Museum day & homeward bound!

Our last day in Geneva was taken at a more leisurely pace. After a hearty Chinese meal and our evening in the hostels entertainment room, engrossed in 3 player chess (both Mr Cooper & I both won our rounds!) and various card games, we all needed a later start! 

We set off for the Museum of Natural History at 9.15am and still managed to arrive before it even opened.  The public transport system here is excellent! Free travel for tourists here and it really makes life much easier. The museum was very interesting with lots of organisms on display; only one dinosaur skull though.......

The next stop saw us outside the United Nations Builiding for a sightseeing/photo opportunity with 'The Broken Chair' and, of course, the main building itself. There was even some sort of protest/demonstration going on outside! Making use of our legs and the very crisp, fresh air, we walked down to the History of Science Museum; this was very small and focused on the history of scientific instruments.  The winter exhibition was about light and the use of mirrors...we all had a lot of fun seeing ourselves in a different light! 

Free time getting the better of us, we headed to the security of Geneva airport so we could relax, catch up on some much needed sleep and spend the last of our Swiss Francs. The students have been fantastic throughout the whole trip and have (hopefully) enjoyed the various experiences Geneva had to offer! They have decided they would like to write their own blog entry when back at school, accompanied by their own photos.....could be interesting!

CERN.....the home of particle physics!

 Early morning start for a trip to CERN....surprisingly, everyone made it to breakfast on time without having to be dragged out of a bed! No full English shocked a few of our students but no one went without.

Tram no18 was the transport of choice to CERN. 

"Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire" or 'European Council for Nuclear Research' 

www.home.web.cern.ch

@CERN  Twitter.com/cern

The tour started with a 40min lecture on what they do and why the site is so big! The main topics are researching antimatter and dark matter.  Cameron (Hughes) clearly was dying to ask a few questions.....he didn't let us down!! They did encourage students to apply for a summer school program and referred to us as 'possible future employees'. Cameron possibly.......

Our tour began by a quick trip to the CCC (CERN Control Centre for those not in the know!) this building was actually located in France....very strange crossing the border in the little shuttle bus! CCC introduced us all to what actually goes on here and how they go about their search to find particles; the Higgs-Boson was their most recent discovery!

COMPASS (Common Muon and Proton Apparatus for Structure and Spectroscopy) investigates how quarks and glucons interact to give the particles we observe. This was our next stop.....we actually got to see this amazing equipment! How many people can say that?? #lsasciencegeeksontour

Everyone had a really good time....I'm sure we all learnt a lot too! Best day ever for us scientists!!

Geneva... .We've arrived!

One late student, a 'temporarily misplaced' boarding pass, a game of plane musical chairs & an iPod with a mind of its own later, and we've arrived in Geneva!

Flight was pleasant & public transport is ok.....will definitely get the hang of it when we've had a sleep!  Our accommodation is nice, a few other UK schools are here & the Wifi is working! Everyone is happy!

Early start for our CERN trip tomorrow.....really excited! #LSASciGeeksOnTour

Yr10 Space Trip June 2014....student comments....

I thought that the science trip was amazing. Some of the lectures were very inspiring. I was surprised that you don't need an A Level to get into the companies, also it was very interesting to hear about how strong metal objects are made very light. My favourite part of the trip was the planetarium movie (we are astronomers) the exibits and facts around the museum. 

Lewis Richardson.

I learned a lot from this trip and constantly enjoyed myself. The planetarium was one of the most immersive experiences I have ever had

David Burley

Throughout the duration of this trip, I learnt a lot about careers in Astronomy and Space. I really enjoyed the planetarium as it felt very realistic.

Shashin Sood

I liked the talks with the different people that do the same but different things in the space company and the different things to do there like the nos con of a space rocket and short moves. 

Jordan Potter

Really liked the planetarium with the 360 view of space, enjoyed the museum and learnt about some inspiring careers. Charlie Porter

The trip was interesting and entertaining at all times, and I thoroughly enjoyed the "We are astronomers" in the planetarium. The keynote speech kept me extremely interested and entertained.

Laura Perrin

I enjoyed the trip, which I thought was interesting, inspiring, and fun! In particular, I liked the "We Are Astronomers" segment in the planetarium, which featured a stellar (pun not intended) narration from David Tennant. The trip also inspired me to look further into science, particularly astrophysics.

