Almost ninety biology teachers are visiting the University of Aberdeen today to get hands-on experience of practical experiments they can then conduct in their own classrooms.
The practicals will be demonstrated to tutors attending a laboratory based training event which has been jointly organised by the University’s School of Medical Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences.
Dr Ian Stansfield, Senior Lecturer in the School of Medical Sciences, helped organise the session. He said: “The teachers will be conducting a series of experiments covering subject areas from microbiology to ecology, using techniques routinely applied in University labs.
“The event is aimed at facilitating the transfer of current University-level biology research techniques into schools across Scotland, and contributing to the continuing professional development of school teachers in the region.”
The teachers are representing secondary schools from across the North East but some are travelling from as far north as Kirkwall and Anstruther in the south. It is hoped delegates will gain fresh ideas for teaching the Biology Advanced Higher syllabus.
The event has been developed in consultation with local teachers groups. It also aims to boost teachers' confidence, showcase and give access to the University's biology expertise and provide an opportunity for networking.