Studying the Scottish Science Baccalaureate at Forth Valley College Lynn Borthwick

First Year Milestones

• June ‘09– Launch event with the education minister– Induction event to introduce students to the

library, labs and computers– Session on managing projects by Biotechnology

project manager

Milestones

• August/September ’09

– Submission of proposal by students for project– Project management computing training for

students to construct a Gantt chart– Session on proceeding to planning stage of project

Milestones• November- May– Visit for life science students to centre for

regenerative medicine– Students meet Anne Glover (Chief government

scientific advisor)– Students are given the opportunity to visit the

Parliament and question politicians on current scientific issues

Milestones

• November- May– Visit for all students to the science centre

sponsored by SQA– Students hear Heather Reid give motivational

speech, and are given training on science communication

Success• Students have been given autonomy to choose

projects which interest them• Opportunities have been given to students to

meet top scientists from different areas• Students meet pupils from other schools and are

given a taste of what this will be like at university• Preparation for the world of work and further

and higher education is given• Students have been given training in project

management software and science communication

Challenges

• Distance issues: some schools are geographically far away and students cannot attend on a regular basis

• Communication with schools has not been easy- this could be overcome by each school nominating a Bacc ‘champion’

• Students struggling with motivation and the responsibility of managing their own project

2009/10 Selected Projects

• Alcohol hand wash gels• Stem cell research• Vitamin content of imported and home grown

foods• Biodiesel manufacture• Carbon Capture Technology• Anti-ageing creams

Second Year Milestones

• Launch event in June with presentations from completing students

• June workshops on broad contexts and getting started

• Students working on proposal ideas over summer

• Retention of most participating schools and new schools on board

2nd Year Improvements

• August - Deadlines agreed by staff and posted on Moodle before students return.

• Move target dates to complete all stages by end Jan 11

• Agreed contact links with schools – one lecturer per school, one lecturer per student

2nd Year Improvements • Soft skills support staff part of team – SWOT

analysis• Suggested workshops proposed to pupils:• independent working / problem solving• Research Skills• Planning Skills• Networking Skills• Presentation Skills• Self Evaluation

Project Ideas 2010/11

• Impact of cosmetics on teenage skin• Mental health issues for teenagers• Aerofoils history and future developments• Gender specific toys’ impact on child

development• Artificial Intelligence