STEM Visit to Iceland

About the expedition

Ran by the National Science Learning Network.

Bursary from the RCUK

We were joined by an expert researcher which meant that we had first hand knowledge and experience at our hands.

Science Learning Partnership

One of 50 SLPs that are funded by the Science Learning Centre for Central England

Based at The Redhill Academy and at Tuxford Academy

http://www.redhilltsa.org.uk/course/view.php?name=SLP

Outcomes of Expedition

You will be able to:enhance your subject interest and knowledge of contemporary

science in real life contextsincrease your confidence and knowledge of locations to

facilitate learning outside the classroomdevelop your awareness of careers in STEM subjects and

consider how to improve students’ knowledge of STEM progression routes

Key Points

We were given the opportunity to work to conduct STEM field work in areas of our choice that are relevant to our school

We were provided with different approaches to field work and a different environment

We looked at glaciers and hot springs which have been the centre of relevant STEM stories

The Structure

Training weekend (key skills and project design)The trip (5 days)Follow up day July (discuss the impact, share resources)

What does this mean for me?

• Inspired me and my teaching• Provided relevant and exciting teaching points• Fresh approach to the curriculum• Developed new resources• Curriculum development• Expedition experience• Field work experience• Scientific data• Videos • Networking• Collaboration

What does this mean for Redhill?

Curriculum development for KS3-5Unique resourcesResources for transition projectFresh approach to the existing curriculumBenefit from networking with different schools

Examples of Lessons

• Which object is the best to poach an egg in a hot spring• Global warming and the impact on glaciers• How does the biodiversity in Iceland compare to that in the

UK?• Why don’t you find lichens near a geyser?• Renewable energy – Geothermal Power• Continental drift – Thingvellier Fault Line• Glacial formation• Impact of flow rate on cooling • The rock cycle• Why is it constantly daylight in Iceland during the summer?• Working Scientifically - collecting and analysing data,

sampling methods

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aiSFm5K6X0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmhymfqORdAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFGV-1mEWmYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uftjRfXrIMYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27M2hWtJ9TQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUc4RjCos7Mhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj55qVQwt8Yhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18MGx9xR0T4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOEDblrdS7M

We camped…..

…everywhere!!!

We visited the Sólheimajökull glacier that is receding at 50-70m per year!!!

The Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Station

The Thingvellir National Park

And the Blue Lagoon.

We cooked our breakfast in a hot spring…

…sat in a hot spring…

…and visited geysers.

Expedition Iceland October 2015 (Northern Lights, Engineering and Wonders of Iceland) STEM study visits

Why Go?

• Fantastic opportunity to work with teachers from different schools

• Inspiration for new teaching ideas• Expedition experience• Enhance subject knowledge• Professional development• Develop key skills• Scientific methodology• Pupils have really enjoyed the lessons• Not just for science!!!