We had heard all about the incredible Becky Parker from the SCIL Crew, and I had seen her Ted Talk and listened to a Podcast. But nothing could prepare you for the "Real Thing". She was so full of enthusiasm and genuinely excited to meet us all. Becky started off by telling us about IRIS - the Institute for Research in Schools. This had started via the work she was doing with her students in her school in Kent, along with a few other passionate teachers and other scientific organizations. IRIS - is creating links for students and teachers from around the world to be able to get into real life scientific research. She believes students and teachers are both learners. Given the opportunity with the right mentors, students can participate and create real life scientific research, some of it at the cutting edge and changing the world we live in. we can open up thier minds and freeing up the students to see that they can make a difference. It is citizen science to the extreme... you get a keen student and are able to amplify their ideas, abilities, knowledge, and develop their soft skills - communication, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. In other schools, students and teachers have been following Becky's example, and she was able to bring four amazing young gentlemen along with her to chat to us. They were totally mind blowing. One young lad was doing research into the creating a device to measure change of flux in the earths magnetic field..."project Helios" - he explained how he and his fellow group members had failed again and again, had asked experts for help, had tried many different paths and are still looking for solutions, but still never giving up. Finally riding some success. Another student and his group looking at ionic liquids - and to see if they can synthesize them. Ionic Liquids are specialised solvents and lubricants in space - required more equipment than the standard school science lab, and was able to gain support and help from UCL - University London. Once again talking about perseverance, not giving up, lots of set backs. And having to re- think the problems. Another is in the process of trying to create a cloud chamber at a cheaper price than the thousands needed to purchase one. Once again highlighting a number of struggles, rethinking of the problem. Asking help from mentors etc. etc. Perseverance once again came through, and the idea of never giving up. Lastly was Krtin, he was amazing, such a passionate young man ( as were the others), but he had smashed his research out of the park, working on a cure for breast cancer and alzeimers. Watch his Ted Talk to see his brilliance: Krtin was so inspiring, and he continues to inspire other students and he is only 16 years old!! He even gave us advice as teachers: you must begin by creating an ethos in your school, have passion, and get students to carry out their own passion project,, Krtin has told us of his desire to create a platform/event where students from around the world can meet and work collaboratively to solve problems together. Sort of a competition to get to the finals, then the finalists work together to solve a problem.
Becky has spoken about trying to get more schoosl onboard and signed up on the IRIS program. Within the next 10 or so minutes and general chat - it looks like NBCS will be holding the Launch for IRIS- Southern Hemisphere with the launch hosting a competition based on Krtins ideas. So August 2017... watch out!
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British Science Museum London will be our one and only official stop on this leg of the tour. We will be meeting with
Prof Becky Parker, Director of Institute for Research in Schools, Simon Langton Grammar School, Visiting Professor, School of Physics and Astronomy, Queen Mary, University of London. Becky is a passionate physics teacher who uses very innovative practices and has a passion for getting REAL LIFE science and research into the hands of the students. 65% of the students at her school go onto study STEM subject and 1 in 200 undergrad students studying physics at Uni across the UK come from her school. They ensure REAL LIFE science and research is in the hands of the students. Her students are working on projects alongside CERN and NASA.. Link to Radio Interview with Becky Link to her TedxCern Talk |
Bernadette Albertson & Maree TimmsPassionate Science Teachers at Galen Catholic College Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia ArchivesCategories |