Studying the Scottish Science Baccalaureate at Forth Valley College Lynn Borthwick
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Transcript of Studying the Scottish Science Baccalaureate at Forth Valley College Lynn Borthwick
Studying the Scottish Science Baccalaureate at Forth Valley College Lynn Borthwick
First Year Milestones
• June ‘09– Launch event with the education minister– Induction event to introduce students to the
library, labs and computers– Session on managing projects by Biotechnology
project manager
Milestones
• August/September ’09
– Submission of proposal by students for project– Project management computing training for
students to construct a Gantt chart– Session on proceeding to planning stage of project
Milestones• November- May– Visit for life science students to centre for
regenerative medicine– Students meet Anne Glover (Chief government
scientific advisor)– Students are given the opportunity to visit the
Parliament and question politicians on current scientific issues
Milestones
• November- May– Visit for all students to the science centre
sponsored by SQA– Students hear Heather Reid give motivational
speech, and are given training on science communication
Success• Students have been given autonomy to choose
projects which interest them• Opportunities have been given to students to
meet top scientists from different areas• Students meet pupils from other schools and are
given a taste of what this will be like at university• Preparation for the world of work and further
and higher education is given• Students have been given training in project
management software and science communication
Challenges
• Distance issues: some schools are geographically far away and students cannot attend on a regular basis
• Communication with schools has not been easy- this could be overcome by each school nominating a Bacc ‘champion’
• Students struggling with motivation and the responsibility of managing their own project
2009/10 Selected Projects
• Alcohol hand wash gels• Stem cell research• Vitamin content of imported and home grown
foods• Biodiesel manufacture• Carbon Capture Technology• Anti-ageing creams
Second Year Milestones
• Launch event in June with presentations from completing students
• June workshops on broad contexts and getting started
• Students working on proposal ideas over summer
• Retention of most participating schools and new schools on board
2nd Year Improvements
• August - Deadlines agreed by staff and posted on Moodle before students return.
• Move target dates to complete all stages by end Jan 11
• Agreed contact links with schools – one lecturer per school, one lecturer per student
2nd Year Improvements • Soft skills support staff part of team – SWOT
analysis• Suggested workshops proposed to pupils:• independent working / problem solving• Research Skills• Planning Skills• Networking Skills• Presentation Skills• Self Evaluation
Project Ideas 2010/11
• Impact of cosmetics on teenage skin• Mental health issues for teenagers• Aerofoils history and future developments• Gender specific toys’ impact on child
development• Artificial Intelligence