour we now know as mauve, which went on to become one of the most sought-after dyes of the Victorian era and made Perkins a rich man.

His tale reminds me of the sessions I completed as part of my textiles degree, where we had to mix and dye a rainbow of colour swatches. These sessions bore all the hallmarks of science lessons, complete with the careful measurement and combining of different elements, experimentation and subsequent recording, annotation and storage.

Approaching colour theory and paint mixing from the perspectives of both disciplines can provide an interesting lesson in how to record observations, while improving students’ understanding of how colours, hues and shades can be created and altered – foundational skills for scientists and artists alike.

Art and physics

Some years ago, I was teaching a group of students who became interested in long exposure light photography. This resulted in them producing images of stars at night which shows some stars having light trails that were curved and others that were straight. Off to the physics department we went, knowing that what we saw in the photos had something to do with the rotatation of the Earth, but little more than that.

We soon learned that those differently shaped light trails were to do with a combination of both the Earth’s rotation and the direction the camera happened to be facing. When tracked north to south or vice-versa, the stars’ trails appeared straight; when tracked east to west, the trails would appear to ‘curve’ into circular lines.

We didn’t stop there. After we were kindly lent some lasers to photograph, we were able to give a follow-up lesson where students learnt all about light rays, diffraction, refraction, reflection and absorption. 

The images that came out of this were abstract and ethereal, captured as they were using a range of different camera settings, aperture sizings and ISO values. We used Photoshop in postproduction to further refine the images and produce striking contrasts between light and dark areas, and expanded our explorations to include light sources from torches, glowsticks and even sparklers.

These are just three examples of ways in which you can potentially draw on vast areas of research and practice – you’ll have your own particular interests and topics that you want to explore.

But whether you’re reading this as an art teacher or a science teacher (or indeed a specialist in any other subject), it’s well worth finding out what you and another department might have in common. You may be surprised where these connections might take you.

Take it further

Why stop there? Those ‘TEM’ subjects can make for similarly perfect art partners…

Technology

Classes can use an online tool called sketchpad.cc, which lets users ‘programme’ graphics using lines of varying thickness and colour. Once a set of instructions have been issued, sketchpad.cc will execute them in a continuous loop, resulting in continuously developing compositions. Similar alternatives can be found at randomart.com and scratch.mit.edu.

Engineering

The Angel of the North is as much an engineering triumph as it is an artistic one. Its foundations extend down 20 metres and are anchored to solid rock, while the work iteself employs 700 tonnes of concrete and 32 tonnes of reinforcing steel. Classes could explore the practicialities of top-heavy sculptures and how they can be secured, touching on the mechanics of weight distribution and properties of different materials.

Maths

Curves of pursuit were originally studied to devise more effective manuevouring strategies in naval battles. As one ship pursues another, the point the former is advancing to will move, creating spiralling lines and patterns. Exploring this in lessons will enable students to practice their skills at making precise measurements, and discover the work of artist Megan Geckler, who uses curves of pursuit and wool to create remarkable installations.

Hannah Day is head of art, media and film at Ludlow College

The post STEM – What students can learn at the point where science meets the arts appeared first on Teachwire.

What is National Pet Month?

National Pet Month raises awareness of responsible pet ownership and celebrates the many benefits of our cherished companions. Find education resources on the official National Pet Month website.

When is National Pet Month?

National Pet Month 2023 runs throughout the month of April.

EYFS ideas for National Pet Month

Looking after pets activity pack

Learn all about pets and how to take care of them with this simple matching activity from Plazoom. Children will explore images of pets and match the equipment that is needed to look after them.

There are lots of chances to talk about pets, plus use the included worksheet to draw and write about your own pet (or dream pet!).

Mog the Forgetful Cat lesson and assembly pack

Judith Kerr’s forgetful cat is over 50 years old! This free assembly plan and teaching pack will help you explore this classic story with your class. Children will:

• Link the story to their own experiences
• Explain why events in the story may have taken place
• Recognise and join in with familiar phrases
• Retell the story
• Sequence sentences and ideas
• Discuss the positive impact of pets on our lives

KS1 and KS2 ideas for National Pet Month

Animals and us

These lesson plans will help your class explore the topic of animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Pupils will also look at the work of the RSPCA and what they do to help animals in need.

MFL lesson plan

Use flashcards, mime and song to teach your class the vocabulary of pets in French, with this free KS2 lesson plan from Dr Amanda Barton.

Pets

Over 58.4 millions animals are kept as pets in the UK so it’s important to understand what they need to be happy and healthy. Does your class know how to care for their pets?

These free teaching resources will help children to understand pets as living animals with needs and feelings.

They’ll learn about the five welfare needs of animals kept as pets, how different pets have specific needs and what our responsibilities are to our pets.

