STEM Central – Engineering through sciences, technologies and maths website

The government action plan 'Science and Engineering 21' put in place a plan that included ensuring young people have an increased understanding of real life science and engineering. A key element of this plan was the development of a website to support practitioners with this responsibility.

This seminar will provide delegates with an illustrative tour covering the functionality and content of STEM Central - Engineering through sciences, technologies and maths website. This website is aimed primarily at curriculum levels three and four. It provides practitioners with resources to help with planning for learning, teaching and assessment through the interdisciplinary context of Scottish engineering in the STEM (sciences, technologies, engineering and maths) subjects.

The website also provides a range of resources to engage classes within the five illustrated Scottish engineering contexts, such as videos and interactive resources to stimulate learner thinking, discussion and exploration of ideas and issues relating to the STEM subjects. It also includes examples of learning journeys and interdisciplinary challenges that could be used to help teachers and departments plan together within each context. During the course of the seminar the full scope of the web resource will be explored and delegates will be encouraged to consider and discuss its potential. Led by Education Scotland.

Wendy French, primary teacher, Sciennes Primary School

Wendy French was a Science Development Officer at Learning and Teaching Scotland for two years. She is a committee member of the Association for Science Education's primary committee. Prior to working at Education Scotland she taught primary science in Sciennes Primary school to Primary 3 to 7. She was involved in co-ordinating the development of educational materials for the STEM Central website.