Find out SfL hub members' highlights from the conference this year. Even though it was online, it was a great opportunity for networking via our SfL WhatsApp group on the day. Read what hub members had to say about it.

What was/were the most valuable aspect/s of attending the conference?

"The keynote speech was around Outdoor Learning. This prompted me to sign our Year 3 classes up for Farmer Time. They are now in regular contact with a farmer in Wales who supplements curriculum objectives with videos from her dairy farm. I also attended a session on closing the disadvantage gap. This session was really thought provoking and addressed barriers to learning and how we can address them. As a result of attending this session, I have refocused our learning on embedding key vocabulary. Going forward, I will consider how we can ensure that scaffolding enables all children to access the same task rather than providing children with different tasks."

What resource/s (from the conference) have you used or will you use in your science teaching and why?

"Superhero Scientists by David Allen and Alex Sinclair to help develop the Science capital of children from underrepresented groups within science and also to expose children to a diverse range of scientists, linking them to topics taught."

What resource/s (from the conference) will you use or have you used in your capacity as a science lead and why?

"QuSmart resources/approach to be trialed across the school to ensure that children ask good questions when working scientifically."

Participate in Farmer Time

Farmer Time matches a class/es, with a farmer. Using technology to bring the countryside into the classroom, the class has a 15 minute teacher-moderated video call every 2 -3 weeks with a farmer via Skype, WhatsApp or Face Time. There are other options for participating during lockdown. There are many links between being a farmer and being a scientist as farmers are curious and they investigate what works and doesn’t work e.g. genetics – which rapeseed grows best. Pupils learn about science-related careers e.g. vets, drone pilots, technicians, software programmers and engineers. In addition, pupils' confidence and curiosity are fostered as they formulate questions and become involved in regular conversation with a farmer.

https://leafuk.org/farmertime/home

Superhero Scientists by David Allen and Alex Sinclair

• explores lives of famous and contemporary scientists as well as professionals who utilise science within their work - traditional scientists and contemporary scientists were interviewed for the book

• provides opportunities for research into scientists from diverse backgrounds (different races, genders, ethnicities, abilities, faiths)

• provides opportunities for engagement in creative literacy tasks to develop Science Capital

• support for helping pupils generate quality written outcomes

• includes drama techniques

• opportunities for research

Does your classroom help children learn?

Hub Members found out how the classroom environment affects student performance. Environmental factors such as carbon dioxide, chemicals, dust, temperature, humidity, ambient noise and ambient light can be monitored and controlled. SfL is looking into purchasing a Learnometer: a device to monitor and improve class environments for optimum outcomes. This could be shared and used by SfL hub schools.

https://gratnellslearnometer.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgomBBhDXARIsAFNyUqONZnP3oBHWStWviXzR4wE94p3WmP0vlPoQTkFFDSYlV5bSt98ftYwaAovyEALw_wcB

Simple changes such as adequate ventilation and the inclusion of plants in your classroom are a great way to start improving the environment.