Persuasive writing for KS1

Teach your class how to write persuasively with this KS1 text types resource pack from Plazoom. The resources are based on a model text persuading a teacher to allow a pet dragon.

The pack includes a model text, a writing sheet, idea cards, a writing plan and special themed writing paper.

Comprehension and writing for KS2

Download this free unit of work about how pets communicate with their owners. Pupils will explore pet ownership, including how to care for animals.

The included non-fiction article will develop students’ comprehension skills and inspire writing about which animals make suitable pets, an explanation of how to look after pets and a diary entry from a pet’s point of view.

KS3 ideas

Dogs and the law

In this free activity, students consider different laws relating to dogs and other pets.

Rights and responsibilities

Use roleplay to explore responsible pet ownership with this lesson plan which focuses on non-domestic exotic animals.

KS4 ideas

Debating animal welfare

In this free lesson from the RSPCA students will take part in debating a motion regarding animals and the law.

Find more great resources from the RSPCA at education.rspca.org.uk/education and follow @RSPCA_official on Twitter.

Pets in the classroom

• Danielle O’Connell, headteacher at Belchamp St Paul CofE Primary in Suffolk, shares how animals in school can support pupils’ emotional wellbeing…
• Adele Devine, a teacher at Portesbery School & director of SEN Assist, explains how your early learners with SEN can benefit from pet therapy…
• Cheryl Drabble, assistant head at Highfurlong School in Blackpool, explores how a therapy dog can boost behaviour and wellbeing in your school…

The post National Pet Month – Great lesson plans to try from Early Years to KS4 appeared first on Teachwire.

A few days later, we found a pile of twigs and sticks in the corner of the playground. These gradually accumulated over the next few days.

The children started to talk about what was happening, particularly when they discovered some extraordinary teeth and fossils.

It wasn’t long before they made the connection with the T-Rex and started to think the pile of sticks might be its nest. In the following days, we confirmed this when a dinosaur egg appeared.  

Now, you may have guessed that this special dinosaur visitor was a bit of a stunt. And you’d be partially correct – but it was also much more than that.

The dinosaur nest was in fact part of a Year 2 cross-curricular approach to teaching about dinosaurs, supporting science, art, history and English.

It’s an example of immersive learning, an approach we use across our school. 

Immersive learning 

Immersive learning has its roots in immersive theatre. This invites the audience to move through a theatrical world as active participants.

We have found the approach gives greater purpose to learning for the children and increases their engagement.   

The dinosaur nest and the visit from the T-Rex gave children a sense of awe and wonder.

They engaged in a number of ways, including dissecting dinosaur poo in science to learn more about the animal’s diet; writing stories linked to the dinosaur nest in English, inspired by The Dinosaur’s Diary by Julia Donaldson and The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet by Tom Fletcher; and learning more about chronology and what the world was like during the time dinosaurs roamed the earth in history.  

Even now the project is complete, it has continued to have a positive impact on the children’s general engagement and communication.

They still find clues in the playground that they think could have been left behind by the dinosaur. It remains part of their day-to-day conversations.

Dinosaurs have been a topic of discussion and inspiration for much longer this year than they were during a different iteration of the topic last year.   

Why we use immersive learning

Using immersive theatre as a tool to educate, explain and enlighten is an emerging discipline.

We learned about it eight years ago when the charity Punchdrunk Enrichment led a whole-school immersive learning project.

It was about a travelling library, The Lost Lending Library, which arrived following the visit of a peripatetic librarian…  

Located behind a bookcase which had mysteriously replaced the door to our staff room, small groups of children discovered that it led into a fantastical library crammed with books of all sizes and colours.

They met the guardian of The Lost Lending Library, who told them about its travels and how it jumps from place to place driven by the imagination of young people.

The guardian explained that their colleague Gillian had reported a whole shelf of books missing. They asked the children to help by writing stories to replace them.  

All our pupils visited The Lost Lending Library and, whatever their age, were absolutely stunned.

Each child was given a library card so they could return, and in the days that followed they wrote many new stories for the library before it mysteriously disappeared. Although not before making every child a lifelong member!

We found that the children became much more engaged in their learning, enthusiastic about writing stories, and immersed in their work.

Children who usually never spoke in class contributed. Some families even reported that children were writing more stories for The Lost Lending Library at home. 

How to plan an immersive project

Immersive learning connects well with the creativity that so many primary teachers bring to their job, but it does require planning; dinosaurs don’t just appear in playgrounds!

Here’s how you can make it happen in your school: 

1. Think about what you want the children to learn and how this links to the curriculum. For instance, following The Lost lending Library, we wanted to sustain the children’s enthusiasm and engagement in writing. We created ‘Gillian’s Room’ in the corner of the school foyer. This created a link to the original immersive learning experience and building on it. Throughout the year, each class visited Gillian’s Room as part of their creative writing work; writing more stories to keep the library well-stocked throughout its travels.  

