Tuesday 9th March. Heart Rate
Story Based STEM venture
Imagine you and pupils are in a storm and are transported to a deserted island in an archipelago. The only escape from the island is to build a bridge. Your pupils need to work together to find materials and find out the best way to get from one island to the other. On your travels to the other islands looking to find a way out you meet people who have the skills and knowledge to help you construct your bridges. The young people work together to Inquire, Imagine, Invent, Iterate and Improve the bridges. You finally enter the world of Norse mythology to construct the final bridge which will save the world.
Our bridges STEM venture allows pupils to become engaged and immersed in the story, the subject areas include mathematics, design, construction and collaboration. Following our story will bring learning to life and allow pupils to test out their ideas and improve their creations. The pathways through the story are endless allowing teachers to incorporate research activities about local, regional and international bridges
Our STEM adventure is available now contact: info@tyncan.com
(1) British Science Week – Data Logging
Monday 8th March. An introduction to the Labdisc:
The software can be freely downloaded for any device
GLOBILAB VERSIONS
Globilab MSI installation 3.1.11b for PC (WIN 7,8,10 64b)
GlobiCollab MSI Installation 1.0.3a for PC (WIN 8,10 64b)
GlobiLab-setup-2.4.25b for PC (Win 7, 8, 10)
GlobiLab Version 3.1.9 for Mac (Mac 10.7 – 10.14)
GlobiLab for Android (Android 4.5 and up)
GlobiLab for iOS (iOS 8 and up)
GlobiLab for Linux – Fedora (Fedora 14)
GlobiLab for Linux – Ubuntu (Ubuntu 18.04 64b)
GlobiLab for Linux – Ubuntu (Ubuntu 10.04)
Search for Globilab on the Apple Appstore or on Android Google Play
The software will allow you to see data that has been captured and to analyse the data using the tools available.
For more information contact us: info@tyncan.com
Online Learning Devices
Since we were informed that there was a shortage of devices for pupils to use from home for online learning we have been trying to source devices that are cost effect, reliable and usable. We have worked with our supplier to source three devices which will help pupils learn from home.
Description
This is “The Classroom Tablet” – selected for its low cost and classroom relevant specification, features and price. Exceptional value with capacitive touch screen and fully supported and a full range of accessories. Choice of a single-core or dual-core processor.
These Android Tablets are ably suited for classroom use and enable you to equip three to four classrooms for the cost of one classroom of iPads
An Android tablet offers most of the advantages of PCs common in many classrooms especially when used with a keyboard and mouse but they also add new capabilities:
The touchscreen allows users to “draw” using a finger or stylus. It is possible to draw with a mouse but drawing with a stylus is much easier for most people. A Tablet can be used in landscape or portrait modes. Very convenient for material that may have been originated in portrait format like most books. Tablet is ultra-light with long battery life. They are very portable and especially good for fieldwork away from the classroom. Versions of most popular applications are available for tablets, without the need for lengthy training sessions.
Built-in Digital cameras produce a powerful data collection and annotation tool for subjects like architecture, art or biology and science. The microphone can capture audio data.
The combination of an Android tablet with control apps (software) to prevent pupils from abusing their use provides not only a great opportunity to reduce the cost of supplying printed books but also to provide a very adaptable classroom tool.
Price: £85.00 +VAT
Description
Designed for both the classroom and remote learning at home at low cost but with all the features needed. Connect at school or home via WiFi to the internet or connect via Bluetooth to a mobile phone hotspot if there is no internet connection at home. Use Android or Chromebook to help children maintain contact, learn online with live lessons or by remote LMS learning
- Android 10.2 inch tablet with WIFI and Bluetooth
- Camera for online meetings
- Keyboard for typing
- The magnetic carry case that acts as a stand and provides protection when carried
- Optional Bluetooth mouse available with full click and scroll functions
- Connection for a keyboard to tablet avoids the need for additional power sources or cables and charging
We have headsets with microphones that will connect via a 4 pin audio input and webcams if needed to enhance the basic learning tablet.
Price: £ 150.00 +VAT
Description
Windows 10 tablet designed for both the classroom and remote learning at home at low cost but with all the features needed. Connect at school or home via WiFi to the internet or connect via Bluetooth to a mobile phone hotspot if there is no internet connection at home. Learn online with live lessons or by remote LMS learning
- Win 10 10.2 inch tablet with WIFI and Bluetooth
- Front and rear cameras for online meetings
- Keyboard for typing
- A magnetic carry case that acts as a stand and provides protection when carried
- Optional Bluetooth mouse available with full click and scroll functions
- 4 pin internal connection between keyboard and tablet avoids the need of additional power sources or cables and charging
- OTG cable adds an additional USB input port for webcam or mouse etc
- Windows 10 operating system optional *
Price: £220.00 + VAT (OS sold separately £40.00 + VAT)*
COVID 19 Killing BioBarrier solution for schools.
