Posts made in May 5th, 2010

The Science of Scams

Posted on May 5, 2010 in Interactive Whiteboards, Science Resources, Useful Links | 0 comments

The Science of Scams was a set of hoax videos produced by Channel 4 in association with the amazing Derren Brown. In total there were 7 hoax videos which appear to demonstrate paranormal phenomena. In fact they’re all based upon real scientific principles.

This hoax footage was been posted all over the internet in an attempt to find out if people would either accept it as genuine or question it in an attempt to discover the real truth. These include evidence of ghosts, telekinesis and much more.

On the Science of Scams website they show the original hoax videos, then go through the process of explaining and debunking the scams behind them.

These videos could all be used to generate discussion around Critical Thinking skills for KS3 and Ks4 and promoting healthy skepticism of what they see on the internet. Would provide interesting discussion matter if handled correctly.

In addition, 5 of the videos could link themselves to Scientific Investigation in the classroom. Students could develop experiments to test and replicate these videos.

Here’s how you might link some of the videos to the Science curriculum

Ghost on Film

This is a great way to introduce the famous Peppers Ghost experiment – Recreate with model room and a  toy plus a sheet a glass. Linked to Ks3/Ks4 Mirrors and Reflection. Investigate properties of glass / mirrors. ICT Opportunity – use video camera inside the model to recreate what an observer might see.

Psychic Wheel

Linked to KS4 – Convection currents & Energy transfer abd also link to particle theory – expansion of gases and density. Students could try and build their own wheel – try with different heat sources.

Brick Breaking

Linked to forces and pressure Ks3/Ks4. The experiment could be mocked up safely using a melon instead of someone’s head. Also linked to materials (using “fake” bricks that look same as normal brick)

Chi Energy

Linked to KS4 Chemical Reactions as an example of Exothermic reaction. Investigate experiments which generate heat – test out – measure heat of reaction. Datalogging opportunities in measuring temperature changes.

Telekinesis

Linked to Magnetism and Static Electricity. Look at how static can make objects repel / attract. Interestingly “psychic” Uri Gellar does a similar thing with a magnet in a false thumb tip (videos showing this keep getting removed) Coulc look at how different materials can hold different charges – insulators such as plastics

There are two other videos which cover Psychic Readings and the Ouija Board – would leave out as not linked to “Science” as such – but could still have criticial thinking component perhaps.  It may be best to leave that Ouija boards alone in a school setting just to be safe from parental complaints.


http://www.scienceofscams.com/

History Lessons from the National Archive

Posted on May 5, 2010 in Activity Ideas, Interactive Whiteboards, Literacy Resources, Resources, Useful Links | 0 comments

The National Archives is the UK government’s official archive, containing over 1,000 years of history. We give detailed guidance to government departments and the public sector on information management and advise others about the care of historical archives.

The National Archives Education Service brings history to life through an award-winning programme of taught sessions and online resources. Their website contains a huge range of online learning resources to support the National Curriculum in history from key stage 1 to 5.

There are many large-scale topic sites packed with original sources and activities, as well as more than 50 lessons based on documents from our collections, a podcast series and an award-winning film website called Focus on Film with a film archive and teaching activities.

There are some fun games and activities for students to play. Ranging from Tudor Joust, Build a Bomb Shelter and Victorian Crime.

A comprehensive teachers booklet can be downloaded which explains everything a teacher needs to know to be able to make the best use of the website and its resources. You can get it here.

History teachers should make sure this site is in their favourites list!

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/