The internet as a resource
Including a global dimension in teaching means that links can be made between local and global issues and that what is taught is informed by international and global matters.
(Developing a global dimension
in the school curriculum,
DfEE 0115/2000)
The internet can be an excellent resource bank for information or images in science across the world. If you type 'global dimension science' into the Yahoo search engine for the UK only, you will be offered 332,000 sites to explore (Aug 9, 2005).
These websites range from publishers promoting their books to a huge variety of national and international organisations, such as Oxfam and the Department for International Development, which offer free information and links to associated sites.
Can the primary teacher quickly make sense of what is on offer … and what should he or she be searching for in terms of science?
In the twenty-first century, science is a global activity, which has consequences for each individual. Teachers are confronted daily with images and stories from around the world that demonstrate how science is improving lives and offering solutions to human problems. Even young pupils can become aware of the ethical, social and political dimensions of science when these impact on them through the television or computer screen.
In addition, the global dimension contributes to the development of key skills, particularly communication. It encourages pupils to become aware of others and of different perspectives on certain issues. Thinking skills develop as pupils analyse, evaluate, question and identify ways to achieve positive changes.
Key concepts
The concepts identified as key in global issues are:
- sustainable development
- citizenship
- values and perceptions
- social justice
- diversity
- conflict resolution
- interdependence
- human rights
You may feel some are more vital than others for your own knowledge and understanding when teaching the current primary science curriculum.
Click on the link below to go to the 'Association for Science Education' site's 'Global Dimension' area and see the benefits that utilising the global dimension brings to teachers, pupils and to the common good.
Association for Science Education's Global Dimension
You may want to refer briefly to an exciting innovation that will have global consequences in, for example, medicine. Or you may need to know more detail, so your class can develop their science through a wider global issue, such as food and diet.
Now have a look at the Activity on the right.
Activity Resources:
- Images
- Interactive
- Sound
- Text
- Video
Activity
- As a staff, or working as an individual, type a phrase like 'global dimension' or 'global science' into a search engine and note how many sites you are offered. Choose three sites which look suitable and worthwhile for your interest in primary science and the global dimension. Then spend a few minutes scanning through what is on offer.
- Is the site interesting to you as an individual?
- Is it interesting to you as a primary teacher?
- Does it have information that will develop your understanding of the global dimension in science?
- Does it relate directly to the primary science curriculum you follow?
- Does it bring enrichment opportunities to the primary science curriculum?
- Is it a site you would revisit?
- Now visit the four websites listed below and consider the same questions: The Association for Science Education. An excellent website full of information for teachers of science. The 'Global Dimension' area (click on ASE Global at the top of the screen) provides a list of many useful websites. OXFAM Cool Planet. Provides lots of information for children and teachers. The British Association. An open membership society dedicated to the communication and appreciation of science. Global Dimension. This site will show how the programme of study for your part of the UK incorporates the global dimension.
