ResourceInfoTable

From OER in Education
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21st century show and tell Digital Media
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A DEFT case study with Dinnington Comprehensive, Rotherham

This cross curricula(i) case study focusses on Digital Literacy, in particular using E-skills(i) to: support skills in writing/recording for a target audience and to improve communication and research skills through the process of creating OER(i)s. The case study illustrates issues involved in the use of video(i) for educational purposes, with an emphasis on students producing and releasing OERs. The method could also be used for self/peer assessment(i) with pupils.

One of the lesson ideas from the case study is available as a separate resource at Creating Instructional Videos.

Teacher Education TE0107
88 Miles per Hour Astronomy
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Aiming to win 'A level' recruits with a trip to the strange world of relativity and quantum mechanics
The lesson initially looks at time travel, however the overriding theme is that of modelling(ta) and scientific method(ta). It aims to show students that it is acceptable to get a result that doesn't fit with what you expect. It just means you need to change what you expect next time!
Science Secondary SC0023
A global dimension to science education in schools Global education
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Science and technology beyond the Western world
This study unit is aimed at teachers who would like to give a more global feeling to their teaching. It shows how to source articles with an emphasis on science and technology beyond the Western world and how to incorporate them into teaching the curriculum.
Science Primary Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE017
Active Engagement Group work
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This resource is a longer DfES document on active engagement/active learning(ta) from which some other shorter, more focused, resources are drawn including Using Drama Activities and Using Thinking Skills.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0081
Alien Life Astronomy
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Are we alone?
This last of six presentations to recruit students for A level physics, is more light-hearted and simpler than the two previous resources. It considers the arguments around whether or not humanity is alone and includes an initial look at the bizarre nature of many of the claims of alien encounters - including a fictional one for good measure - before moving onto the more serious side of alien hunting. It concludes with a probabilistic argument based on the Fermi paradox.
Science Secondary SC0024
All in a Jumble Handling Data
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My measurements have got all jumbled up! Swap them around and see if you can find a combination where every measurement is valid.
This lesson idea is about applying and consolidating(ta).

The collection of NRICH activities are designed to develop students capacity to work as a mathematician. Exploring, questioning, working systematically, visualising, conjecturing, explaining, generalising, justifying, proving are all at the heart of mathematical thinking.

This particular resource has been adapted from an original NRICH resource. NRICH promotes the learning of mathematics through problem solving. NRICH provides engaging problems, linked to the curriculum, with support for teachers in the classroom. Working on these problems will introduce students to key mathematical process skills. They offer students an opportunity to learn by exploring, noticing structure and discussing their insights, which in turn can lead to conjecturing, explaining, generalising, convincing and proof.

The Teachers’ Notes provided focus on the pedagogical implications of teaching a curriculum that aims to provoke mathematical thinking. They assume that teachers will aim to do for students only what they cannot yet do for themselves. As a teacher, consider how this particular lesson idea can provoke mathematical thinking. How can you support students' exploration? How can you support conjecturing, explaining, generalising, convincing and proof?.

Maths Secondary M0063
Assessment for Learning Assessment
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Research shows that good practice in assessment for learning can bring about significant gains in pupil attainment
Assessment for learning has been defined as the process of interpreting evidence to decide where learners are in their learning, where they need to go and how best to get there. When assessment(ta) for learning is well established in a classroom, pupils are actively involved in their learning; able to judge the success of their work and to take responsibility for their own progress.

For some shorter more focused documents drawn from this DfES document see Giving Oral Feedback, Giving Written Feedback, Sharing Learning Objectives and Outcomes.

Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0082
Using Assessment to Raise Achievement in Maths Assessment
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Learning goals; self & peer assessment; effecting questioning; marking and case studies
This resource explores approaches to assessment(ta) in maths, including the sharing of learning objectives(ta), group work(ta), whole class(ta) assessment, questioning(ta) and more. Four case studies serve as useful discussion prompts to share practice(ta). This .doc version of the QCA's 'Using assessment(ta) to Raise Achievement in Maths' allows schools to select parts of the document that are most relevant to them.
Maths Primary Secondary Teacher Education Books External Resource TE0074
Astronomy Master Class Astronomy
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An overview of of six astronomy-related lessons resources (SC019 to SC0024)
The Astronomy Master Class was developed to inspire the next generation of scientists and in particular physicists. Although this course of 6 lessons is framed mostly around the science of astronomy, it draws on many themes from physics and aims to show how they all can link together. Additionally, it is structured so that it deliberately does not cut across material in most standard GCSE science courses and does not aim to answer every question. A deliberate part of the design was to visit each topic area only briefly and leave students hungry for more.
Science Secondary SC0018
Blog skills for subject specialists Blogs
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Starting with the basic principles of blogs(tool) and blogging, this secondary course looks at their use within education and how they can be used to improve teaching and learning.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0036
Building bridges from a piece of A4 paper Force
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A bridge too far...
This activity supports a number of learning types:
  • small group work(ta) - investigation conducted by small groups reporting back to the class.
  • whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) - discussion of each situation open-ended questions(ta) – why did this happen? what do you think causes this movement?
  • peer assessment(ta) – do peers agree?
  • project work – linked in with the rest of the activities in this OER, topic work in design and technology, literacy, numeracy
  • inquiry(ta)-based learning – initial presentation to the class can be framed as a problem for them to solve; co-enquiry – children working collaboratively
  • arguing and reasoning(ta) – persuading each other about their explanations.
  • exploring ideas – developing understanding of key scientific principles.
Science Primary SC0048
Celestial Wanderers Geology, Solar system, History, Astronomy
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Why would we fly to another planet to study its rocks?
Drawing on a rich range of sources, this presentation allows the teacher to introduce planetary geology(topic), something not normally studied until degree level. It uses the narrative(ta) of the Voyager Probes journey to illustrate the vastness of the solar system(topic) and also the challenges of designing a spacecraft to travel that far. It ends with a discussion of the history(topic) of Mars, and how the differences between it and the Earth resulted in Mars loosing its water and atmosphere whereas we have kept ours.
Science Secondary SC0021
Changes in Science education Science Education, Science curriculum, Curriculum planning
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Get down to the core of why we teach science
Providing an overview of current issues in UK science education, this unit examines what type of science the curriculum should cover and for what purpose. It introduces students to practical problems in the delivery of an effective science curriculum(topic), and particular questions at all three educational tiers - primary, secondary and tertiary - are touched on. The unit can be used to assist curriculum planning(topic)
Teacher Education External Resource TE013
Changing KS3 Questions for Engaging Assessment Assessment
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A large set of questions grouped by topic, paper, and national curriculum level
Test questions are often seen as uninteresting and useful only to assess pupils summatively. This resource however allows questioning(ta) to be used to support pupils’ revision, creativity and higher order(ta) problem-solving in class. The tasks could be conducted via whole class(ta) discussion(ta) or assessment(ta), perhaps using mini-whiteboards(tool), or in small group work(ta) situations.
Maths Secondary Teacher Education M0023
Circles, frustums and cylinders revision Area
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Measure the volumes of objects
This resource offer students the opportunity to engage in active learning(ta) - measuring and calculating using large size cylinders and frustums. This lesson brings great opportunity for small group "dialogic teaching(ta)". Open-ended and closed questioning(ta) of students can be used to draw on their existing knowledge and extend their understanding. The teacher provides a practical commentary below.
Maths Secondary M007
Classifying and organising living things using images Living things, Using images
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Find different ways to classify living things
This lesson offers opportunities to explore ways to classify living things as well as characteristics which might be relevant, and how to address difficulties that may arise when trying to classify things in this way. The activity may be enhanced by the use of ICT(i) software (e.g. Picasa) but could be carried out with paper-based resources.

This lesson presents a good opportunity for small group work(ta) and some inquiry(ta) into how we classify; and why some classification methods might be more useful, or more scientifically interesting than others. There is also a good opportunity to use different sorts of questioning(ta); to encourage pupils to question each other; to engage in peer assessment(ta) and to focus discussion(ta) on the scientific method(ta) using key vocabulary(ta).

Science Primary SC008
Cloning Ethics, Cloning, Genetics
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Cloning - Potential and Issues
The topic of the ethics(topic) of modern biology needs to draw on a wider range of sources than a printed book may provide. This resource uses a web tutorial interspersed with external links to news and comment. Rather than leave the students to explore too many interests, a worksheet with questions enables the teacher to focus the students on a subset of the material. You can adapt this to your particular need, for example, if you wanted students to have a discussion(ta)in small groups. You might also consider using a blog, chat room or other ICT tools to record the questioning(ta) and reasoning(ta) around this topic. The lesson-planning proforma (or draft lesson plan) includes a list of objectives that shows the scope of the material.
Science Secondary SC0014
Collaborative Writing
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Key elements include:
Science Maths Draft
Comets and Meteors Astronomy
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When a comet approaches the sun its tail is behind it. When it is moving away from the sun the tail is in front. Go figure. Or read more.
The lesson model is that of active note-making. Students must not take notes from the board but instead must use their creativity to develop their own notes. They are encouraged to use colour, image, symbols, humour and metaphor to lead them through a richer learning experience. Students need help in achieving this but soon catch onto the idea. They become more independent with taking notes and more attentive to the subject at hand.
Science Secondary Draft SC0031
Common Pitfalls in Questioning CPD
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Exploring problematic questions and ways to avoid them
Questioning(ta) is a key classroom practice, and skill, and can sometimes fall into the trap of focusing on lower levels, as opposed to higher order(ta) reasoning(ta) and discussion(ta) skills. This resource covers some reasons why this - and other pitfalls - occur, with some practical advice for ensuring high quality questioning in your classroom.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0094
Consecutive Sums Investigation
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Can all numbers be made in this way? For example 9=2+3+4, 11=5+6, 12=3+4+5, 20=2+3+4+5+6
By definition, a problem is something that you do not immediately know how to solve, so learning how to solve something unfamiliar is not straightforward. Tackling an extended problem is difficult.

