Update 31st August 2021 – we are currently having some teething problems with our new course booking form. To be sure your application reaches us, it would be prudent to email applications to enquiries@sserc.scot.
SSERC are delivering a 2-day course to explore innovative practical activities and investigations that supports the delivery of Environmental Science programmes.
In addition to input from the subject teams in SSERC, an environmental biologist from the University of St Andrews will be providing valuable real-world insight into the field of ecology. The main focus of the course will be practical workshops including the measurement of carbon dioxide levels, water analysis, environmental sampling and the measurement of photosynthetic rates using seaweeds.
Why not join us for what promises to be a stimulating and exciting professional learning opportunity?
Funding
Applications are welcome from teachers from all schools and FE colleges. Applicants from Local Authority-funded schools and FE colleges will be entitled to receive an ENTHUSE Bursary (administered through the National STEM Learning Centre) upon completion of the course.
Dates:
Closing Date: 27th August 2021
Booking for this course is no longer possible as the closing date has passed.
Please email us at enquiries@sserc.scot if you would still like to register your interest.
Cost
£400
Funding
ENTHUSE Bursary: £320.00 (available to local authority schools)
Course Aims
This course aims to support the delivery of NQ Environmental Science with practical, hands-on experiments. Most of the experiments shared can be adapted to support N4, N5 and Higher levels of the course.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Explore inquiry and investigative skills in the classroom through water and soil analysis experimental work.
- Use a colorimeter to carry out a practical investigation into photosynthesis, while linking this to meaningful contexts, including climate change.
- Use a microscope and haemocytometer to explore population diversity and size, relating this to intensive agriculture methodology.
- Explore the concepts of random sampling in the real world, applying suitable data analysis tools to form conclusions.
- Through discussion activities, STEM ambassador input and practical investigation, connect the relevance of environmental science to skills for life, learning and work. This includes an exploration of wider issues of food security and resource sustainability.
Overnight accommodation will be provided at a local hotel.
The course will be held at SSERC in Dunfermline. Our SSERC buildings are at 2 Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU. SSERC is a short (5-10 minutes) walk from Rosyth railway station and close to the end of the A823(M) spur off Junction 2 of the M90 motorway. Car journey times (approximately): Edinburgh – 30 min; Glasgow – 60 min; Aberdeen – 2.5 hours; Inverness – 3 hours.
The online sessions will be hands-on, with participants carrying out instructions under the direction of a live presenter. Resources will be sent to your school before the online sessions to support the activities involved.
Applicants from Local Authority-funded schools and FE colleges will be entitled to apply for an ENTHUSE Bursary of £480 to help towards covering the cost of the course.
Cost: £480
Applying for this course is no longer possible as the closing date has passed.
Please email us at enquiries@sserc.scot if you would still like to register your interest.
Course Leader:
Norman Bethune
01383 626070
norman.bethune@sserc.scot
£480
- Develop strategies for making the teaching of BGE, N5 and post-16 physics more engaging, inspiring and up to date.
- Explore new creative approaches to practical work in N5 and post-16 physics, including N5 assignments.
- Describe and model developments in some key areas of contemporary physics relevant to N5 and post-16 learners.
- Collaborate with colleagues and other course members to share good practice/new ideas and to further develop activities.
The 2 day residential will be held at SSERC in Dunfermline. Our SSERC buildings are at 2 Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU. SSERC is a short (5-10 minutes) walk from Rosyth railway station and close to the end of the A823(M) spur off Junction 2 of the M90 motorway. Car journey times (approximately): Edinburgh – 30 min; Glasgow – 60 min; Aberdeen – 2.5 hours; Inverness – 3 hours.
The online sessions will be hands-on, with participants carrying out instructions under the direction of a live presenter. Resources will be sent to your school before the online sessions to support the activities involved.
Applicants from Local Authority-funded schools and FE colleges will be entitled to apply for an ENTHUSE Bursary of £480 to help towards covering the cost of the course.
Cost: £480
Applying for this course is no longer possible as the closing date has passed.
Please email us at enquiries@sserc.scot if you would still like to register your interest.
Course Leader:
Norman Bethune
01383 626070
norman.bethune@sserc.scot
£480
- Develop strategies for making the teaching of BGE, N5 and post-16 physics more engaging, inspiring and up to date.
- Explore new creative approaches to practical work in N5 and post-16 physics, including N5 assignments.
