The document discusses a program called CONNECT that aims to engage students in science learning through real-world projects and discussions with scientists. Students worked on solving real problems and discussing issues like climate change, the environment, health, and the economy. Teachers saw students' enthusiasm and understanding of science grow as they connected classroom lessons to their lives. The program helped develop students' science skills and mindsets, overcoming challenges like lacking experience with hands-on projects, collaborative problem-solving, and seeing science as relevant to their lives and future careers.

1. Students made loads of
progress in
using evidence to
support their arguments.
TEACHER
My daughter got into
a discussion with us
about unhealthy food,
smoking and
heart disease.
PARENTS
It’s joyful to see
students’ faces light up
when they see science
connecting with their lives.
TEACHER
Girls solving real problems
with scientists and families
connect-science.net

2. I believe that science is
important for everyone
and projects like this
can bring people closer
to science.
STUDENT, AGE 16
Learning this might
change what I want to
study when I’m older.
STUDENT, AGE 12
Students using science
for their lives
connect-science.net
What can I do to
change the future
using science?
STUDENT, AGE 15

3. With CONNECT,
children want to be seen
to be good at science.
BIOLOGIST
CONNECT creates lots
of opportunities to have
a discussion with
students about real data.
SCIENTIST
Students working with
researchers and communities
connect-science.net
Zooming with a scientist
gave the project more
credibility and engaged
students more.
SCIENCE TEACHER

4. Making the curriculum more
relevant for students
OPEN SCHOOLING RESOURCES
Return
extinct
animals
Decide
about
transplants
Promote
energy-
saving
Reduce
micro-
plastics
Reach
carbon
zero
connect-science.net
context-based tasks
2.Acquire
1.Activate
science-actions
3.Apply
4.Analyse
CARE
DO
KNOW
Use higher-order thinking
to solve real-life issues
real-life discussion
Discuss students’
understanding,
needs and interests
Join our CONNECT platform
for resources and scientists
hands-on activities
Build understanding
of the new concept
in context
Transfer concept to
unfamiliar situations

5. Developing students’ knowledge,
skills and learning mindsets
PEDAGOGICAL CHALLENGES
OPEN SCHOOLING RESEARCH & INNOVATION
STUDENTS’ SCIENCE CAPITAL NEW CONNECT-SCIENCE MINDSET
53% of teachers rarely used
collaborative inquiry–based games
with role play.
81% of teachers were not used to
teaching real–life issues with
scientists and families.
TEACHERS’ NEW PRACTICES
90% of teachers are confident at
guiding students to undertake real
problem-solving.
87% are confident on teaching how
to search for reliable information
and take roles in participatory
research.
Many students developed positive
views of the value of science in their
lives and society.
They discussed various issues using
science to propose solutions such as
climate change, environment energy,
health, and economy
75% think that Science, Technology,
and Maths are important for solving
world problems.
They discussed their views on
science as innovation, development,
research, discovery, experimentation,
knowledge, and technology
84% considered science enjoyable
and open schooling activities fun.
65% of students had low science
capital in all dimensions, primarily in
‘what they do’ and ‘what they know’.
69% had never done science
projects outside school (e.g. at home
or in the neighbourhood).
60% were uncertain about their
knowledge in science and maths to
select information, questions and
using ideas to solve problems.
41% think that learning science is
about memorising terms and
equations and knowing only the
correct answer.
32% would not like to be seen as an
expert in science nor to have a job
that uses science.
connect-science.net