This lesson gives pupils an opportunity to engage in mathematical thinking(ta) and develop their higher order(ta) thinking skills on a problem that is accessible but which has interest. For example, the problem is presented in diagrammatic and numerical ways.

The plan suggests several visualisation(ta) methods to present the same underlying task. It should be useful for teachers to compare these different presentations and either to select the one that they feel will be most useful for their pupils or explore ways for the pupils to see the links between the different methods. The assessment(ta) ideas, using other pupils' solutions from the NRICH website are widely applicable to other problems too.

Maths Secondary M001
Copyright: keep it legal E-skills, Copyright
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This course looks at ICT(i) in the important e-skills(topic) context of finding digital resources to legally use in your work, including any related copyright(topic) issues. It is suitable for practitioners working in Primary and Secondary schools.
Primary Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0042
Creating Digital Painting using iPads Digital Art, E-skills
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Children using iPads to create observational drawings of flowers
This activity is a cross-curricular(subject) activity, that gives children to opportunity to work independently on an art activity that also encourages the development of E-skills(topic). This activity encouraged inclusion(ta) as the children's final work was displayed as a collaborative(tool) piece, where all children had the opportunity to make an equal contribution.

In this instance, the children created observational drawings of flowers. However, the subject of the art could change to fit with any topic across the curriculum. The use of hand-held technology could also active learning(ta) as the portability of the iPads and iPods would allow them to be used outside the classroom, thus enabling observational drawings to be made in a range of locations.

Primary TE0125
Creating Instructional Videos E-safety, ICT, E-skills
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Children create instructional videos to upload to YouTube
This activity is a cross-curricular(subject) activity with a literacy focus, involving a collaborative(tool) approach, giving children to opportunity to work together to produce a set of instructional resources. Children were encouraged to engage in group talk(ta) and discussion(ta) in the classroom to reflect on what they should include in their videos. The activity furthers e-skills(topic) through the use of whole class(ta) participation. It develops e-safety(topic) skills through discussion of the issues relating to posting digital content online. Children were allowed to choose their own subject for the video, although this could be set by a teacher with a specific outcome in mind, or could be tailored to cover a particular topic or subject. It could, for instance, be used to explain their mathematical thinking(ta).
Secondary TE0124
Creating and Using OER to Promote Best Practice Curriculum development, Curriculum planning, Blogs, ICT
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One school's approach to sharing and promoting best practice using a blog
This lesson idea encourages collaboration(ta) between teachers in order to develop and share practice(i) across a school. Blogs provide excellent opportunities for children and adults to share ideas and work together. They encourage and enable dialogue(ta) between a writer - or group of writers - and an audience, allowing for quick and easy feedback. They enable questions(ta) to be asked and answered quickly. This example shows a blog being used to encourage discussion(ta) to enable curriculum planning(topic) and curriculum development(topic).
Teacher Education TE0127
Creativity and ICT ICT
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Building communities and exploring creativity
This unit engages with the debates surrounding the term ‘creativity(tool)' and explores ways in which ICT(i) creates new opportunities for creativity and collaboration(ta)
Teacher Education External Resource TE016
Cubic Equations and Their Roots Statistics
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To interactiviley explore and understand complex mathematics with GeoGebra
This lesson features a ‘real life’ example for students to explore using visualisation(ta) via GeoGebra. The focus on ‘real life’ increases student motivation.

The activity engages pupils in group talk(ta), mathematical thinking(ta) and vocabulary(ta). This open ended(ta) task encourages higher order(ta) thinking, and encourages whole class(ta) discussion(ta)/questioning(ta) and inquiry(ta) projects.

Maths Secondary M0031
How DNA is sequenced: the stages Genetics
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The complexity and scale of genome sequencing
Students match diagrams of the stages of DNA sequencing with a list of text descriptions of the process. The lesson can involve students discussing in pairs / group work(ta), followed by a teacher or student-led plenary. Students would share ideas, come to a consensus and check the ‘whole class(ta) response’ with their version. The teacher's questioning(ta) can focus on scientific method(ta) and use of scientific language(ta). The lesson idea provides opportunities for the effective use of assessment(ta).
Science Secondary External Resource SC0016
Data Logging and Control ICT
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A compendium with numerous ideas for using sensors to teach science.
This book provides a set of resources and lesson ideas with ICT(i) as a key focus for use in inquiry(ta) based learning and the scientific method(ta). It offers opportunities for use of group work(ta) and collaboration(ta) as well as whole class(ta) questioning(ta).
Science Secondary Books SC0052
Data Logging inservice booklet ICT
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A compendium of CPD and ITE activities on why we use sensors and the practicalities of implementing their use
Activities and advice for using ICT(i) for use in inquiry(i) based learning and the scientific method(i).
Science Secondary Books SC0060
Designer Babies Ethics, Fertility treatments
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When does life actually begin?
By using an informative web tutorial, this resource aims to stimulate discussion(ta) on the ethics(topic) of modern biology. A worksheet asks students where they stand and reassures them that their response might be kept private. You might also consider using a blog, chat room or other ICT tool to record the questioning(ta) and reasoning(ta) around this topic. A teaching section offers guidance on 'teaching argument' using 'Toulmin’s model of argument' and 'The IDEAS project'.
Science Secondary SC0015
Developing Effective Learning Study skills, Effective Learning
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A unit exploring 'effective learning' in the classroom
This document takes a longer look at effective learning, study skills(topic), and the attributes of effective learners.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0085
Developing Good Explanations CPD
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Say that again? Developing good explanations for classroom teaching
This resource explores some characteristics of good explanations (including linking to questioning(ta)), explaining these thoroughly and linking them to pupils' ability to engage in active learning(ta)
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0097
Developing Language in Primary Science Literacy, Curriculum development
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The resource would be particularly useful for PGCE students thinking about incorporating cross-curricular(subject) strands, or teachers looking to do the same, either in their own practice or in new curriculum development(topic) work.

