The resource is particularly strong on pupil engagement and enquiry-based learning – allowing children to enter a 3D HD world packed with virtual experiments and deep contextual examples where they can discover, learn, play and revise their scientific knowledge. It brings enthusiasm and passion to the learning of the theory behind them and the scientific concepts involved.
“We started using IntoScience in September 2014 and the reaction from staff and students has been very positive,” said Lyn Gimber, Heathland’s deputy head of Science and head of Chemistry. “It was brand new to us and we had never used anything like it before, so we had to make sure first of all that our teaching staff were fully conversant with all the features and benefits. We’ve since found that the more confident the teacher, the better the outcomes.
“The interface is very pupil friendly and certain features are great at attracting pupils to use it – particularly the ability to create and customise an avatar which represents the student as they explore a range of locations including a ‘research lab’, a ‘biodome’ and an ‘observatory’. The gamification of learning is a hot topic in education at the moment and something which IntoScience encompasses in its approach, making the subject more engaging and easier to understand.”
IntoScience contains hundreds of HD videos to support the other content and a competitive gaming element, including the ability to collect points and certificates and play live quizzes with other students around the world.
Lyn added: ““For staff, one of the most popular features is the in-built feedback and summaries of student performance. This helps us to track each student’s progress and to see which challenges and areas they have attempted - especially useful for setting tasks and activities as homework and checking when it has been completed. I would definitely recommend it.”
Visit www.intoscience.com for more information.