- Describe and model developments in some key areas of contemporary physics relevant to N5 and post-16 learners.
- Collaborate with colleagues and other course members to share good practice/new ideas and to further develop activities.
The 2 day residential will be held at SSERC in Dunfermline. Our SSERC buildings are at 2 Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU. SSERC is a short (5-10 minutes) walk from Rosyth railway station and close to the end of the A823(M) spur off Junction 2 of the M90 motorway. Car journey times (approximately): Edinburgh – 30 min; Glasgow – 60 min; Aberdeen – 2.5 hours; Inverness – 3 hours.
| Get your hands on a range of marvellous magnetic resources during this live, professional learning twilight workshop. We will explore magnetic forces and the use of vocabulary surrounding magnetism, as well as progression though early, first and second levels. This interactive session will enable you to use the high-quality resources provided to construct simple models and games.
We will make use of recycled materials where possible. The ideas and resources can easily be transferred to your setting and support teaching and learning in STEM subjects across early years and primary. This SSERC Meet is provided at no cost to the setting. Curriculum for Excellence links:
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Dates: Thursday 30th September 2021
Closing Date: Thursday 9th September 2021
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online booking then please email us at enquiries@sserc.scot
Audience
This course is designed for Early Years Practitioners and Primary Teachers.
Rationale
This exciting remote professional learning course provides the opportunity for you to try out a wide range of engaging STEM practical activities and to consider how they can be transferred to your own setting.
Course Leader
The Early Years and Primary Team
Cost
This course comes at no cost to the school.
Why Should You Attend?
SSERC staff will guide you through the activities which are designed to promote knowledge and understanding as well as providing great ideas for practical STEM.
Commitment
This course will be delivered live via Microsoft Teams 3:45pm – 5:00pm on Thursday 30th September 2021. All information for this course, along with expectations, will be explained in detail during the application process.
It is expected that if you are successful in gaining a place on this course that you attend live as well as completing the pre, post and follow up evaluations.
This course will be delivered remotely, via Microsoft Teams, with a link being provided ahead of the course being delivered.
The purpose of this unit is to refresh learners on the safe use of bandsaws, circular saws and planer thicknessers.
The course is suitable for learners who have completed Safe Use of Fixed Workshop Machinery within the last 5 years, and are regular users of the equipment.
In order to be certified in this refresher course, you have to have attended the full Two Day SSERC Safe Use of Fixed Workshop Machinery course.
By the end of this unit the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate refreshed knowledge and understanding related to the safe use of the bandsaw, circular saw and planer thicknesser.
Dates:
26 November 2021 (closing date: 22 October 2021)
Audience
School Technical Support Staff. Access to this unit will be at the discretion of the centre but there must be evidence that learners have undergone training in the Safe Use of Fixed Workshop Machinery. This training has to have been the SSERC Safe use of Fixed Workshop machinery Course.
Rationale
This course is a one day refresher for Safe Use of Fixed Workshop Machinery
Course Leader
Alan Purves
01383 626070
alan.purves@sserc.scot
Cost
£100
Funding
None available
The STEM Inspiration awards
The STEM Inspiration awards are a free award scheme, designed to celebrate individuals and organisations working to inspire young people in STEM subjects.
Outcomes
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding related to the safe use of the bandsaw, circular saw and planer thicknesser.
- Apply safety precautions necessary for the safe operation of the bandsaw, circular saw and planer thicknesser.
- Understand the functions of guards and safety devices.
- Safely set up the tool settings and prepare the bandsaw, circular saw and planer thicknesser for use.
- Safely operate the bandsaw, circular saw and planer thicknesser
Why Should You Attend?
Further your knowledge on safety procedures and good working practices for fixed workshop machinery.
Programme
Registration
Health and Safety update
Practical Demonstrations
Practical Assessments
Revision and Q&A
Exam
Plenary/Feedback/Evaluation
Commitment
Attend on 1 day and undergo both written and practical assessment. It is recommended that a refresher course be undertaken every 5 years.
The course will be held at SSERC in Dunfermline. Our SSERC buildings are at 2 Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU. SSERC is a short (5-10 minutes) walk from Rosyth railway station and close to the end of the A823(M) spur off Junction 2 of the M90 motorway. Car journey times (approximately): Edinburgh – 30 min; Glasgow – 60 min; Aberdeen – 2.5 hours; Inverness – 3 hours.
