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THINK UNIVERSE! is multi-disciplinary, using non-mathematical language, simple analogies and practical work.
Target age: It can be adapted to KS2 (years 5 and 6) or KS3 (year 7)
Classroom delivery consists of twelve lessons divided in three modules:
MODULE I.- Building blocks:
An exploration of the world to discover that everything around us is made of tiny, invisible particles. Along this module, questions arise about origins and ages, about the smallest and the oldest things that ever existed.
MODULE II.- The cosmic timeline of origins
A journey from the origin of the Universe, when a handful of fundamental building blocks started a long chain of assembly processes. A journey full of answers about when, where and how those assembly processes have been taking place along the cosmic timeline.
MODULE III.- Paradise and humanity
The third module deals with the accidental development of our delicate environment, global extinctions of life and our great privilege and responsibility of being part of it all.
Seen in their true cosmological context of space and time, these issues show their unique and extraordinary importance.
Project Structure:
- There are the following stages:
- Promotional lectures delivered at interested schools
- Application, registration and agreement on terms and conditions. We welcome applications from school teachers and anyone interested in science education. Special qualifications are not required
- Teacher training. Given the unusual content and methodology, teacher training is at the core of the project
- Classroom delivery following our specific lesson plans
- End of project: public exhibition produced and explained by the children
- Award certification ceremony to all the children involved
- Long-term school partnerships
Teacher Training:
Preferably done in about three or four twilight masterclasses (format is flexible) covering lesson plans, teaching resources and Question Line methodology. This encourages teachers to promote independent thinking, questioning and classroom discussion. Teachers become inspired and confident to deliver the syllabus.
Teaching Resources:
Detailed teacher masterclass syllabus, twelve comprehensive lesson plans, lists of materials, equipment and references, teacher forum and more, are available on the Member's area, exclusive to registered participants.
Cost:
Teacher training is currently provided free of charge under a Small Award from the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Schools provide facilities, teacher time for training and the acquisition of basic materials and equipment (a few hundred pounds).
School Partnerships:
Once the first course is completed, schools become partners by including THINK UNIVERSE! All is One in their curriculum.
Further stages envisage additional funding for national and international partnerships involving the formation of teams of ambassadors.