Focus Education
T is is where it starts…
Neil Brooks of The Old Malthouse, The Cothill Group’s new practical science venture explains why children should to be able to get their hands dirty
As a schoolboy, I remember my science lessons well. T e Chemistry master used to wave a rag soaked in ammonia above his head in an eff ective attempt to gain order (we were rather unruly) and a Physics teacher would spend lessons extolling the virtues of having a milk fl oat as a primary means of transport because of its relatively constant speed and fuel effi ciency. T ere was much pouring of one clear liquid into another to create a third clear liquid. Ah, the joys of Chemistry! Nevertheless, I have fond memories of the sciences mostly because of the large proportion of time that was spent engaged in practical activity. Science teaching has become less
adventurous with stringent Health and Safety regulations, encouraging teachers to demonstrate rather than allow pupils to experiment. T is is something I hope to change at the Old Malthouse on the Isle of Purbeck which has been founded with the specifi c aim of igniting and establishing a real fascination for and love of matters scientifi c in young children. T e Old Malthouse off ers a collaboration
between the Cothill Educational Trust and the Natural History Museum. Its location on the Jurassic Coast makes it an ideal base for the study of physical Geography and Geology. Indeed, it organises practical modules for pupils to investigate coastal processes and geological formations. Young scientists can see how the local shales hold oil and try to ignite it in its purest form. T e centre also incorporates the Tree
School project, which allows young children from the age of 11 to interact and work directly with scientists from the Natural History Museum. T ey will be part of an international undertaking sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York to register all tree life on earth. Our students will be taking part in fi rst-hand research, understanding the identifi cation of trees using tailored fi eld guides, and then following this through by authenticating their fi nds with the aid of advanced computer technology which automatically looks at leaf shape and identifi cation.
www.fi rstelevenmagazine.co.uk Shaping a sustainable
future – particularly through the urban
environment – will be one of the greatest challenges in the 21st century.
Having selected a tree, the pupils will then learn how to extract DNA samples and post their fi ndings on the Barcode of Life worldwide database. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of
Ove Arup 1970
involving such young children is that we are enabling them to become aware that science continues beyond the school laboratory and can be a career path. T eir work is not limited to an hour’s session over a bench with a Bunsen burner. T e use of the database to understand the distribution of plant life across the globe and the changes which are occurring due to climatic and other factors is explained to the children so that they can see science in action. Moreover, there are plans afoot to broaden the children’s experiences by exploring life along the water’s edge, sampling seaweeds and investigating some of the animal life, too. T e Old Malthouse has bespoke
Science is a booming business with young children clamoring for science parties and schools hot on their trail. Retired chartered accountant, David Hammerson, founded Science Boffi ns in 2005, for children aged 5 - 12 and now has 35 “Boffi ns” around the UK from Scotland to Devon and in London. Other regional companies have sprouted up including Einstein’s Entertainment, which organises schools’ clubs and parties in London and coined the word “edutainment”.
Further information The Old Malthouse takes pupils from
UK maintained and independent schools . Price: £250 per pupil per week. Individuals cannot apply but small groups can contact: offi
ce@cothill.net
laboratory provision for the DNA work but the greater part of the study takes the children out into the environment to look at fl ora and fauna. T ey are encouraged to develop a respect for nature and its often delicate balance. T e area of Dorset in which the centre is based is home to a whole cross section of ecosystems from heathland and coastline to meadows. T e possibilities for exploring natural sciences are endless. T ankfully, its location also means that time can be put aside to play on the beach, climb the cliff s and dip in the rock pools. Whether schools want to use the Old Malthouse for Geography, Geology, Biology or as a base for outdoor pursuits, the emphasis is on practical activity. T e Tree School project with the Natural History Museum is a successful example of modern, inspirational science teaching by practising scientists.
‘Edutaining’ Science is a gas for the little ones
The schools are looking for a fresh approach says Hammerson. During the 2011 Science Week in March, Science Boffi ns took 48 bookings to present to schools at assembly and follow up with workshops during the day. “Schools realise the importance of science. It’s the future and unless we are able to provide a strong stirring force we will stand still and we cannot aff ord to do that,” says Hammerson.
www.scienceboffi
ns.com www.e-entertainers.co.uk
Summer 2011 FirstEleven 41
PHOTO: HUGO BURNAND
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