Language development and the use of appropriate vocabulary(ta) is highlighted as important across the curriculum. Incorporating this consideration into science planning(ta) is important for meeting the target of developing language. The importance of language and talk in science – including through group work(ta), and Whole class(ta) dialogue – is highlighted elsewhere (and in the resource) but includes the ability to explain concepts, understand synthesising ideas (including those from other people and texts), and the need to read and write for different purposes, (including conceptual understanding, data presentation, etc). These are key ideas in communicating the scientific method(ta)

Science Primary Teacher Education TE052
Developing Progression in Primary Science Progression, Curriculum development
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Progression and the wonders of 'one-ness' and 'two-ness'
A first part on ‘developing progression in science investigations’ could be used to prompt discussion on how far we expect pupils to develop, and the sorts of inquiry(ta) which encourage this.

The second part, 'indicators of Level 1 and 2ness', provides a useful set of criteria for assessing national curriculum levels. These criteria prompt thinking about assessment(ta) levels in curriculum development(topic). A concrete outcome of the activity may be to keep such criteria in a mark book for day-to-day use.

Science Primary Teacher Education TE0049
Developing Reading Reading skills
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This resource is a longer DfES document on reading(i) and language(ta) development, from which more focused resources (including Approaches to Reading in the Classroom, Directed Activities Related to Text (DARTs), Subject Specific Vocabulary) are drawn
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0083
Developing Writing Writing
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Understanding the importance of writing
This resource is a larger DfES document on writing(topic) and language(ta) development, from which more focused resources (including Establishing Purpose for Writing) are drawn.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0084
Diagnostic Questions in Maths Teaching Assessment
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Using questions to probe what pupils do, and do not, understand
These questions provide a useful starting point from which to think about the use of diagnostic questions(ta) for assessment(ta) for learning and whole class(ta) dialogic teaching(ta). They may be useful for teachers in their own right as sample questions, or to think about the best way to deliver feedback, use ICT tools effectively, and support learners through assessment. In this context the questions should be considered with a critical eye. Teachers might like to think about:
  • The interface, and the way the questions are presented (could the questions be labelled better, appear better, what is the functionality like, etc.?)
  • The style of questions asked
  • The sort of feedback given, both on individual questions, and overall on the completion of the quizzes

Teachers might take this as an opportunity to engage in sharing practice(ta) to think about how to use such questions in the classroom - perhaps using mini-whiteboards(tool) or ICT tools - and outside of them, perhaps using quiz(tool) or voting(tool) software.

Maths Secondary Teacher Education M0064
Differentiation Differentiation, Curriculum planning
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Developing effective techniques for differentiation by task and outcome
The small group work(ta) nature of this task allows teachers to share ideas, and attempt to conceptualise two different types of differentiation(ta), together. It also encourages teachers to share practice(i)s in differentiation. Teachers are first asked to consider differentiation ‘by task’ by thinking about self-sustaining activities which pupils could manage with little support. They are also asked to consider differentiation by outcome, and ‘hierarchies of achievement’ for particular topics. The practical nature of the task offers a concrete outcome for teachers to take away and use in their practice both day to day, and in curriculum planning(topic). The resource could be used as a prompt to start teachers off, a comparator for teachers working on similar topics, or just as an additional set of possibilities.
Science Primary Teacher Education TE0047
Digital Reporters at Camp Cardboard E-safety, Blogs, E-skills
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Children using iPads to blog about Cardboard Sculptures
This activity is a cross curricula(subject) activity, involving a collaborative(tool) approach, giving children the opportunity to work together on a blog. Children were encouraged to engage in group talk(ta) and discussion(ta) in the classroom to reflect on the activity they were to report on. The activity furthers e-skills(topic) and e-safety(topic) through the use of whole class(ta) participation. The specific art activity provided a great stimulus for the blogging. Equally, however, this approach could be applied to any event in or out of school. The use of blogging and social media gave the opportunity for children to share their ideas with a wider audience, and also gave opportunities for real-time feedback to their work. The use of hand-held technology also enabled active learning(ta) as the portability of the iPads and iPods allowed them to be used outside the classroom.
Science Primary SC0055
Digital Video in ITE E-safety, Video, E-skills
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Student teachers producing digital media
This activity is a cross-curricular(subject) activity, involving a collaborative(tool) approach, giving student teachers the opportunity to work together whilst making digital media in the form of films. The activity furthers e-skills(topic) and also helps to develop discussion relating to e-safety(topic). The topic of location provided the stimulus for the videos. Equally, however, this approach could be applied to any topic or subject in school. The use of video also encouraged active learning(ta), with the students developing their own skills through direct participation in the creation process.
TE0134
Discussion in Science Teaching Discussion
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Equip yourself to run a discussion in class
This resource is aimed at developing student teachers’ skills in working with discussion(ta). It can be presented to them as a hand-out to accompany an activity or read as reference material. See it online at BEEP website. Although it uses a science context, the real focus of the resource is managing and organising discussion-based activities. It provides guidance on:
  • Starting and structuring a discussion
  • Organising group talk(ta)
  • Role Play/drama(ta)
  • Ground Rules for discussion and handling difficult discussions
Science Secondary TE0057
e-safety for Key stage 1 E-safety
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This course is designed to support you in carrying out a project in KS1 in an aspect of e-safety(topic). It is supported by a range of resources and activities to provide ideas and stimuli for the project. You will plan, carry out and reflect on the project with the guidance of a facilitator and in discussion with others.

