Explorify- from a primary educator’s point of view.
Explorify is such an awesome and easy to use resource! If you have not heard of it or used it yet- you need to! Powered by STEM Learning, it is packed with fantastic, engaging activities and teacher support which has been created, based on trusted research. Staff can pick a really visual and engaging science activity with little set-up time and access background information on the knowledge behind it. It is a great form of teacher support and really enhances confidence. It uses the ‘Thinking, Talking, Doing Science’ strategies whereby children think and talk like scientists- so powerful to hook in pupils at an early age into the subject. ‘Have you ever…’ also links to prior learning, so important in supporting pupil internalisation of concepts. This is clever as it is aiding development of the child’s science backpack- using the ‘Primary Science Capital Teaching Approach’ to help them feel like science is for them.
I was lucky enough to go down to London and participate in an exploratory workshop for the resource, at the Welcome Trust HQ, back in 2018. From then, my Head/ whole school committed to using Explorify as a starter in every class and every science lesson right across our junior school- and still does to this day. What an amazing- and free to access- resource! We created/implemented Explorify stickers for books at school so children could reflect on what they had done as the starter/ Explorify task and give some feedback so we could understand impact. Activities really supported development of observational skills and gathered interest/ engagement across school. The children love ‘Zoom-in, zoom-out’ activities and also ‘Odd one out’, because there is no wrong answer! My school was subsequently a case study school in the CFE research impact study.
Having evolved further in recent times, the site includes ‘Start with Art’, including a creative/cross curricular blend and ‘Who Is’ linking with careers- which is vital from a young age to engage pupils into STEM subjects. Also, a really impressive Inclusion Hub (with case study school clips and interviews) and Early Years area have been developed, in order to support in a wider and more inclusive way. Support is available online throughout the website, backed by research and a teacher toolkit.
In addition, the site has wide representation and inclusivity- again, reaching out to a wide audience who will be able to see themselves in scientists in the clips/activities. Interesting clips, quality resources, extension activities, an easy to navigate website and search facility-and other brilliant activities- have ensured that Explorify has been named as BETT Award winner 2024 for Primary free digital content. Not surprising- this excellent resource helps support developing science vocabulary and also discussion/debating skills which are skills needed in all areas of life.
If you haven’t accessed it- what are you waiting for?
Godec, S., King, H. & Archer, L. (2017) The Science Capital Teaching Approach: engaging students with science, promoting social justice. London: University College London
https://tdtscience.org.uk/
If you have any comments, tips, hints or advice on using any part of the resource discussed, please share in this conversation.