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Scientists reach out virtually to teach subject matter online

07/04/2020

University of Wolverhampton scientists are reaching out virtually by continuing to teach their subject matter online – taking science into the community during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Response Team has developed an online focused programme of curriculum linked activities that revolve around the specialism of the group including microbiology with Phoebe Hinton-Sheley, forensics with Heather Angell and the wonders of the natural world with primatologist, Ellesse Janda.

The team has also produced video content and over the coming weeks will be sharing online activities, links and resources that parents can use when they are home schooling their children and help them keep occupied during social isolation.

They will also be on hand to answer any queries. The ‘Ask Me Anything’ (AMA) sessions will be taking place daily between 12.00 midday and 1.00 pm.

All activities will take place on Twitter @STEMResponseWLV.

Dr Martin Khechara, Associate Professor for Engagement in STEM at the University, said: “Usually at this time of the year the STEM Response team would be preparing for key STEM events and we would be right at the heart of the community, talking to schools, attending and organising events such as Big Bang and the University of Wolverhampton Faculty of Science and Engineering annual festival, Sci Fest.

“Obviously due to the current pandemic, we are having to think a bit differently about how we support the community as they endeavour to continue to learn about STEM subjects in these difficult times and we wanted to take the subjects directly into the living room during the school shutdown period.

“Our online programme which primarily will take place on the Twitter platform is designed to support parents who are home schooling as well schools that are still open for children of key workers.  We will be running competitions as well as producing special features for events to celebrate key international days in the STEM Calendar.”

The programme includes Micro Mondays, where microbiology staff peer into the world of everything tiny; Wild Wednesdays will explore the wonders of the natural world with the resident primatologist; and Forensic Fridays will investigate the mysteries of crime and death with a forensic researcher.

Listen to Dr Khechara talk about virtual learning on BBC Radio WM: https://soundcloud.com/wlv_uni/bbc-radio-wm-interview-scientists-reach-out-virtually-to-teach-subject-matter-online

 

ENDS

 

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