Kill COVID 19
for a minimum of 28 days
StereX Multi-Surface BioBarrier Solution is proven to kill 99.999% of COVID 19, all other known Coronaviruses and bacteria.
It is certified to last a minimum of 28 days.
StereX integrated system of protection –
BioBarrier/Sanitiser/Bleach will provide protection for up to 3 months.
Key Features:
- Kills 99.999% of bacteria and viruses on impact
- Creates an impenetrable Bio-Barrier
- Provides protection on hard and soft surfaces.
- Safe to use in food handling areas. Complies with BS EN 13697
- Water soluble and chlorine free
- Non-toxic
- Complies with British Standard EN 14476:2013 + A2 2019 (tested and proven to kill all known Coronaviruses)
Providing a safe working and learning environment free of COVID 19
We are committed to making sure that all who work in schools, workplaces and caring environments have the protection they deserve.
To find out more Click here
PPE to support Education
Senior leaders and Governing bodies are trying to work out how to provide a safe learning environment so that children can return to school as soon as possible. Being an education company we want to help and support in any way we can. We have managed to source supplies which may well help in creating a safe learning environment and also give pupils, staff and parents confidence in the school procedures.
We are happy for a school to order small quantities so that money is not tied up in stock. We are happy to work with you to work out weekly or monthly regular orders. If you find you do not need to order on one week or month then let us know and we can defer the order. We are here to help you maximise your budget.
We have a variety of products available please see below.
UK Manufactured
500ml 70%
Price: £3.85 (500ml) excl VAT and delivery
FS-PPE-3LM Mask
Three-ply medical mask.
Features include:
- Pleated with ear loops
- 3 ply / 3 layer construction
- Splash resistant protection against blood and bodily fluids
- Non-sterile
Price: £20.00 (pack of 50) excl delivery
FS-PPE-KN95M Mask
Respirator Mask
Features include:
- Tight-fitting respirators create a seal with the wearers face to protect from harmful pathogens
- Provides two-way protection by filtering inflow and outflow of air
- Prevents 95% of particles >0.3 microns in size
Price: £ 7.00 (pack of 5) excl delivery
Please contact us with your requirements
info@tyncan.com tel. 07949293995
Early Years return in China
9:00 am arrived on Monday 11th May and the Early Years children began filtering through the NBIS gate. At the gate they had their health code checked, handed in their health declaration form, said goodbye to their parents, and were meet by Early Years teachers who then guided them to their classrooms. Other Early Years children caught their school bus in the morning. They had their temperature taken and green health code checked by their bus teacher. This has now become part of their new daily routine. While some things have changed others have stayed the same.
Ningbo International School click to see how the return was managed. NBIS
How other countries are coping with school closures and the use of technology.
We have all worked tremendously hard to ensure learning carries on for our young people in this country, We have placed resources online, we have Tweeted successes and joined Social Media projects to learn more about online learning. We have had problems! Access for some families, engagement issues with others. Technology resource overload has been a problem for some being hit with so many resources over a short space of time.
For another perspective find out what is happening in another country Senegal.
Insight Resources give Mr Bit to young people for free!
Insight Resources are giving away their fantastic visual Micro:bit programming app for free. As our young people are not at school they thought it would be a good idea to engage young people in programming the Microbit. Mr Bit is a visual way to code the Micro:bit using plain english so that the connections to the program are simplified. Share the link and get our young people programming while they are at home. Schools who are open and catering for key worker children are also eligible to down load the free software. ENJOY!
(5) British Science Week – Data Logging
Friday 12th March. Micro Climate
Demonstrating microclimates to your students by walking from a busy city intersection to a park using the Labdisc built in GPS, humidity and temperature sensors, together with the iPad for data download, display and analysis.
For more information contact us: info@tyncan.com
(4) British Science Week – Data Logging
Thursday 11th March. Sound Wave
Using the Labdisc built-in microphone sensor and a standard tuning fork to visualise a sound.
For more information contact us: info@tyncan.com
Assessment and Learning
What is the best way to measure things?
