Learning Skills for Science activities added to site

Learning Skills for Science activities are now integrated into the SiS AS activities. These can be used as additional activities, or as an alternative approach to covering specification content, as the skills should be developed in the context of the science.

The Learning Skills for Science programme was first produced at the Weizmann Institute of Science for use in schools in Israel. In 2004, the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme (SEP) commissioned further work to enable the materials and training programme to be used in the UK. The project has achieved widespread recognition both in the UK and abroad.

The materials were further developed with the Nuffield Curriculum Centre, to include subject specific LSS activities to support the new Advanced level specifications in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science and Science in Society.

Student-centred teaching and learning approaches are encouraged in these activities, and high-order skills are crucial for these more active processes. High-order skills include enquiry and problem-solving skills, thinking skills and learning skills. Specific development of these skills recognises the need to prepare students for higher education and employment, by supporting their development as independent learners.

Previously, learning skills for science were acquired through trial and error. The LSS programme helps teachers to integrate these skills into the teaching of scientific content. It provides activities to facilitate explicit, guided, and well-planned learning opportunities that foster skills development.

In short, the project:

• develops information literacy relating to the specific needs of learning science
• prepares students for independent learning
• demands thoughtful engagement with resources (information input) and with audiences (information output)
  provides meaningful backgrounds for learning about specific science content

The post-16 LSS resource is available through a training programme delivered by the national network of Science Learning Centres.

Last updated: 19 December 2008