-Cameron Hardie

I really enjoyed the trip! I had no idea about the vast industry which is British Space. This was possibly the most fascinating and educational trip I've been on with LSA. It's nice to see subjects (science) start doing school trips other than the common geography and history trips that are run regularly. I hope to be involved in more trips like this in the future as it has broadened my horizons in the field of science.   -Jake Jurin :) 

Ditto -Scott Connors

The space trip mostly consisted of lectures, which most people think is a bad thing, but they were actually very interesting. We learned a lot about how the parts and materials necessary for space travel are designed and manufactured, and saw some cool things such as a Soyuz spacecraft. It really opened my eyes to how active Britain is in the space industry, and how you don't need a degree in astrophysics to work in the space industry (but of course it is better to have one anyway because space). - Cameron Hughes

I got to eat lunch under a rocket and saw a space suit for a dog. 10/10 -Owen Brown

Easter Hols - the learning doesn't stop!

Moved house and spent the weekend unpacking and settling in....everything has it's rightful place, for now. Don't think it will all settle in until I start back at work. Really missing having a car, but feels good to get some fresh air in the lungs! 

Couch to 5km in the rain, Terance watch, gardening, relaxing & marking! Making progress on my motivation board ideas, rejoining SW and plan to get fit!! Accommodation booked for mountain climbs too....its all becoming very real! Nervous/excited...challenge accepted!p

Cannot get into The Book Thief, started Girl In The The Box 5 "Omega" ...making good progress on my Goodreads challenge. Finished book 6 "Broken" in 24hrs!! I just can't get enough these holibobs!

Walking, tracking exercise with runkeeper app; hiding stretchy man daily for Simon to find! Trying new SW recipes: chicken arribiata; learning what my apps do and how to apply them to teaching! I have also completed a 20 mile bike ride....note to self invest in some padded cycling shorts! 

I aim to make some stop animations for revision purposes and look into how QR codes can help students with exam questions.....

Started expecting with painting my nails again....here are my Iron Man nails.  I also watched .Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2' a lot these holidays! Loving the spring onion dinosaurs!,

Learning up to the Easter holidays.....

Easter holidays at last.....both staff and students alike are ready for the 2 week break! We've all made it and despite the tiredness kicking in, it's been another week of learning! 

Takeaway homework has made an appearance this week with much thanks to the very talented @TeacherToolkit and also stop animations! I acquired a science based Takeaway Homework and made some very slight adjustments.   I am initially trailing it with my Yr10 chemistry group, who on the surface thought it was very exciting that they could chose their own homework! I have given them a 3 week deadline to compete 3 different tasks.  Looking forward to the results! My lovely colleague, Jo, showed me how to use stop animations and I'm really looking forward to giving it a go after the Easter holidays with my classes.  I am initially thinking it would be a good way to revise topics that involve molecules. 

Over ther Easter break, I will be catching up on some sleep, but also looking into different apps that I will be able to use in the classroom.  Initial thoughts are using some for revision: Socrative, Stop animations and Popplet!

Open classroom & Triad feedback! What a week!

So last week as back to the norm after an amazing week in Poland.  I am shattered...but it was all worth it! No rest for the wicked though with both triad feedback and 'Open Classroom' in the department!

First day back and I went to visit a colleague's classroom who was showcasing how to use iPad apps.  Socrative and Nearpod were the apps I observed and I thought they were both really interactive and useful.  Most students had a device to use so they could join in, some had to share, but this wasn't a problem.  The data captured by these apps for a teacher is brilliant - you can see exactly who answered what!  Excellent AfL!  I will be putting these 2 apps into my lessons after Easter; this gives me time over the holidays to get my head round them both properly.  I have a feeling my classes are going to love using their mobiles/devices in the lesson!  I like the fact that these apps are also PC/laptop based so it can be used in an ICT room too!  Isn't technology marvelous!

Socrative         Nearpod

I chose to showcase independent learning with my KS5 chemistry class.  I knew I was taking a complete risk in attempting getting them to construct Hess's cycles on their own, but to me, this is what opening my classroom was all about: try something new and see how it goes!  If it's a complete disaster, I will learn from it; if it goes ok/great, I will look to improve it!  Reflective teaching in practice!  The gamble paid off!  I grouped my students in mixed mathematical ability and arranged clues around the classroom, should they need them.  The clues were basically the steps to constructing a Hess's cycle and calculating the enthalpy change.  They all gave it a really good go and in the end, all got to the correct answer in completely different ways!  I was amazed by this progress - the students were pretty happy with themselves too.  I will be moving forward with this by giving them some past paper questions in the next lesson to check their understanding!