See below for the full pedagogic rationale.
Primary Teacher Education TE0053
Effective Use of ICT Using ICT in Science Teaching
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A resource for lecturers to introduce their PGCE students to effective use of ICT
A presentation introduces student teachers briefly to the history of school ICT(i) provision and engages them in more detail with ways ICT has been used effectively in supporting science teaching and learning as they engage in small group work(ta) to evaluate material.
Science Teacher Education Effective Use of ICT
Encouraging Pupils to Ask Effective Questions CPD
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Getting pupils to do the questioning
This resource describes some methods to encourage pupils themselves to engage in effective questioning(ta) - an active learning(ta) approach which may be useful in whole class(ta) or group work(ta) discussion(ta).
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0093
Enhancing pupil-learning on museum visits Museums
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How taking pupils to a museum, or bringing museum artefacts into school, changes the dynamics of the learning environment.
This unit explores practical ways in which you can make the most of UK's extraordinarily dynamic and diverse museums(tool) and galleries. It gives you pathways into museum resources and shares examples of teachers and museum educators making the most of museum artefacts.
Science Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE006
Establishing Purpose for Writing CPD
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Why do we have to write it down? Thinking about why we write...
This resource highlights some key types of text, and asks teachers to think about the key texts and language(ta) in their own subjects, and how tasks can be well designed to illicit purposeful writing in their classroom practice. Teachers should consider learning objectives(ta) for purposeful writing.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0109
Ethical issues in human reproduction Ethics, Human reproduction
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Why does reproduction raises so many ethical issues? When does life begin?
This lesson outline stimulates A-level students to engage in discussion(ta), develop their reasoning(ta) skills and increase their awareness of the bioethical(topic) issues involved in human reproduction.

Background texts and open-ended questioning(ta) about human reproduction, contraception and IVF are provided as the stimulus. Small group discussion about these topics, writing on post-it notes, and reading case studies aim to get students reasoning(ta) to justify their opinions, and to compare and evaluate competing views. Finally, whole class(ta) discussion synthesises the emerging ideas and encourages students to consider changing their positions or adding additional issues to a recording table.

Science Secondary SC0013
Explaining Explaining
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How's that work? Thinking about explanation
This is a longer DfES resource discussing explanation, from which the shorter and more focused resources Developing Good Explanations, Purposes of Explanations are drawn.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0079
Exploring Fibonacci sequences Sequences
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Maths Secondary Coming soon
Measuring Light - Light and Dark Measuring
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Light can be light, dark or somewhere in between
This lesson involves the use of higher order questioning(ta) on scientific method(ta) topics to engage pupils in an inquiry(ta) relating to the nature of light, its measurement, and the use of sensors.
Science Primary SC0028
Exploring Pattern Study skills, Patterns
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Exploring patterns in mathematics
Each chapter of this tutorial highlights the study skills(topic) required to work through the real world examples and activities given. There are problems to be solved, some of which involve higher order(ta) thinking skills (for example, being asked to correct a set of instructions), and all of which encourage the use of mathematical language(ta) and mathematical thinking(ta). The resource could also be used in class, or as a useful homework(ta) pack.
Science Maths Primary Teacher Education External Resource TE004
Exploring shape properties using simple Origami folds Shape
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Key elements include
Maths Secondary Coming soon M0015
Exploring the intersections of digital literacy and creativity Creativity, E-skills
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A DEFT case study with Mundella Primary School, Sheffield
This cross curricula(i) case study focusses on Digital Literacy, in particular using E-skills(topic) to: extend/update teaching skills and support CPD and explore the creative potential of digital technologies. The case study examines the potential of using mobile technologies to enhance creative aspects of learning.

