British Science Week 2024: how can the theme of “Time” be related to GCSE and A Level sciences?
28 February 2024
Mike Jackson, Physics Subject Advisor and Rachel Butler, Science Subject Advisor
“Time” is the theme for British Science Week 2024 and, as the two new members of the OCR Science Subject Advisor team, we are particularly aware of time right now! This is an exciting time of change and learning for us in our new roles. We are thinking about the days, weeks, months and years ahead, while within our subjects we can describe the Big Bang using both picoseconds and billions of years in the same sentence.
In this blog we highlight a few examples of the importance of time in science that link to aspects of our science courses.
Resolution and the importance of time measurement in Formula One
In the 1997 European Formula One Grand Prix, three drivers recorded identical qualifying lap times to the nearest thousandth of a second. The legendary commentator Murray Walker was a master of describing time as this video shows. Amazingly, this feat involved two different car designs and engines.
This was a title deciding race and infamous for the disqualification of Michael Schumacher from the season for colliding with the eventual champion Jacques Villeneuve. Timing is actually recorded to the nearest ten-thousandth of a second. Autosport reports further on this in their article on the Art of Timing.
Ideas around timing could be linked to teaching about uncertainty, particularly when reading from digital measuring devices for How Science Works HSW6 and Mathematical requirements M1.5 (see also Appendix 3: Measurements in the Practical Skills Handbook for A Level sciences and geology). There are links at GCSE through WS1.3d (Gateway) and IaS2 (21st Century). Our new draft specification for AAQ in Applied Science covers this through Performing a scientific investigation (F182 2.1.1).
“Stopping” time in ecological succession
Many people do not realise that some of our landscapes are in fact almost frozen in time. The Clwydian range in North Wales is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with scenic heather moorlands spanning the hilltops. However, this iconic scenery is not natural. Further ecological succession is prevented as this resource from the Macauley Institute explains. Burning, grazing (at appropriate levels) or cutting areas of heather every few years prevents the landscape developing into scrubland and ultimately Scots pine and birch woodland. Despite not being at the climax stage of development, the heather moorland ecosystem is important for biodiversity, particularly species such as grouse.
Ecological succession links to A Level Biology A through succession in ecosystems (6.3.1 (d)), A Level Biology B through land management (4.3.1 (m)) and through human interactions with ecosystems at GCSE (B6.1b in Gateway and B6.3 in 21st Century Our new draft specification for AAQ in Applied Science also covers “Importance of ecosystems” (1.3.1).
The importance of connecting your cables correctly (and scientific process)!
In 2011, OPERA (the Oscillation Project with Emulsion-tRacking Apparatus) seemed to detect elementary particles travelling faster than the speed of light. This defied a fundamental rule of physics and suggested an issue with the readings. The results were therefore published with the aim of promoting further consideration among scientists, rather than claiming a dubious conclusion.
An incorrectly attached fibre optic cable was later found to be to blame and the corrected results were lower than the speed of light. This is an excellent example of the scientific process and collaboration among scientists (as well as the importance of plugging cables in correctly!).
Communication within the scientific community is covered in all science subjects: at GCSE by WS1.3 (Gateway) and IaS2 (21st Century), and at A Level through How Science Works - HSW6, Evaluate methodology, evidence and data, and resolve conflicting evidence. The new draft AAQ for Applied Science has a topic area on “What scientists do” and particularly “The Scientific Method” (1.2) and “The Scientific Community” (1.3).
Citizens of the 22nd century are already amongst us – but they’re not time travellers
We are all interconnected through time. We each exist in the present because of the passing of time, because of the past. Our ancestors determined our existence and we in turn determine the existence of the next generation. Time links us all together and the next century is far closer than we think. There are people amongst us (the authors of this article included) who were born in the 20th century and are now living in the 21st century.
There are millions of people amongst us who will be here to celebrate New Year’s Eve in 2099, welcoming in the 22nd century. The babies born this year, in 2024, will be in their mid 70s in 2099, enjoying the NYE celebrations! Find out more about the 22nd century people living amongst us and how we are all connected through time.
How can we use this in the classroom? Show the video and let it encourage a thought-provoking discussion with your pupils. Remind pupils how they are more connected to each other than they might think. A great hook to introduce or use during the following topics...
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About the authors
Mike joined OCR in January 2024 and is a subject advisor for A Level Physics. Before joining OCR, Mike was Head of Science in a Birmingham comprehensive school and has been a Physics Network Lead among other roles to support science in schools. Mike is passionate about inclusion in education, environment and sustainability.
Rachel joined OCR in January 2024 and is a subject advisor for GCSE Sciences. Before joining OCR, Rachel was an Assistant Coordinator of Science teaching Biology, Chemistry and Physics to 11–16-year-olds. Rachel was responsible for curriculum planning and assessment in Science as well as overseeing the delivery of engaging practicals. Rachel has spent a large chunk of her career supporting ITTs and ECTs, developing the next generation of teachers. Through her love for the subject, Rachel has a passion for making science accessible for all.