Last week was also the triad feedback sessions, again, conducted within our own departments.  I saw some really great ideas whilst observing a colleague and also received some pointers on how to improve my own practice.  I really see the benefit of observing other people....I just wish we were given more time to do such activities.  I am hoping to go and visit colleagues who are maximising electronic devices in their classrooms to see how it's done.  Also on the agenda (after some exciting conversations in Poland) is eTwinning with other schools during Science Club (follow them on Twitter: @LSA_Sci_Club).

Watch this space.....

Friday: Lesson observations, mini olympics & closing ceremony :-(

A well deserved lie in needed after yesterday....feeling good! The birds are singing and the sun is shining-can't believe it's our last day!  The students are taking part in a mini-olympics and Team England/Hungary are in dead last....their excuse involves the lack of grip on their shoes!

A Chemistry lesson is next. Things are really different here! They wear lab coats and gloves for handling chemicals, but don't wear any safety goggles? They also use spirit burners instead of Bunsens, no safety mats are required and the teacher is reponsible for her own practicals....there is no Carlsberg Dave to get the chemicals ready or clean up; we are very lucky at LSA!! They genuinely use 'every day products' for some chemicals.....standard white vinegar is used instead of ethanoic acid and vodka as a substitute for ethanol!!! When in Poland!!!  The students lead us through some practicals and aIso through some equations for the reactions - this is a language I understand; they write equations slightly different to us but it all makes sense! It was really nice to see now it is approached in a different country. 

We then have lunch in the town, followed by saying goodbye to the Swedish teachers and pupils. I am sad to see them leave :-( Next on the agenda was free time for the teachers (last minute souvenirs for school and loved ones!) and the pupils were on a geo-caching mission. We all met back at the school for the closing ceremony - teachers, students and host families have provided a buffet of Polish food which is amazing! I feel like the size of a house this week with all the delicious food I have eaten! Songs are performed, goodbyes are exchanged and it's off back to the hotel for our last meal together! This is the end of a 2yr partnership between the 5 schools and I am very honoured to have been a part of it.

Thursday: Auschwitz & Krackow

A super early start and 5hr journey to Auschwitz. As soon as we arrive there is an eerie feeling in the air. We commence our guided tour and I am glad we have our own headsets. This is a time for personal reflection; as the tour goes on, emotions are high and no one is making eye contact with each other. We have all been deeply affected today by the journey around the Auschwitz. I really didn't know what to expect; but I didn't expect to be so moved. No amount of hiding behind my sunglasses could hide the tears......I am shocked by what I have seen. The impact of the 'Final Solution' really hit home. RIP to the millions that suffered, died and were murdered.

After some time to reflect on our experience, we arrive in the beautiful city of Krackow. The sun is shining and there is so much to take in! We have free time to shop, sightsee and enjoy some of the local cuisine. 

Today has been a long day; need some sleep on the return journey. I am mentally & emotionally drained.

Wednesday: Lublin

Another rainy start but it's all good! Today we visited an open air museum in Lublin.  We ventured around a mock up of life in Poland 100 years ago.  It was very interesting and I learnt so much about Jewish culture. It made me realise how much we all take for granted!

Lunch was in a traditional Jewish restaurant with authentic Jewish food! Admitedly, the veal was not really for my palate but I gave it a go and was happy that I tried it! One of my aims for 2014 is to be more adventurous with food....go me!  

The afternoon was free time in the shopping mall, Lublin Plaza.  Lublin is a very nice city with lots going on.  We all had the chance to grab some bargains and souvenirs for loved ones as well as ourselves.  We returned to hotel for night of learning about each other's cultrues and a little sing song in all our languages. Having a great time and learning so much!

4am breakfast tomorrow......big day ahead.....

Tuesday: Teaching and music

Today was teaching day! I taught 3 lessons to 3 different groups of students in year 2 at a Middle school.  Middle school here is like our high school: yr1 pupils are 12/13, yr2 13/14, yr3 14/15. Students must achieve a grade 2 or higher to proceed into the next year; grades are from 1-6 with 6 being the highest. Students will get kept back to repeat the year! I think this encourages them to do well! Students who reach age 16 and have not completed years 1-3 of middle school go into special education program instead of college.

Students do not wear a uniform in Poland and the teachers are also dressed casual; most are wearing jeans! The students are a little apprehensive about having a foreign teacher, but we are also treated like local celebrities. All students are friendly and happy to put their English into practise. The boys are little more reserved than the girls.  Their task was to research Polish Scientists and produce a poster of interesting facts; all students did well :-)

The afternoon was all about music! Students of the local community put on a concert for us which included a rock band, traditional Polish folk dancing, 6th form pupils showcasing their talents and the Hungarian Comenius group adding their skills into the mix.  A very enjoyable a afternoon!

