Plastics are an essential part of life and
we need to learn how to use them in a sustainable way
These 3½
day residential courses are designed to provide teachers with case
studies that they can use in contextual teaching of both science and
design & technology and they give teachers the opportunity to meet in an
informal environment to exchange views on the teaching of science and
design & technology. They help to educate teachers on the science,
technology and applications of polymers (both plastics and rubbers). In
addition the courses promote the knowledge of polymers and plastics and
their importance to the quality of everyday life and thereby enhance the
image of plastics and the plastics industry in the eyes of future
consumers. In line with the current curriculum there is a session on
"citizenship" that focuses on recycling and the calculation of life
cycle analysis costs.
The
course gives teachers the unique opportunity to visit major plastics
processing companies and to attend lectures and discussions with leading
figures from industry and academia. There are sessions in the
laboratories where the teachers can operate machines to make and collect
samples for their schools and use test equipment. There is a session on
testing and identification of plastics that can be used back at school.
Teachers who complete the course will receive a Certificate of
Attendance from the ASE for their CPD portfolio.
Napier University
17th - 20th June 2007
Napier University is
the only polymer processing education centre in Scotland and one of just 2
centres in the UK offering BEng Polymer Engineering which is taught
alongside BSc Product Design Engineering and BDes Consumer Product Design. |
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London Metropolitan University
24th - 27th June 2007
London Metropolitan Polymer Centre has its
origins in the National College of Rubber Technology and its involvement
with polymers dates back 100 years. The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre
is the only Institute in the South East of England offering the full range
of courses from technician level to post graduate in Polymer Technology.
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Bradford University
8th - 11th July 2007
The IRC
Polymer Process Engineering Laboratory is housed in the University of
Bradford School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical & Medical
Engineering - a highly rated research department, and forms a major focal
point for polymer processing research in the UK. It specialises in
micromoulding and nanotechnology.
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The
Worshipful Company of Horners Educational Trust initiated this teacher
education programme in 1987 and they still provide most of the
sponsorship funding.
The
course costs about £700 per teacher and we ask each teacher's school to
contribute £100, the Homers Educational Trust and generous sponsorship
by companies and organisations involved in supporting education provide
the rest.
To date
more than about 1700 teachers have benefited from the scheme, and more
importantly so have the countless young people they have taught.
