WHITE MAGIC: A tool to support science teaching in schools is launched The EPS (expanded polystyrene) Packaging Group has developed a White Magic education box to assist the teaching of science in schools. EPS is generally known as the polystyrene packaging that protects valuable purchases and fresh food in transit. The White Magic box contains some items that will be familiar in the kitchen, such as steamers and liquidisers, alongside moulds and supplies of raw material. Teachers and pupils will be able to get hands-on experience of making a moulded expanded polystyrene ball, recycling and testing the conductivity of different materials.
The White Magic box has already been tested by education experts as Tony Pruchniewicz, Chairman, the EPS Packaging Group explains: "We demonstrated the White Magic education box to staff of three specialist science schools and an Advanced Science Teacher. The demonstration was held at British Plastics Federation, each of the visiting teachers and a technician had the opportunity to use the material to make a moulded ball and to test out theories about recycling. The response to the White Magic box was very positive. The guests found it engaging and exciting and were delighted to have a tool that helped to bring science into the real world. Lesley Kitching, Head of Science, St Augustine CofE Secondary School: "It is great, the experiments are fun for pupils and we can link them to industry and the new approach to science". Jan Williams, Advanced Science Teacher, North Lincolshire: “It is a versatile resource and it is wonderful to see industry linking with schools and supporting our endeavours to make science relevant and fun.”
Each participant was given a White Magic box to use in their own school or college and asked to help the EPS Packaging Group. Tony Pruchniewicz says: “We have asked them to advise us on how White Magic helps teachers to deliver the national curriculum. As every White Magic box will contain a teachers’ information CD, we knew it was vital get input for these from the experts.” Schools in England and Wales can order a White Magic education box for £45, the charge will help the EPS Packaging Group recoup part of the cost of each box so that they can be distributed as widely as possible. The Group hopes not to have to refuse any school that requests a box. The Group plans to hold a demonstration in Scotland in the autumn term so that it can provide notes suitable for the Scottish curriculum and supply schools in Scotland too. The EPS Packaging Group will start delivering to schools in September 06, |
Scunthorpe schools learn about EPS EPS: The Exceptional Packaging Solution DVD
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