2. Start planning early. Year 2 teachers developed the dinosaur nest in the summer term over a four-week period. It also linked with our autumn term whole-school topic theme of ‘time’. It fitted into teaching on chronology; getting the children to think about the past which is a key historical skill in KS1. Artefacts in the nest such as the ‘fossilised’ dinosaur teeth also enabled pupils to develop their understanding of historical enquiry, as well as short and long-term timescales. 

3. Small-scale is good – immersive learning doesn’t need to involve lots of expensive equipment and resources. For instance, the dinosaur nest was simply sticks and some papier-mâché teeth and bones. 

4. Involve colleagues – once you have devised your immersive learning project, let everyone know what you’re planning. It’s important everyone is engaged and can respond correctly to children’s questions. 

Making children experts

In all cases, immersive learning values the expertise of children. With The Lost Lending Library it is the children who restore the books and stories to the shelves.

In Gillian’s Room they are the ones who need to write stories to keep the lost lending library well stocked on its travels; and with the dinosaur nest we relied upon the children to explain what was happening.

This increases confidence and changes how they see themselves in relation to their learning and their school.

They become more enthusiastic learners, and it encourages greater participation and breaks down social barriers.

For example, we saw children interacting together who never normally talk to each other.  

We were recently inspected by Ofsted and they talked about the pupils feeling inspired in their learning.

Immersive is not the only way we do this, but it is certainly an important factor. 

Characteristics of immersive learning  

• The story happens to the learner – they are protagonists, their feelings are as much part of the story as the characters they encounter.  
• Learners have a specific role – they are cast as the experts who are uniquely placed to help.  
• Pupils’ work helps propel the narrative forward – learning is positioned as a chapter in an unfolding story. 
• Pupils experience a tiny part of the imaginative world.  
• Impact beyond the experience – learners are encouraged to take their new role, for example as expert writers of adventure stories, back to their normal lives. 
• A means to return – there is always the possibility for pupils to return to the world they visited. 

*Developed by Punchdrunk Enrichment 

James Searjeant is headteacher of Wyborne Primary School in New Eltham, Greenwich. 

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30 Second Briefing

1. Options for everybody

Made up of seven museums and galleries, National Museums Liverpool offers sessions for EYFS to post-16 students on topics ranging from Ancient Egypt and Transatlantic Slavery to fine art and wellbeing.

One of their venues, World Museum, has a planetarium and aquarium too, so there are even workshops where students can explore outer space or come face to face with live animals! 

2. Linked to the curriculum

All of National Museums Liverpool’s sessions are linked to the curriculum and have clear learning outcomes. These are clearly presented on their website for you to review prior to booking and align to your lesson plans.

3. Supported by resources

Many of National Museums Liverpool’s workshops are accompanied by resources and activities which you can complete before and after your session.

They will help to prepare your students for what they will experience at the museum or gallery, and post-workshop, will help to consolidate what they have learned during the session.

“National Museums Liverpool offers sessions on topics ranging from Ancient Egypt and Transatlantic Slavery to fine art and wellbeing.”

4. Affordable and accessible

For its core workshops for schools and groups, prices range from £49 to £99 per class. Each session can cater up to 30 or 32 students, meaning your workshop could cost as little as £1.54 per student. Booking is easy too, with the option to choose your slot on the website and pay online.  

For those who find the price of school trips prohibitive, National Museums Liverpool offers a schools bursary scheme for primary and secondary schools located in the Liverpool City Region, which can cover the costs of a workshop and associated travel up to £300. This is currently available for workshops at International Slavery Museum.

5. Flexible and adaptable delivery

Some of National Museums Liverpool’s most popular sessions for schools and groups can be delivered virtually, if you aren’t able to travel to its museums and galleries.

There are two virtual classrooms available to book directly on their website, or you can contact the team about adapting your in-venue session if you can’t find what you’re looking for. 

Sessions can also be adapted for students with additional needs and you can discuss your requirements with the team in advance.

All of National Museums Liverpool’s venues are accessible and their website is full of helpful information which you can look at before you visit.

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Celebrating over 35 years of the bestselling DK Eyewitness series, DK are now inviting your class to find out even more amazing facts by joining their free 45-minute Ask an ’Ologist webinar, exclusive for schools, on 22 March at 10am. 

Intrigued? Find out how to attend and submit your questions here.

But who are these mysterious ’Ologists? They’re the experts behind the Eyewitness series – brilliant academics, TV presenters, museum curators, authors and even film consultants. Meet them below. 

“DK are inviting your class to find out even more amazing facts by joining their free 45-minute ‘Ask an ’Ologist’ webinar.”

Win books and a special school visit from an ’Ologist

These ’Ologists will be put to the test with the toughest questions of their careers – asked by your class! These questions can be submitted from now until 11 March here, with the ’Ologists selecting questions to be answered on the webinar itself.

