Minister calls for computer science education “revolution”

The UK minister for culture, communications and creative industry has called for a revolution in the way computer science is taught in our schools. Fearing a future drop in the number of students able to properly write programs (as opposed to those able to simply operate programs such as word processors and spreadsheets), Mr. Vaizey hopes to bring a “stronger” computer science curriculum to secondary schools.

Via EDGE.

Update: Dr. Richard Wilson of TIGA has responded to Ed Vaizey’s comments. (via EDGE)

The Power of The Sun

Visual exploration of the Power of the Sun by GE and Barbarian Group – stunning results!

MF, Studio, dbda

Gaming industry veteran introduces $25 computer, laments lack of computer science in schools

Veteran programmer David Braben has launched the Raspberry Pi (via a UK-registered charity, the Raspberry Pi Foundation), a $25 computer only slightly larger than a 20p piece, in the hope of rekindling an interest in computer science and programming in children, something he feels has been lacking from the UK curriculum in recent years.

Full story via EDGE via the BBC.

National Grid awarded ‘Beacon’ status by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service

Featured  in the Design and Technology with ICT Education Show, National Grid have been awarded ‘Beacon’ status by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service, placing them in the top 10% of education providers in the UK.

The attributes of the average person!

National Geographic have researched the characteristics of the most average human being on the planet and listed the following as attributes of the ‘average person’:

• The World’s largest ethnic group is Han Chinese (they predict this will be Indian by 2030) making this the ethnic background of the average person
• Males outnumber females
• The average median age is 28
• Most of the population own a cell phone but do not have a bank account
• The average wage is less than $12,000 a year
• Most of the World population is right handed.

Watch the You Tube video to meet the man who has all of these characteristics, does he look familiar?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B2xOvKFFz4

Syngenta Periodic Table – interactive online chemistry education resource designed and developed by dbda

dbda recently designed and developed an interactive online chemistry resource for Syngenta: Periodic Table.  Aimed at GCSE and A-Level students and their teachers, the resource is closely mapped to the science curriculum and uses vibrant colours and imagery, 3D models and a virtual laboratory to help bring the elements and chemistry to life. Take a look for yourself and explore the resource: www.syngentaperiodictable.co.uk

National Grid Education – new case study

We have recently updated the case studies on our website including the visually engaging National Grid Education ‘School Power’!

Aimed at 4-11 year olds, their teachers and parents as well as being a portal of information for volunteers, National Grid Education’s School Power brings Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects to life in an extraordinary way.

Interactive storybooks deliver oftentimes complex science messages in a simple yet engaging way that allows children to relate science themes to their everyday lives.

To find out more visit: National Grid Education case study dbda

GO, Account Manager

 

Staff’s confidence crisis hits science grades

TES  reports on the findings from Ofsted’s ‘Successful Science’ review of science teaching in schools from 2007-2010 which found that science teaching in primary schools has deteriorated over the last three years due to teachers’ “lack of confidence”, Ofsted has warned, however standards have improved in secondary schools.

Areas of particular concern included primary teachers’ limited knowledge of science, the low take-up of continuing professional development and reduced levels of local authority support.

The review found that in weaker primaries, pupils had “fewer opportunities to plan and carry out investigative activities”, and many repeated their learning when they moved between key stages due to “weak communication and poor continuity”. However the abolition of science testing at KS2 had allowed more “varied”, “engaging” and “enjoyable” lessons.

Source: TES and Ofsted ‘Successful Science’  ndp dbda

Examples of engaging and stimulating science resources:
National Grid Education – School Power
Syngenta Periodic Table 
 

 

ndp dbda