One of the lesson ideas from the case study is available as a separate resource at Creating Digital Paintings using iPads

Primary Teacher Education TE0110
What floats and what sinks Force
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Is getting in the bath a way to lose weight?
This activity supports a number of learning types:
  • small group work(ta) - investigation conducted by small groups reporting back to the class.
  • whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) - discussion of each situation open-ended questions(ta) – why did this happen? what do you think causes this movement?
  • peer assessment(ta) – do peers agree?
  • project work – linked in with the rest of the activities in this OER, topic work in design and technology, literacy, numeracy.
  • inquiry(ta)-based learning – initial presentation to the class can be framed as a problem for them to solve; co-enquiry – children working collaboratively
  • arguing and reasoning(ta) – persuading each other of their explanations.
  • exploring ideas – developing understanding of key scientific principles.
Science Primary SC0044
Force Force
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Thinking about 'force' in the national curriculum
This sessions engaged pupils in inquiry(ta) using the scientific method(ta) to explore force. It offers opportunity for teachers to use higher order questioning(ta), whole class assessment(ta) and to engage pupils in effective group work(ta) for investigation.
Science Primary Teacher Education External Resource TE011
Force in the early years Force
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Thinking about the language of force
This lesson idea highlights the scientific language(ta) around the topic of force, and through group work(ta) and whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) engages pupils in inquiry(ta) and the scientific method(ta) surrounding force.
Science Primary External Resource TE009
Geography in Education Geography in Education
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Where is it? Exploring the place of geography in the curriculum
This unit looks at the contribution that geography can make in the education of young people and the characteristics and purpose of geography as a subject.
Teacher Education External Resource TE0015
Getting Your Formulae in Shape Shape
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Solving a card sort for perimeter, volume and area formulae
This resource provides an opportunity for some revision of shape formulae - perimeter, area, and volume. It encourages pupils to engage in effectivereasoning(ta), and group talk(ta), and could be used as an effective assessment(ta) tool. The task could be differentiated(ta), or extended for a whole class by cutting the 'formulae' lines off the bottom of each hexagon, and asking students to match these to the shapes, prior to matching the shapes to the formulae type.
Maths Secondary M0065
Getting a buzz out of blogging Blogs, E-skills, Copyright
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Starting with the basic principles of blogs(tool) and blogging, this primary course looks at their use within education and how they can be used to improve teaching and learning. The focus is particularly on blogs as an ICT(i) tool for collaboration(ta) which encourages the effective use of reasoning(ta) and language(ta). The unit also discusses practical elements such as e-skills(topic) and copyright(topic) issues you might encounter in blogging.
Primary Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0025
Giving Oral Feedback CPD
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Developing good practice in giving oral feedback
This resource discusses giving oral feedback, particularly in the context of assessment(ta), which could include whole class(ta) discussion(ta) or group talk(ta), as well as questioning(ta) contexts.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0104
Giving Written Feedback CPD
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Effective methods for written feedback
This resource discusses written feedback in the context of assessment(ta) and giving clear learning objectives(ta) from any feedback given. While such feedback is often on homework(ta), the resource is intended more broadly than that.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0105
Group Work Group work
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A unit exploring Group Work in context
This resource is a longer document on group work(ta) from which a number of other more focused resources have been drawn (including Group Work - Choosing and Selecting Groups, Group Work - Group Size, Group Work - Maintaining Momentum).
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0080
Choosing and Selecting Groups CPD
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What group am I in? Thinking about choosing and selecting groups
This resource discusses various options for choosing groupings for group work(ta) activities, and their benefits and limitations.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0098
Group Work - Group Size CPD
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What size group are we in today? Thinking about group size
This resource discusses group work(ta) sizes, and the practical benefits and limitations of various group sizes - from individual work to whole class(ta) work.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0099
Group Work - Maintaining Momentum CPD
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Keep going! Maintaining momentum in group work activities
This resource discusses some practical classroom management(ta) strategies for maintaining momentum in group work(ta) activities.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0100
Guide to the DfES Resource CPD
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Pedagogy and Practice: Teaching and Learning in Secondary Schools: Leadership guide
This resource provides a general overview of the DfES Pedagogy resources (see related resources/below).
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0087
Heating and Cooling Materials Materials
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What happens when you heat and cool materials.
In this inquiry(ta)-based lesson plan, students devise a ‘fair way’ to compare (mostly) physical changes in materials such as cheese and chocolate. They ask and answer questions about how to heat the materials and about using materials of the same size and shape. They also predict how substances may change and observe what actually happens.

The purpose of the lesson is to both support Year 2 students work on changing materials and to develop their ideas about ‘fair tests’. The activity thus offers an opportunity to assess(ta) how well students plan a test and observe change.

