Butterfly42

Not only the motto of the scouts but also of the successful early years practitioner. Catalysts for early learning are often spontaneous, unexpected events which the practitioner is able to take advantage of. A spill of paint is not a problem but an opportunity to explore liquids flowing or the best thing to clean it up. ICT has added a new dimension ...but like everything else in the foundation setting you have to be ready for it.. I've been working with the Early Years group within the PGCE course at Leicester University looking at ICT in the foundation stage and the we touched on the Intel QX Microscope and the importance of being prepared. Every English Primary school was given one free during Science Year 2002. It was a bit of a surprise for some who either sent it back as an unwanted ‘gift’ or popped it in a cupboard somewhere unopened as yet another thing that had to be thought about. However many got to grips with it and used it well and continue to use i...

It’s the time for returning to school after a summer break, and with that comes professional development for schools. Last week a group of local schools got together for a ‘Science day’ at the East Midlands Science Learning Centre. During the day a couple of groups working with me considered such questions as ‘Why do penguins huddle?’, ’What’s the best colour to wear at night?’ ‘How can I make it quieter?’ ‘What are the best curtains to help someone sleep during the day’? using data logging equipment to gather information to prove or disprove their hypotheses. As the photos below show everyone was intent on making and testing the hypothesis, as well as giving consideration to when and how they could use the activities in science work. Datalogging, is one of many tools for scientific enquiry and can be used by teachers and children, fruitfully through out the school, including the foundation stage. It provides opportunities for immediate, visible feedback and for recording changes ov...