4.1 INTRODUCTION
Many resources are available for the teaching of biology at Leaving Certificate level. This section suggests how such resources may be found and evaluated. The use of information and communication technology in the teaching of biology is briefly considered.
4.2 USING RESOURCES
The term `resources' is used here to cover anything that supports the teaching of biology. Resources include e.g. slides, wall charts, books, videos, CDs, and laboratory equipment. Each teacher will collect resources that suit his or her style of teaching. Any change in the syllabus requires that such material be reviewed to see whether or not it suits the syllabus.
Resources can be found through many journals such as those of the Irish Science Teachers Association and the Association for Science Education. Both journals review books, posters, videos and software. Both contain relevant articles on different aspects of biology and science and are an excellent source of ideas. Newspapers are a valuable source of ideas. Newspapers such as The Irish Times and The Guardian have special days for science and education. Television and radio programmes, both school programmes and programmes of special interest, are suitable resources. Many large industries, public companies and local authorities also have educational resources.
Any resource, whether a video, a CD or an overhead slide has to be evaluated by the teacher to see how it fits the syllabus, their teaching scheme, their style of teaching and their students. Many suitable resources are produced in Britain and America and need to be adapted for use in Ireland. Finally, it is always useful to re-evaluate any resource after a period to see if it is still useful.
4.3 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
The use of information and communication technology in the teaching of biology has been explored for many years. The use of spreadsheets, data logging, computer-aided learning, modelling and simulating may be helpful in the teaching of biology. These suggestions will be gradually incorporated in the biology teacher's repertoire. Other uses of ICT that can be explored are CDs, e-mail, and the Internet.
The use of computers in the biology classroom will depend on resources available to the teacher. Data loggers may be used to record measurements and plot graphs quickly. Modems may be used to communicate and interact with other schools. Word-processors may be used in writing biology notes or examination questions, while spreadsheets may be used to analyse data and see the patterns in a given set of data. Modelling and simulations may be useful where the concepts discussed are beyond the scope of the school laboratory. Educational software is often reviewed in journals as previously mentioned.
4.4 THE NATIONAL BIOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICE
The nbss was established in January 2001 under the auspices of the In-career Development Unit of the Department of Education and Science and is administered by The Education Centre, Dromtacker, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
The aim of the service is to support biology teachers in the teaching of this Leaving Certificate Biology Syllabus.
The Support Service consists of a National Co-ordinator, eleven Regional Development Officers, and an Administrator.
For further details visit the nbss website at www.nbsstralee.ie
Telephone: 066 719 5050
Fax: 066 719 5090
E-mail: admin@bsstralee.ie
4.5 OTHER RESOURCES
In classroom/laboratory:
- A number of guidebooks to identify fauna and flora, reference books
- Wall charts, posters
- Models
- Games
- Television set
- VCR, tapes
- Slide projector, slides
- Computer and software, printer, scanner
- CD Rom, DVD
- Multimedia projector
- Overhead projector
- Microscopic eye or visiview camera
- Videologging system
- Datalogging systems
In preparation room:
- Laboratory equipment to include all materials listed in the Biology Leaving Certificate Practical Handbook
- Oven
- Fridge-freezer