Monday: Welcome Ceremony & Jeep Adventure

Excellent night sleep in the comfy bed which is now home, followed by a buffet breakfast which included some amazing apple pancakes! Yum, excellent start!

Arrived at the school at 9am and met with the headmistress; the students have prepared a welcome ceremony for us all which is mainly about Polish history.  Students acted out a story, sang and danced in the Polish traditional way and told us about their school.  It was then our turn! The German students opened with videos about their school and also bridges in Europe;  England followed with information about LSA, followed by a quiz about the different subjects we study.  This was quite popular as those who guessed correctly got sweets!! Hungary presented their school and also a history of their town. Sweden are doing a quiz with the students tomorrow to the he younger students. Very interesting and all students executed their presentations well.  Proud teachers all round!! A few more gift giving presentations between the Comenius co-ordinators before we were off to go on a Jeep off-road adventure!

The jeep adventure was mental! Real off roading with a group photo stop in between.  Good job that we did this before having lunch!! Lunch was excellent, as usual. It was tomato and bias soup followed by chicken steaks (breaded with almonds!) with coleslaw and potatoes.  Pudding was panacotta with a creamy latte to end! Meal times are consisting of 3 courses, I will be a lot heavier upon my return to the UK on Saturday. We had some free time in the Old Town before heading back to school.  I some of the students went out for pizza with their host familIes, we went back the hotel for a meal with all the teachers from the host school. Excellent day!

Sunday: Old Town & Science!!

Woke up to the sound of rain :( oh well! could be worse I suppose. Enjoyed a light breakfast; there is so much to choose from - polish, continental and English. Happy days.

First stop on the agenda was the Copernicus Centre of Science - very excited about this place. Overwhelmed by the amount of things to do here; separate chemistry, biology, physics and robotic workshops, the planetarium, high voltage light shows, the list goes on. The centre is very hands on and caters for all ages. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who visits Warsaw, even of you're not that into science. They also sell tiny balls of ice-cream in little baseball hat containers....this was lovely!

http://www.kopernik.org.pl/en/

Next stop was lunch in Warsaw Old Town. What a place! The original Old Town was destroyed in WWII; the whole place was rebuilt to the exact standard before the bombings using old photos. It's very picturesque with surplus little boutique type shops. Lunch was delicious; chicken noodle soup to start with roasted duck for our main course, accompanied by a glass of red wine made locally; when in Poland eh!!!  We had a little time to explore this wonderful place before boarding the coach. 3hrs later we were at the school and dropping off the pupils with their host families.....we went to our hotel which is to be our home for the next 6 days. It's lovely!!!

Tomorrow will be our first day at the school with an adventure in the afternoon no doubt! Monika, the Polish co-ordinator is very organised. 

Saturday: Warsaw

Arrived in Warsaw to cold, windy weather....just like being at home! Arrived at hotel and managed to get stuck in the lift between floors; quite scary to be honest! Met up the other schools in the partnership and their teachers. Countries involved are England, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Hungary.  Some pupils have already met and it was great to see them catching up since the last trip! Teachers who have run the partnership for the last 2 years were also happy to see each other....what a great start to the trip.

Caught the bus into Warsaw centre and went to an amazing little cafe/bookshop called Mito (http://www.mito.art.pl) Books, coffee, bar and great food! Left the pupils to their own devices and went to scout the city; a very friendly place with people always willing to help the tourists! The weather cannot seem to make its mind up - rain and wind one minute, a few hail stones the next with some sunshine also thrown in!

Spent some time discussing ideas for eTwinning science ideas between schools; so far Germany are keen on getting involved with Sweden thinking about it!

Rest and an early night on the agenda for this evening, Old Town and the Copernicus Museum to explore tomorrow :-)  

Adventure begins.....

4.00am

It's nice and early, and all students are present and correct with passports and E111 cards. Most are looking a bit sleepy but still managing to make the noise of a whole class! Next stop, Manchester Airport.....

6.10am

All through security & now enjoying some food and a latte. Pupils are getting a little quieter and ready for some sleep!! Bless them! Weather is rubbish in Poland apparently....we have a free afternoon in Warsaw to begin our adventure; glad I've packed my hat! Apparently Sushi is on the menu for today along with meeting up with the German school tonight.