Dr Mike Wooster from Downham Market High School, UK, recently presented a workshop on 'Micro science - an innovative teaching method for practical work' to over 80 science teachers from both state and non-state schools as part of a three-day in-service training course 'Teaching Science across Europe'.
Micro science is a new concept that uses small-scale apparatus and limited material to enable all students to easily gain individual hands-on experience of practical work on science subjects. It offers several advantages:
The practicals that can be carried out cover most of the syllabus;
Micro science can be used at all levels of education - from primary to advanced level - even complicated practical work can be done by students individually;
Students learn fine motor skills;
Students have more ownership over their practical work;
There is less noise in the classroom;
Demonstrations can be carried out even by non-specialists - this is most relevant at primary level;
It can cover topics from all the three specialised single science subjects - chemistry , physics and biology;
There is no spillage of materials and much less time is needed for preparation and clearing-up;
There is much less demand on technicians, who can concentrate on assisting the teacher instead;
No extra technicians are required at primary level;
It reduces setting-up and running-costs immensely while reaching each and every student at all levels.
The in-service course was organised by science co-ordinators for Church schools Chris Schembri and Doreen Mizzi at St Elias College, St Venera. To contact Dr Wooster e-mail mike.wooster@virgin.net