This best practice reports an open schooling initiative about Poo transplants.
There were 47 students who completed their science actions and interacted with families and scientists. This practice was developed by Lliswerry High School located in Newport. It was supported by Mastery Science scientist team.
CARE: students were very engaged with the activity, Most were interested and involved to discuss the issue about the controversial use of faecal transplants. This activity was designed to attract students’ attention, curiosity and interest by using this new and unusual medical procedure.
KNOW: Some were able to critically evaluate the data e.g. if it was a double blind trial how did they get the figures. The link with the curriculum was the role of bacteria in the digestive system, a statement from the English KS3 National Curriculum.
DO: They learnt more about looking at the evidence/data/articles than the actual science behind poo transplants. Some did not like the idea and this affected their participation.
Some recommendations for teachers are to involve a scientist who works in the field of gut microbiome who can explain the importance of research into this area. Students could also find out about other medical procedures to treat obesity.
FINDINGS It filled the lesson, a little hard to follow at first and a lot of photocopying.
OUTCOMES: Didn’t fit into our scheme of learning so was done as a one off lesson.
Forty-five students contributed to the open schooling research questionnaires. They mentioned that they would like to do more activities like this one. Most students practiced various skills including discussions and developing a project. They liked to work in groups with friends, doing the practical activities and using the Bunsen burners.
More details of our report: on this link.