Science Primary SC005
Human Genome Project: from Sequencing to Sharing Genomic Information Ethics, Genetics
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Discuss and share economic, political and ethical issues.
This resource provides guidance on how to use whole class(ta) discussion(ta) and/or small group work(ta) to engage students with the science and the economic, political, ethical(topic), legal and social issues of a scientific project such as the HGP. Its focus is on the scientific method(ta); language(ta) and the nature of scientific inquiry(ta).
Science Secondary External Resource SC0017
ICT support in education (practitioner) ICT
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Participation in this course will provide you with the knowledge and understanding required to pass the FITS Practitioner Exam. the course will help with an implementation of FITS within your establishment.
Primary Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0045
IT in Primary Science ICT
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A whole book of ideas for using generic ICT tools in science
This book is a compendium of lesson ideas with ICT(i) as a key focus for use in inquiry(ta) based learning and the scientific method(ta). It offers opportunities for use of group work(ta) and collaboration(ta) as well as whole class(ta) questioning(ta).
Science Primary Books SC0053
IT in Secondary Science ICT
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A whole book of ideas for using generic ICT tools in science
This book provides resources and lesson ideas with ICT(i) as a key focus for use in inquiry(ta) based learning and the scientific method(ta). It offers opportunities for use of group work(ta) and collaboration(ta) as well as whole class(ta) questioning(ta).
Science Secondary Books SC0054
Inclusion Inclusion
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Thinking about inclusion in your classroom
This resource provides a longer look at inclusion(ta), the resource Planning for Inclusion is a more focused document looking at inclusion(ta) in the context of interactive pedagogy.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0077
Infant and Primary Science Activities with Sensors ICT
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A compendium of investigations with sensors in primary science.
This is a compendium of activities to engage pupils in inquiry(ta) based learning in the scientific method(ta), often making effective use of ICT(i) and sensors(tool). The activities involve whole class(ta) questioning(ta) and collaborative(ta) group work(ta).
Science Primary Books SC0057
Interactive exploration of line and rotational symmetry Symmetry
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Maths Secondary Coming soon M0014
Introduction to prisms in the context of architecture Prisms
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Maths Secondary Coming soon M006
Introduction to games Games
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This courses provides an introduction to games(tool) in the classroom. The course will focus on freely available online games, which can provide a starting point for exploring their use in the classroom without investment in hardware and software. At the conclusion of this course you will have engaged in lesson planning(ta), ready for implementation in your classroom.
Primary Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0028
An Introduction to the Standard Index Form Standard Index Form
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Working out the rules according to which a calculator displays large numbers
The Standard Index Form is a key idea for mathematicians and scientists. The notion that we choose to write numbers in this way requires some explanation. So in this activity, pupils take part in an investigation(ta) on how standard index form works. This is a higher order(ta) problem solving context where students are encouraged to engage in mathematical thinking(ta). They may be involved in whole class(ta) or small group work(ta) discussion(ta), so they have a good opportunity to practice using mathematical language(ta) and questioning(ta).

This means that students do not need to be able to explain their ideas in full: they can use the calculator's feedback to discover whether their ideas are correct or not. This is also an exciting way for pupils to realise an initial idea that fits the data may need to be extended when new data arises. This resource therefore aims to develop investigative skills, as well as introduce pupils to standard index form in a memorable way. The pupils can later use their knowledge of indices in discussion(ta) and group talk(ta) as they explain what is happening.

Maths Secondary M002
It's full of stars Astronomy
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Using a telescope and considering how those early astronomers may have worked
Astronomy(topic) has been practiced for centuries and doesn't require expensive equipment! This first session aims to train the whole class(ta) to use a telescope and, hopefully, to provide an opportunity to engage in some active learning(ta). The lesson includes some naked-eye observations and describes how modern technology helps scientists know where to look. You can explore the scientific method(ta) and language(ta) at this point, using targeted questioning(ta)/differentiation(ta). Students may be able to engage in an inquiry(ta)-based project around this work, perhaps for homework(ta).
Science Secondary SC0019
Learning platforms all aboard E-safety, Sharing practice, Curriculum development, Virtual Learning Environment, E-skills
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Installing a learning platform or VLE(tool) is as much about changing culture and processes as it is about new ICT(i). This course will help Secondary senior leaders get more value from their learning platform, by understanding how it can benefit their school and by giving them time to successfully implement it.

It covers some key considerations including

and various pedagogic benefits of VLE use, including increased collaboration(ta) and group work(ta) as well as some nice methods of assessment(ta) and differentiation(ta).

Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE037
Learning together developing wikis E-safety, Sharing practice, Wikis, E-skills
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When used properly, wikis(tool) are powerful tools that enable sharing of information and knowledge. This Secondary course explores how they can be used in the classroom to improve teaching and learning and enable collaboration(ta) on group work(ta) projects. It also covers important considerations such as e-safety(topic) and e-skills(topic) as well as ways to engage in sharing practice(topic).
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0035
Learning together introducing wikis Wikis
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When used properly, wikis(tool) are powerful tools that enable sharing of information and knowledge. This Secondary course explores how they can be used in the classroom to improve teaching and learning and enable collaboration(ta) on group projects. You will either use a wiki on your school’s learning platform/VLE(tool) or, if this is not available to you, we will explain how to sign up to use one of the free online wiki services.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0038
Listening to scientists - an environmental scientist talks about heat loss from houses Science
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How does a house lose heat? What are the ways to stop this loss of heat?
This ten-minute recording was made for a local radio show with a strap line that 'science has a use after school'. Audio podcasts, of which this is one, replace easily-missed radio shows and keep us informed. Universities also create podcasts, and just some teachers do too, gaining the unusual advantage that a podcast easily gets into a student's music player.
Science Secondary Books SC058
Listening to scientists - Using sensors and data loggers for agriculture Science
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How do plant growers and scientists monitor the environment? What do they measure and why?
This resource was made for general public interest but may find use as enrichment material for science, technology and geography.
Science Secondary SC064
Love Food, Hate Waste - Simultaneous Equations Simultaneous Equations
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Using real world data to explore simultaneous equations
Using a source that was not intended by its creators as a mathematical resource, pupils are introduced to informal ways of solving simultaneous equations.

The lesson starts with an intriguing ‘hook’, pupils are able to use reasoning(ta) skills to find an answer to the problem and can then, later, formalise this in an algebraic context, using their informal work to support the transition to mathematical thinking(ta). whole class(ta) work supports this inquiry(ta) into the data provided. Using a resource not targeted at mathematics specifically encourages pupils to think about maths outside of the classroom.

Maths Secondary M0022
Making games, motivating learners KS2 Games
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This course has been produced in conjunction with 2Simple and the Redbridge Games Network. It is designed to support teachers in carrying out a project in KS2 in an aspect of motivating learners through the making of computer-based games(tool) across the curriculum.

(tag ICT(i))

Primary Teacher Education External Resource TE0019
Mean/Mode/Median and Range using Olympic diving Mean mode median
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Maths Secondary Coming soon
Measuring Light - Does light shine through everything? Measuring
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Using a sensor to see what's transparent and translucent
This lesson involves the use of higher order questioning(ta) on scientific method(ta) topics to engage pupils in an inquiry(ta) relating to the nature of light, its measurement, and the use of sensors.
Science Primary SC0029
Modelling Scientific Writing Modelling
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How do we help pupils to express themselves adequately when they write?
This resource discusses methods for modelling(ta) scientific writing, and the structure and kinds of language(ta) used in such writing. It provides exemplars and suggests activities to assist teachers to apply these methods to their own practice.
Science Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0066
Models in Science Modelling
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Teachers use models to help pupils make sense of their observations
An opportunity for teachers to discuss the use of modelling(ta) and visualisation(ta) in Key stage 3 science
Science Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0064
Teaching Models CPD
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Concrete preparation – Action – Metacognition – Bridging - Mediation
This resource offers advice on planning(ta) for interactive pedagogy. Three sub-sections have been drawn from it (see related DfE resources).
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0089
Monitoring Temperature - Day and Night Measuring
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What happens to the room's temperature when I'm not here?
This lesson involves the use of higher order questioning(ta) on scientific method(ta) topics to engage pupils in an inquiry(ta) relating to recording temperature and the use of sensors.
Science Primary SC0027
Moving and falling objects Force
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Understanding moving and falling objects as well as progression through the years
This published article explores the sorts of objectives(ta) they should be meeting, and the questioning(ta) teachers may engage in. The activities, aimed at progressively older children, engage them in inquiry(ta) based learning. The article explores how increasingly complex topics may be taught, and how teachers can ensure that children have a good grasp of a topic. There are suggestions for further reading to extend the primary teacher's knowledge of the area. Some of the suggestions appear in a related resource Progression & questioning techniques in primary science projects
Science Teacher Education Draft TE008
Multimedia skills and applications Multimedia
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This course explores the stages in the development of a multimedia product from client brief to final delivery. It is relevant to all IT and ICT(i) courses at Key Stages 4 and 5 that include website and web page creation, and use of multimedia.
Secondary Teacher Education External Resource TE0033
Collaborative writing with EtherPad Collaborative writing, OER4Schools, Teacher Education Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa
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OER4Schools/Collaborative writing with EtherPad/teaching approach
Teacher Education
Geogebra Geogebra, OER4Schools, Teacher Education Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa
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A set of basic Geogebra exercises to get you started
OER4Schools/Geogebra exercises/teaching approach
Teacher Education
Lesson plan template OER4Schools, Teacher Education Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa
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OER4Schools/Lesson plan template/teaching approach
Teacher Education
Monarch butterfly sequencing activity Using images, OER4Schools, Teacher Education Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa
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OER4Schools/Monarch butterfly sequencing activity/teaching approach
Teacher Education
Netbook familiarisation Basic ICT skills, OER4Schools, Teacher Education Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa
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OER4Schools/Netbook familiarisation/teaching approach
Primary Teacher Education
Principles of interactive teaching OER4Schools, Teacher Education Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa
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OER4Schools/Principles of interactive teaching/teaching approach
Primary Teacher Education