We can use our eyes and gauge how long or how high something is. We can use a tape measure or we can be really high tech and use an infrared device. We can measure the fastest runner by having a race and recording the time taken to finish the agreed distance If we want to really know who is the best we can add up all the times they have won and their best times.
What is the best way to measure knowledge?
We can design tests and ask people to sit the tests. If they score a particular number of the questions correctly they can be given a label, a status, A* A,B,C 9,8,7,6,5 Level 1,2,3 etc. This score can then define achievements and allow the person to progress in their learning and quest for knowledge. You may go to university and achieve a Degree, a Masters qualification or a PhD. They may join a profession and sit specific examinations which will give a status within the chosen profession. This again attributes status in society and defines to an extent who the person is.
Have we got this correct?
What if the person sitting the “standardised test” doesn’t think in a standardised way? Will the system allow for deviation of thought? Is there a mechanism which would moderate the process to take account of this non conformity? In 2020 the standardised tests were unable to be given and so those responsible for the Knowledge health of the nation deployed algorithms to assess where those who took the test would be placed so that the system could carry on working. The algorithm did not work and there was uproar that the future of students in this country was going to be destroyed. In 2021 the government decided that the responsibility to assess without examining students would be given to the teaching profession because they “know” their students. Is this the way to progress given that many students have been away from school for many months? Have teachers been able to form relationships with their students to be able to know what they are really capable of?
Are there other ways we can assess what people know?
Assessment for learning – ongoing assessment
Assessment of learning – a snapshot in time
Assessment as learning develops and supports students’ metacognitive skills.
Now that we have young people back in school and 2021 will be the second year that formal examinations will have been cancelled, is it time to look seriously at the way we find out how much our children are learning?
Photo by Gabby K on Pexels.com
(3) British Science Week – Data Logging
Wednesday 10th March. Free Fall
Using the Labdisc built-in motion sensor and a ping pong ball to measure Newton’s 2nd Law – free fall acceleration
For more information contact us: info@tyncan.com
Returning to School 8th March 2021
No more remote online learning!
The Government in Westminster has declared that all pupils must by law attend school from the 8th of March 2021. Schools in Ireland returned today 1st March 2021. Everyone agrees that children’s education is very important but so is the health of the nation and importantly staff who work in education. This year staff have worked extremely hard even though the numbers of pupils in school has been depleted. The rise of “home learning” “online learning” remote learning” has had to be incorporated into the school day. Problems caused by lack of technology, lack of internet provision or low bandwidth have all had to be confronted and solutions found by staff in schools. The problem of the take up of learning has had to be confronted and strategies created to try and improve the amount of learning for pupils at home.
Young people have had to adapt to a different way of learning and a loss of friendship groups and of a sense of community as access to their schools has been curtailed. Many schools have struggled but have strategies in place which have worked, they have changed the way they work with pupils, parents and the community. They have built relationships with those who they have a responsibility for and have designed programmes to accommodate the pupils’ needs as best they can. This has been successful sometimes and not so successful in others but they have learned from what they have done and tried and they have adapted accordingly.
Staff have had to “turn on a sixpence” they have had to quickly incorporate digital technology into their curriculum delivery. some have risen to the challenge whilst other have been challenged by it emotionally and professionally. But now the pupils are returning and the schools will look to provide a modicum of normality and also a structure and framework for pupils in their dally lives. They will try to take the children back to pre Covid times and move on.
There have been comments about how it will be good to get the children back and that we can make learning online a thing of the past ” we can forget remote learning and get back to teaching our children”. If this is the view of the majority of the profession then I think the last year will have been a waste of time. We have learned so much about learning online and we have embraced and conquered many barriers in making online learning a reality how ever flawed it might have been. If we now take the decision to revert to the “way it was” before Covid then we have not learned anything. Surely we must look at our curriculum delivery and ask ourselves what worked and what didn’t and look at integrating an online offering into the normal curriculum which will be offered in schools as we go forward. We must not just let all the work that has been done vanish. We owe our children the fact that we should still carry on and embrace technology to assist and enhance the curriculum that is being delivered.
Computing teachers rise to the challenge in lockdown 3
Computer Science teachers have been at the forefront of helping their schools switch back to remote learning in this latest lockdown. We asked members of the Computing at School peer-to-peer teachers support network, backed by BCS, to share their top tips. Claire Penketh reports.
For the full article Click Here
Delivering Remote education DfE Blog:
Tips And Advice From Senior Leaders. Read Blogs On Delivering Remote Education
