GSSfS meets ‘Make it Open’ - an open-schooling approach to inspire pupils to ask-investigate and share their science learning together
New to the GSSfS Science Ideas for 2023 are a suite of activities from ‘Make it Open’ - a school’s programme promoting an open-schooling approach to inspire science and STEM learning for 6-16 year olds.
How does GSSfS and open-schooling link together?
Open Schooling focuses on engaging pupils in asking questions and investigating problems which are relevant to their locality. All link to many of the Sustainable Development Goals, by involving pupils with ‘Science Around Us’ through real-world challenges and being part of community. The direct connections with outside partners, for example inviting someone in from the local community to talk to pupils about their Great Science Share work, or taking your pupils outside the school walls on a visit, are all forms of Open Schooling.
In this year’s GSSfS Science Ideas there are selected Make it Open resources that align to the values and GSSfS enquiry approach. Many also encourage collaboration with experts, parents or local communities working outside the classroom – a super way to further encourage Science Capital.
The Art in STEAM: Transitions from 2D to 3D (AGE 6-8)
Pupils create abstract works of art and explore concepts related to storytelling.
Biodiversity around us (age 12+)
Pupils investigate biodiversity in their local area using different research methods, and analyse and share their findings.
Zero Waste School (age 13-14)
Pupils use their own school environment as a case-study to learn more about material waste.
Healthy Snack (age 13-15)
Involves pupils creating a healthy snack from scratch to support a zero-waste school.
What’s the benefit?
The project-style approach is what these resources do well, enabling pupils to connect and explore how their learning comes together across the STEM disciplines.
“Open Schooling is characterised by being place-based, purposeful, passion-led and pervasive. It’s not a formula; it just pays close attention to some simple building blocks with a focus on being open, hands on, practical and community spirited.” Professor Daniel Charny, Make it Open
More about Make it Open
This new programme currently offers 16 free-to-access, resources. Each links to Biology, Chemistry, Citizenship, Earth & Space Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Social Sciences. Designed with a mixture of in and out classroom learning, the curriculum linked resources will inspire students to ask-investigate-share their learning.
Want to know more?
Full suite of resources visit the Open Schooling Navigator
This blog developed in collaboration with Daniel Charny from Forth. If you want to learn more about their work to launch Make it Open to over 150 schools across Europe visit: Welcome to Make it Open