ASE conference day 2

A busy day at the ASE conference... (but stimulating)
First talk I attended was about the difference researchers had found in trainee teachers approaches to teaching maths & science.

Whizzed off to talk to a workshop presenter about the TI-nspire calculator (&TI lab stations) as a means of capturing, processing and analysing data (so possible goood activity combining science & maths).

Apparently TI will loan kit for up to 3 weeks for good STEM teaching activities.

Went to a workshop on Forensic Science learning kits (Taking advantage of the CSI TV series) to see if I could get ideas for a food forensics outreach activity (a la Biotracer). Did some finger printing and saw some blood spatter experimental kit.

Trekked around the huge marquee (which was resisting the gales quite well) and looked at many suppliers and talked to several outreach people. Collected a few ideas that I may use for STEM activities.


Then I had a slot at open conference to deliver talk on Biotracer project and its possible application in schools.

Judith Hackett CBE (HSE) gave  a talk aimed to reassure schools that they were not out to restrict schools use of 'risky' experiments. The problems of insurance came up especially costs for individual schools vs. LEAs - this is apparently currently being discussed by the UK government.

Next I attended a workshop on recycled electronics - maybe can be used by pupils e.g. build own Optical density meter for growth curve experiments. Had fun remembering how to solder (and de-solder :-( )

Tweeted an advert for my second open conference talk to the ASE tweetup  (#asechat).

Phew!