Dates:
27th – 28th October 2021 (Closing Date: 10th September 2021)
Applying for this course is no longer possible as the closing date has passed.
Please email us at enquiries@sserc.scot if you would still like to register your interest.
Audience
School Technical Support Staff. Access to this unit will be at the discretion of the centre.
Rationale
This course forms part of a suite of competency based CLPL for support staff.
Course Leader
Gregor Steele
01383 626070
gregor.steele@sserc.scot
Cost £200
Funding None available
The SALTERS National Awards for Science Technicians
The aim of the Awards is to highlight the importance of technicians in enabling high quality practical work in science in schools and colleges, with the emphasis on promoting and supporting the professional learning and upskilling of technician teams. Don’t worry if you’re the sole technician in a school or college – you’re still eligible!
Outcomes
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding related to school physics laboratory equipment and its safe use.
Knowledge and/or Skills
- Safety procedures and good working practices
- Identify common physics equipment and apparatus.
- Show confidence in carrying out experiments using a variety of
Outcome 2
Demonstrate understanding of setting up equipment, measuring techniques and basic fault finding.
Knowledge and/or Skills
- Show confidence in setting up the equipment.
- Accurately interpret and record measurements.
- Demonstrate competence in basic fault finding techniques.
Why Should You Attend?
This unit is primarily intended to provide learners with the knowledge and skills in the safe use of physics laboratory equipment and apparatus in an educational environment.
Programme
Day 11, Introduction. Health and Safety in Physics, Various demonstrations (interactive) including lasers, portable appliances, Van de Graaff generator. 2, Sources of information and useful contacts will be discussed. Light gates, meters, basic circuits, electronics kit, ray boxes, Using light gates and timers. Measuring current, voltage and resistance. Basic fault-finding using meters. Assembling circuits using Unilab Alpha kit. Using ray boxes with lenses and prisms. 3, Power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes, AC and DC supplies. Smoothed and unsmoothed DC. Stabilised power supplies. Signal generator controls. Using a signal generator with a loudspeaker. Setting up an oscilloscope. Using an oscilloscope with a signal generator. 4, Plenary session, Day 2 1, Issues encountered in school*, 2, Practical assessment, Participants are observed carrying out practical activities. In one activity involving light gates and timers, participants may bring apparatus from their base school. 3, Written assessment, 4, Plenary., Question and Answer Session. |
Commitment
Attend on 2 days and undergo both written and practical assessment.
The course will be held at SSERC in Dunfermline. Our SSERC buildings are at 2 Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU. SSERC is a short (5-10 minutes) walk from Rosyth railway station and close to the end of the A823(M) spur off Junction 2 of the M90 motorway. Car journey times (approximately): Edinburgh – 30 min; Glasgow – 60 min; Aberdeen – 2.5 hours; Inverness – 3 hours.
This course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the functions, machining operations and safe use of wood turning machines. This course will allow teaching and support staff to successfully and safely implement lathe turning projects into the curriculum and/or deliver SQA based coursework.
This two day course will involve using a number different types of turning tools to practice and hone wood turning techniques. All aspects of machine parts, functions, work holding methods and safe use will be covered. Practical work will be supported by demonstrations from professionals and key presentations will cover the theory and safety aspects.
One to one guidance when performing turning operations will also be provided. Each delegate will produce a variety of small finished projects. All meals and overnight accommodation are include in the course fee.
Dates:
24-25 February 2022 (Closing 7th January 2022)
Course Leader
Duncan Lamb
01383 626070
duncan.lamb@sserc.scot
Cost
£400. An ENTHUSE bursary of £320 is available for local authority schools.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify component parts and functions of wood turning lathes.
- Work with a range of basic woodturning tools.
- Prepare and setup material in the lathe for turning between centres.
- Prepare and setup material in the lathe for faceplate turning.
- Demonstrate how to shape and finish material.
- Develop skills and knowledge of safe working practices.
Overnight accommodation will be provided at a local hotel.
The course will be held at SSERC in Dunfermline. Our SSERC buildings are at 2 Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU. SSERC is a short (5-10 minutes) walk from Rosyth railway station and close to the end of the A823(M) spur off Junction 2 of the M90 motorway. Car journey times (approximately): Edinburgh – 30 min; Glasgow – 60 min; Aberdeen – 2.5 hours; Inverness – 3 hours.
