Who are we?
The Centre for Science Education (CSE) is one of the UK's foremost groups working in science education Research and Development, and is the largest academic group in the field in Europe. Amongst a wide portfolio, the work of CSE includes leading edge CPD, the creation of motivating and innovative science intervention schemes and curriculum development in both print and digital media.
CSE's vision statement is Creativity that Works which reflects a passionate belief that only by inspiring and capturing the imagination of youngsters in science through the development of 'creativity-rich' resources and activities can we allow young people to reach the highest levels of attainment they are capable of. This combined approach, to higher standards, as well as higher levels of engagement and motivation, are hallmarks of all the Centre's projects.
What is Smart Science?
Smart Science builds on The Personal Capabilities™ in Science Research Programme, born in 1999 at the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University. This research showed that by proactively using Personal Capabilities children are increasingly scientifically capable and responsible learners.
There are 10 Personal Capabilities (PCs). Smart Science focuses on the development of the five 'core' Personal Capabilities that are considered to be the first steps towards children's better learning. For more information on Personal Capabilities go to www.personalcapabilities.co.uk
Core
Teamwork: working well in groups and teams
Creativity: thinking of, sharing and playing with new or unusual ideas
Communication: communicating opinions and feelings appropriately
Self Management: taking charge of your learning
Problem Solving: working towards a solution by analysing a problem and forming strategies
Wider
Tenacity: sticking at a task in order to meet deadlines
Positive Self Image: valuing yourself and your achievements
Self Motivation: motivating yourself to do what needs to be done
Critical Thinking: critically reviewing and evaluating what you do and how you do it
Social Intelligence: responding appropriately to people and situations