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Science programmes in the UK

Using puppets to engage children and get them talking about science

Jasmin and Benny are two puppets who have dedicated themselves to
getting primary school children interested in science.

The puppets owe their existence to Brenda Keogh and Stuart Naylor,
internationally-recognised experts in primary school science. Brenda
and Stuart have researched how to use puppets in science lessons and
developed guidance for primary teachers. We are supporting them in
their work, aided by the Nuffield Foundation.

Jasmin and Benny work with teachers using a storybook and animated CD.
In each story our two heroes are faced with some kind of problem, and
these problems have a science theme. The children have to find out how
to solve the problems in order to help Jasmin and Benny.

Research to date has shown that Jasmin and Benny are very popular with
their young audience, so they seem set for a glittering career in
primary school science education.

With GSK’s support schools will get access to a package which includes:

• a storybook and animated CD;
• Jasmin and Benny (or two of their puppet friends);
• professional development to provide guidance for teachers on using the stories and puppets.

The puppets support package will be available from Summer 2006.

INSPIRE - Innovative Scheme for Post-docs in Research and Education
INSPIRE aims to improve achievement in science education in schools and increase the uptake of science subjects in higher education.

Through INSPIRE we sponsored 12 schools in and around London to gain specialist status. Post-doctoral researchers (post-docs) from Imperial College London who have recently completed their PhDs spend half their time working in those schools helping with delivery of science lessons and providing a direct link between the school science curriculum and cutting edge scientific knowledge. They also facilitate and deliver enrichment activities such as clubs, visits and events beyond the normal curriculum. The other half of the post-docs' time is spent carrying out scientific research at Imperial College.

The Imperial post-doctoral scientists study towards a post-graduate teaching qualification while school teachers benefit from having direct access to subject specialists.

We founded INSPIRE with Imperial College London and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. The teacher training aspect of INSPIRE is being provided by the Open University and is supported by the Training and Development Agency. There has been additional support for the project from the Department for Education and Skills. Imperial College London manages the project on a day-to-day basis. Evaluation of the project is being carried out by the School of Education Studies, Roehampton University of Surrey.

For more information on INSPIRE visit www.ic.ac.uk/inspire.

Science Across the World
Science Across the World uses web-based teaching resources to discuss discussions about scientific issues between children in schools worldwide.  The programme, which is managed by the Association for Science Education with GSK’s support, reaches nearly 100,000 children, and 4000 teachers in 120 countries. 

For more information on Science Across the World visit www.scienceacross.org

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