AND what’s more – each will choose their favourite question, the writer of which will win a set of 50 Eyewitness books for their school and a school visit from one of the ’Ologists.

Meet the ’Ologists

For this inaugural session, DK (and a special to-be-announced guest host) will be joined by… 

Darren Naish, palaeontologist – Darren has worked for the BBC’s Natural History unit and is a science communicator and dinosaur expert. As a part of his work, he’s named fossil animals, dinosaurs and flying reptiles. 

Joann Fletcher, Egyptologist – Joann is lead ambassador for the Egypt Exploration Society and a professor in archaeology. She regularly writes and presents award-winning TV shows on the BBC and Channel 4. (Picture courtesy Dr Amr Aboulfath.)

Cat Hickey, zoologist – Cat works at Whipsnade Zoo and is an expert in biodiversity, conservation and genetics. She also spent a year in Madagascar working with ring-tailed lemurs! 

Jack Challoner, scientist – Jack trained as a science and maths teacher before working for London’s Science Museum. He has written 50 books on science and technology.

So how does my class take part?

Enter the competition and ask your class’ questions here. No question too big or small, just make sure that they are related to DK’s four chosen topics of Dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, Science or Animals.

Submitting questions is easy and takes less than five minutes; simply gather your class’ questions beforehand and submit them in one go. 

Find out more about the event and sign up for updates here, or be the first to know registration details (as well as details on future events like this) by signing up to DK Learning.

What is the DK Eyewitness series? 

Loved by teachers and kids across the world, DK Eyewitness is an amazing series of books that cover just about every subject under the sun (including astronomy!). Every book is jam-packed with photos, illustrations and juicy awe-inspiring facts designed to help kids become real experts. Browse the books here.

The post Challenge the experts & win exclusive prizes with DK in this special free webinar! appeared first on Teachwire.

30 Second Briefing

1.  The ‘Wow!’ factor

Nothing beats the look on students’ faces when they enter the room and find the dome there waiting for them. The anticipation builds, and then they go through the entrance portal and into another world, or out into the universe!

Teachers and staff are also carried away by the excitement and it becomes an incredible learning experience for all. 

We can also bring our incredible Campo del Cielo meteorites so that the students can touch a piece of rock that has come from space and is over 4.5 billion years old!

“A truly magical experience for everyone. Incredible service from the moment they arrived and delivered the shows. The children will be talking about this for weeks!” 

2. A range of options

We have the world’s largest fleet of dome – 23 at current count – to suit every space. From our smallest four-metre dome to the seven-metre, eight-metre and beyond, if you have the space, we can fill it!

The larger the size of dome, the more students can partake in the experience. For those not in the dome, we also have other options, including VR headsets, drones and Augmented Reality cards, where students can see the universe come to life in front of them. 

Language is also no barrier, as we have films available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Slovak, Polish, Russian, Tamil, Telugu and Turkish, both with subtitles and narration. 

“An amazing experience, with such incredible service from staff. FIVE STARS!”

3. A range of subjects

A planetarium isn’t limited to astronomy! While the jewel in our crown is our adaptable, presenter-led astronomy shows, delivered by our highly-trained staff, we can bring a range of subject films to your students.

This includes all the sciences, geography, geology, palaeontology, art, culture, design, history, music, photography, dance, film and maths, and even a reduced version of Romeo and Juliet for English! 

If you need live-action historical presentations, then our staff can take you back to WWI, Tudor times, or even show you how mediaeval weaponry worked. Viking axe-throwing? We can do that too! 

We are also great believers in the power of storytelling, and can enthral all ages with tales for World Book Day, or run workshops on CVs and interview techniques. If that’s not enough, then we also provide STEM-based board games to keep your students occupied!

“We highly recommend the company; nothing too difficult from the moment they arrived and very flexible programmes.”

4. Accessibility

Accessibility is incredibly important to us, as we want to make sure that no student is left without the opportunity to access the universe. All our domes can accommodate wheelchairs, and we can provide hearing loops where needed.

We are the UK’s leader in developing SEN/PMLD content, and were the first planetarium company to earn the Good to Go rating in 2020 for our COVID-safe measures. 

We also want to ensure that location isn’t an issue, and we boast full national UK coverage, as well as further afield. If a visit is not available, then we can reach classrooms virtually through Zoom, Teams and other software and deliver shows to your students that way! 

“Brilliant value for money, with a premium feel to the whole experience – the school will not forget.” 

5. Price

We believe in fair and transparent pricing, which is why you can look up all our prices on our website, alongside a bursary scheme for schools and charities that may not be able to afford the full cost. 

And finally, while other companies may be putting their prices up this year, we have committed to celebrating our ninth birthday by taking nine per cent off all our 2022 prices!

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