Able Scientists Collectively Experiencing New Demands
This project developed curriculum enhancement activities for school science. The materials were trialled with c.15 year-old learners considered 'gifted' and/or keen on science by their schools. Most of the activities have a 'nature of science' / 'how science works' theme.
This page introduces the project, and provides links to learn more about the project, the student activities, and where to access the resources.
The book: 'Enriching School Science for the Gifted Learner'
Project description
ASCEND (Able Students Collectively Exploring New Demands) was an SEP-funded project run during 2004-5. The University of Cambridge Faculty of Education worked with the Cambridge Federation of Secondary Schools to develop enrichment provision to challenge high attaining science students at KS4. The ASCEND project was supported by the Gatsby Technical Education Projects' Science Enhancement Programme. The project was staffed by graduate students in the faculty, and welcomed pupils into the faculty as an elective after school programme.
Staffing
Director: Keith S. Taber (University of Cambridge)
Liaison: Cathy Auffret (Chesterton Community College, Cambridge); Peter Biggs (St. Bede's Inter-Church Comprehensive School, Cambridge); Susie Garlick (Netherhall School and Sixth Form College, Cambridge); Eloise Froment (Parkside Community School, Cambridge)
Graduate Assistants: Philip Anding, Richard Brock, Hannah Burleigh, Clare Burton, Frank Flegg, Alejandra García-Franco, Andreas Georgiou, Jonathan Norris, Claire Pearson, Joanna Poddar, Fran Riga, Samantha Smith, Laura Wilson.
This led to the publication:
Enriching School Science for the Gifted Learner
Download 'Enriching School Science for the Gifted Learner'
This book subtitled 'A Guide to Developing Science Provision for Gifted Students' was published with a CD* of classroom resources by SEP (2007). The book chapters are:
Introduction to the ASCEND project materials
Metacognition and independent learning
ASCEND -a science enrichment programme
The ASCEND activities [Further details on each activity can be found form the links below]
Learner activities:
The activities were mostly based around 'nature of science' / 'how science works' themes, and were entitled:
- What is science?
- Is there a method to science?
- Learning Science
- Explaining science
- Identifying patterns in science
- Scaffolding individual learning in science
- Integrated science?
- Science in society
- Judging models in science
- Linking science to the everyday world
ASCEND at the National STEM Centre eLibrary
The ASCEND materials as published on the CDRom are all available from the National STEM Centre eLibrary. Resources on the site can only be accessed by those registered, but registration is free. Once registered you will have access to a growing library of electronic resources.
