Science Content Guide - RM.com

Introduction
Skills-based teaching
• They provide automatic drawing of graphs.
• They can show what is invisible in an experiment (e.g., how molecules are
moving).
• They enable students to visualise principles and processes, helping them
to interpret the underlying concepts.
• They appeal to students with a preference for visual learning, and open
another route to understanding.
Multimedia Science School materials are an excellent choice for a skillsfocused
approach to science teaching. The hands-on simulations, experiments
and visualisations encourage independent enquiry, reflection, discussion and
creative thinking. The modular nature of the MSS material also lends itself well
to a personalised approach to learning, especially when delivered within a
flexible virtual learning environment such as Kaleidos VLE.
MSS activities directly support the development and use of key processes and
skills, to which they are referenced in the software. Through the application of
these skills and processes in specific contexts, students gain a greater
understanding of how science works.
Contents of an MSS pack
MSS content packs include the following materials for each topic covered:
• A set of ready-made Lessons, each built around one or more software
‘teaching tools’ – sets of animated pages, with explanatory text attached.
• A ‘Getting to know’ feature, which expands the illustration or model
used in the lesson. Though similar in appearance to the lesson text, the
Getting to know text shows you how to get the best out of the teaching
tools that underlie the lesson pages, rather than explaining the main
learning points. Also, the Getting to know screens are the basic screens
used to construct the lessons (the lessons themselves use specific versions
of these screens, with options and settings pre-selected for each lesson
scenario).
• A Background notes document, primarily for teacher use, provides a
detailed lesson overview. This describes the prior knowledge assumed on
the students’ part, lists the objectives the students will have achieved at
the end of the lesson, and offers timings and teaching tips for the running
of lessons. Background notes can be edited and printed as required.
• The MSS 11–16 content packs also include a Worksheet for each lesson,
designed for students to complete in conjunction with the lesson. Some
worksheets do not require simultaneous access to a computer; a note at
the top indicates how it should be used. Worksheets can be completed
on-screen, in exercise books or printed off, and are fully editable. The
MSS 16–18 content packs do not include worksheets.
1–2 Multimedia Science School