Curriculum - Science

Science

At Swanmore we have embraced an enquiry based approach to science which encourages pupils to investigate and explain why things happen in the world around them.

The pupils develop a variety of life skills such as how to hypothesise, predict, observe, measure, record, conclude, evaluate, and justify the conclusions they make. Pupils become adept at making their own judgements on claims which are made in the media, using a variety of sources of information.

In the words of one Year 8 pupil:

“I find it interesting to learn through practical work, as I can actually see things happen and prove my statements.”

Becoming a college of technology has had a tremendous impact on science teaching and learning. We have been able to further equip our nine laboratories with electronic sensing equipment as well as new laptops and software. This has enriched the science curriculum, allowing pupils to collect and process more accurate data using methods which more closely reflect the modern workplace. Pupils are taught to effectively utilise the internet to access the latest scientific news and ideas. Up-to-date software is used to model scientific theories and video clips and animations compliment the experimental work carried out by pupils. The knowledge and skills acquired can be applied to their everyday life; this realisation motivates our pupils to strive to meet our high
expectations.

Some further comments from Year 8:

“I like science as we get to do experiments and test things out for ourselves, which makes it fun.”
“Science at Swanmore is ‘Hands On!”

We hope to inform and inspire our pupils into considering a career in science. We also aim to equip them with skills for life, from how to wire a plug, to how to reduce cholesterol or how to save money by insulating a house. We want pupils to be good decision makers willing to investigate what they hear rather than just accept it.

“Science at Swanmore is different because you get to know how it affects the world and you!”

National Science and Engineering Week - 2010

Top things to do during National Science and Engineering Week 2010

This years Theme is Earth - to link to the International year of Biodiversity (which is this year!)

Competition and Activities

WHAT ON EARTH?

‘What on Earth’ is a call-to-action – take a camera and snap all the local wildlife you spot in your own local park or garden and simply upload your photos to the What on Earth website. Expert visitors to the site will be on hand to identify as many photos as they can, or you can even try your hand at identification. Everyone who sends us a photo will receive a free packet of wildflower seeds for their own garden (subject to availability) – an excellent way to encourage creepy crawlies to your local outside space and learn all about plants and flowers first hand!

Upload your photos to the Science Department's VLE page. Click on the link from the VLE's front page to the Science Department. There will be a prize for the best photo after the Easter Holidays! (Be sure to have your name & tutor group in the file name and select "Submit for marking").

Better Engineers?

Who is better at engineering?  Humans or animals?  Marvel at the amazing feats of engineering undertaken by animals and vote for “Nature’s Engineers" - Check out the links in the document below!

Who Would you save?

Take part in the Save our Species debate and vote for the UK endangered species that you would prefer to save.

Geek Pop

Bop along to the world’s first virtual sci-pop festival – Geek Pop.

NSEW Earth Trivia

Add your fascinating facts to the Earth Trivia site!

Test Your Brain

Test your brain with the National Science and Engineering Week Quiz – suitable for kids and adults!

Special Offers and Events

• Mention “Science Week” at the door of any Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s (WWT) wetland centres and get 20% discount on your entry fee during National Science and Engineering Week.  
• Go and visit an event in your local area - whether it’s an all singing, all dancing science festival or a small hands-on workshop at your local museum, there should be something near you!  
• Kick back, relax and read a good book. Oxford University Press is offering 30% off their latest popular science books this spring. 
• Check Out the links below!

National Science and Engineering Week – Links to activities 

• ‘What on Earth’
• “Nature’s Engineers”.  
• Save our Species debate
• Geek Pop.
• Earth Trivia
• National Science and Engineering Week Quiz
• Test your brain with the National Science and Engineering Week Quiz

Special Offers

• Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s (WWT) wetland centres and get 20% discount on your entry fee during National Science and Engineering Week. 
• Kick back, relax and read a good book. Oxford University Press is offering 30% off their latest popular science books this spring.
• Go and visit an event in your local area
• www.nsew.org.uk.
  
  Follow us the NSEW on Twitter @ScienceWeekUK
  British Science Association is the operating name and registered

GCSE After College Science Revision

Years 10 and 11 Welcome

After School Science and Engineering Club

The club is aimed at Key Stage 3 pupils and is designed to engage and enthuse pupils with all aspects of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) curriculum.

The club is in its second year and is getting stronger. It is not a homework or revision club, but something new and exciting and has a real set of goals and outcomes at the end of the project.

Check out our blog here to see what we have been up to!

This year we have completed the following projects:

• Custard Science
• Siege Engine Skittles
• Electric Cars
• Hot Air Balloons
• Paper Gliders

Some our planned activities include:

• Rocket!
• Lego Mindstorms
• Is it Sustainable Energy?
• The Test Tube

If anyone in KS3 is interested in joining or any parents have a science or engineering background and feel you could help out in any way, please let Mr Foster know or email asec@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk or check out our blog at http://swanmoresasec.blogspot.com and the VLE for more info!