Xplora European

Schoolnet's science education gateway

New Tools for Science Teachers

Information from the ICTSN newsletter distributed by BECTA
New Tools for Science Teachers, Xplora European Schoolnet's science education gateway, Xplora, has released new tools for science teachers. There are two major aspects: a resources database and a community space. The resources database is fully searchable, and includes recommended website links, free software to download, Flash items and more. The community space is where you can meet other science teachers and educators" it includes chat, forums, private group spaces and more. Remember web features, other than browsing and e-mail, are not to be used with students in Fife schools as stated in the Acceptable Use policy until a secure environment is released as part of the Scottish Schools Digital Network in 2006/07 unless you are in a primary school using Grid Club - supported by the Scottish Executive.

You must register to participate in the community, and to add your own resources to the database.
Register for the community:

Please send details of other good hits from this site to Jim.Birney@fife.gov.uk

The results of some sample searches by Tom Dickson, Science Development Officer, Fife.
Biology
Typing human body provided this link
Delving further into the site by clicking on cardiovascular
Comments by Sarah McCarthy, of Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline. This website is of more use in the higher human biology course, but would also be useful for standard grade. The animations are a bit primitive compared to some I have seen but it would be good for pupils to look at to help them with the course.I will be making a note of the web adddress and pointing pupils in the right direction and encouraging them to use it.
Chemistry
Even entering the word Chemistry displays some wonderful sites. Look at this source of animations
You can also be taken to a video collection at Oxford University
Physics
Searching for optics identified a website suitable for standard grade Health Physics or higher Optics
and also introduced this fabulous java animation collection, ideal for Standard Grade and Higher