Posts made in July 8th, 2009

BBC Goes Bang – Ideas for Science Teachers

Posted on Jul 8, 2009 in Science Resources | 0 comments

Science teachers take note. Next week, BBC One launches Bang Goes The Theory, a brand new series with a hands-on approach to science.

Presenters Jem Stansfield, Liz Bonnin, Dallas Campbell and Dr Yan Wong will pool their knowledge and curiosity to challenge the scientific principles that shape our world. It will include a series of experiments, one of which will see one of the show’s presenters, Dr Yan, being dramatically transported across a 2.5m void via magnetism: a method selected by the general public.

The series, co-produced with The Open University (OU), will be supported by free events and an interactive website. You too can do real science online and at home. It aims to bring all ages together with accessible science that encourages everyone to get their hands dirty. The Bang Goes The Theory blog, which is updated daily, will slowly establish the show — with a series of videos and exclusive pictures that follow the progress of the conception, testing, building and trialling of the contraption. A number of explanatory videos are already online.

Sounds like it could be a fun programme – a slight shame it’s going out right at the start of the school holidays so teachers can’t follow up on it immediately in the classroom.

Keep an eye on the show, and hopefully there will be clips you will be able to use after the Summer break which could be used to spark off exciting science investigations.

Smart Board Games from PBS

Posted on Jul 8, 2009 in Activity Ideas, Games and interactives, Numeracy Resources, Resources, Useful Links | 2 comments

Here is a collection of interactive SMART Board games for educators from PBS KIDS.

This is a collection of different Flash games to explore the curriculum from trusted programs such as Curious George, Super Why and Arthur. Although the site says it’s for Smartboards, it will work fine on any brand of Interactive Whiteboard.

The site offers games for Language Arts, Maths, Social Science and a painting game for Art. It’s aimed at the Primary / Elementary age group and some of these would make fun lesson starters or support tasks with small groups of pupils.

It’s an interesting set of resources, and well worth bookmarking. Here’s the link.