Real World Science in UK Natural History Museums

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Real World Science in UK Natural History Museums

• Real World Engagement Science, Scientists and
  Schools
• 31-05-2007 14.00
• N21
• Janet Stott
• (Oxford University Museum of Natural History)

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What is the Real World Science Project?

• A partnership of UK museums with strong natural
  history collections and galleries who are
  committed to developing a secondary (age 11-19)
  science programme.
• The Natural History Museum
• Oxford University Museum of Natural History
• Manchester Museum
• The Hancock Museum (Tyne and Wear Museums)
• The project commenced in April 2004 and is funded
  jointly by DCMS and DfES under the Strategic
  Commissioning Education Programme.

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Real World Science - Aims

• To inspire students to progress in scientific
  learning at secondary and higher level through
  vibrant and compelling activities
• To enable students to understand the impact that
  science has on their lives
• To provide role models to inspire students to
  consider studying science post-16 and beyond
• To share acquired knowledge within the museum
  education community
• To increase the number of students and teachers
  using natural history museums to support
  teaching and learning

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Key Findings of Teacher Consultation

• Use galleries and specimens to support the
  teaching of topics which are conceptually
  challenging and/or lack resources eg evolution,
  classification.
• Provide support for Ideas and Evidence in the
  new Science curriculum and its emphasis on How
  Science Works.
• Enable students to meet engaging scientists who
  can positively influence attitudes to learning
  science and career choices.
• Increase support for the teaching of Earth
  Sciences.
• Encourage the use of a variety of formats
  including debates and science shows.
• Challenge students to form opinions on scientific
  issues.
• Capitalise on the differences between school and
  the museumto engender a sense of awe and wonder
  about the natural world.

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Evolution The Great Debate
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Evolution - The Great Debate
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Evolution - The Great Debate

• Dealing with a controversial issue using debate
• Looking at the link between ideas and evidence,
• a fundamental issue in science teaching

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Earth Sciences
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Earth Sciences
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Earth Sciences
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Science Shows Rocks the House
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A and AS level study days
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Programme of lectures
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Behind the Scenes Tours
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Science behind the Headlines
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Evaluation

• The real world science programme represents a
  major step forward in the development of museum
  science education activities.
• The attention paid to establishing up- to-date
  curriculum links and the interactive use of
  unique museum facilities combine to make sessions
  highly relevant to secondary science students.
• The involvement of practising scientists gives
  participants an improved understanding of science
  and how it works and is likely to encourage them
  to continue studies in science subjects.
• Ponchaud and Davis former HMI science specialists

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