ASE 2027 Annual Conference

A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]

Speakers

Steve Jones

Director, CLEAPSS

Steve taught science in secondary schools for 28 years before moving into advisory work, initially for Hertfordshire and then as a regional adviser for the Secondary National Strategy - Always passionate about practical work Steve believes that hands-on activities are quite simply... Read More →

Sponsors

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →

Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Initial Teacher Educators, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers

08:45 GMT

Update from CLEAPSS

Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT

LH323 (Learning Hub Level 3)

Keep up to date with the latest guidance, resources, and support available from CLEAPSS.

This session provides an overview of recent changes and important safety updates. Ideal for technicians, teachers, and leaders who want to stay informed and confident in their practice. Join us to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and gain a clear understanding of safe and effective approaches.

Speakers

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS

Matt Endean is the Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, an advisory service supporting practical science and technology in schools in the UK. A former teacher, he specializes in health and safety, risk assessment, and laboratory design. Matt plays a pivotal role in developing guidance and... Read More →

Sponsors

CLEAPSS

Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH323 (Learning Hub Level 3)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers, Early Career Teachers, Initial Teacher Educators, Advisors/Consultants
Social media handle(s) @cleapss

09:55 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT

A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]

Speakers

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS

Sponsors

CLEAPSS

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Initial Teacher Educators, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers

09:55 GMT

My pipette is a lab - the many uses of the single-use pipette

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT

CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

In this session participants will engage in experiments which are conducted solely in a plastic pipette. We will do four experiments on kinetics, equilibrium and extraction.

Participants will measure with and combine different compounds in a pipette and they will observe changes inside the pipette bulb. Our aim is to showcase an easy method to do popular practicals at a lower cost, both timewise and financially. Participants will be left with experiments that work and can be directly applied in their classroom in the same week if they wish. My interest in microscale practicals is born out of necessity - in my country labs are greatly lacking.

In the last 10 or so years I teach teachers in microscale methods and try new experiments in my classroom. In the last few years I work closely with colleagues from UK (school teachers and CLEAPSS) to develop new experiments.

Speakers

Nasko Stamenov

Lecturer, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria

Nasko Stamenov is a chemistry educatior and communicator. He holds a MSc in Materials' science from the Sofia University, Bulgaria, where he currently teaches 'Methodology of the chemistry experiment'. As sciemce communicator Nasko has a weekly show on the Bulgarian National tele... Read More →

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Technicians, Post-16, FE/Skills, Early Career Teachers, Trainee Teachers, Initial Teacher Educators, Advisors/Consultants

09:55 GMT

Technicians TBC

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT

Speakers

Tracy Sherwood-Farnfield

Senior Science Technician, The School of Science and Technology

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH346 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

09:55 GMT

Technicians TBC

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT

Speakers

Margaret Louis

Senior Scientific Officer, SSERC

Alan Purves

Science Technician, SSERC

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH345 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

09:55 GMT

Technicians: The Reactivity Series - two practical investigations for the classroom

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT

CH208 (Creative Hub Level 2)

The reactivity series is a key concept in chemistry, but it can sometimes be challenging to demonstrate in a way that is both visually engaging and memorable for students. This practical session will explore two engaging experiments that bring the reactivity series to life and provide opportunities for discussion around chemical reactions, observations, and practical technique.
The session will focus on two demonstrations/experiments:
Tin Hedgehogs – an engaging investigation that demonstrates the displacement of copper by tin and provides a striking visual result.

Metal vs Metal – an investigation using aluminium, copper and sodium chloride to explore relative reactivity and encourage students to think critically about what constitutes evidence for a reaction.

Tin Hedgehogs
Participants will investigate the reaction between tin and copper ions, observing the formation of copper on the surface of tin to create the distinctive “tin hedgehog” structure. The experiment provides a visually striking way to introduce displacement reactions and allows technicians to discuss reagent preparation, equipment requirements, practical setup and safe working practices.The activity also provides an opportunity to explore the chemistry behind the observations, including electron transfer and why a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound.

Metal vs Metal – Aluminium, Copper and Sodium Chloride. The second investigation will look at the interaction between aluminium and copper in the presence of sodium chloride. This practical provides an opportunity to challenge students' assumptions about metal reactivity. Participants will consider what happens when the metals interact, why aluminium can behave unexpectedly due to its oxide layer, and how the presence of sodium chloride can influence the process.

Speakers

Paula Egan

Science Technician (Chemistry), Brighton college

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
CH208 (Creative Hub Level 2)

Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

09:55 GMT

Technicians: You are never a “lone” - teamworking and teambuilding for all technicians

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT

Whether you are a lone technician, part of a team or leading a team you will need the support and co-operation of others to make your life easier and get the job done. In this workshop we will look at teams you might be part of, even as a lone technician and ways to communicate and build relationships to build a strong team or support network. We will cover dealing with different people in a team, looking how personalities may differ within a team, how to approach those difficult conversations and how to get things done.

Speakers

Jane Oldham RSciTech

Lead Science Technician and Outgoing Chair of ASE, De Ferrers Academy and Association for Science Education

Currently immediate Past Chair of the ASE 25-26 and the Lead Science Technician at the de Ferrers Academy, a large multi-site academy in the Midlands.
Jane has been a Science Technician for 20 years, currently leading a team of 6 technicians, where she specialises in supporting KS4 and KS5 chemistry. She is passionate about continuing professional development opportunities for science technicians... Read More →

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH347 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

10:50 GMT

Chair Chat

Friday January 8, 2027 10:50 - 11:15 GMT

Leathersellers Hide (Learning Hub Level 4)

Our dedicated Chair Trio invite you to drop-in to the “Chair-Chat” sessions on one of the days of Annual Conference 2027. The Chair is a vital role to the ASE, and the elected Chair provides an authoritative voice for the thousands of members that the ASE supports, along with those working within the wider science education community. Those elected remain part of our Chair Trio for 3 years.

Got a question? Ever wondered about what goes on behind the scenes? Ever thought about getting involved in Committee activities? Are you wanting to know more about Professional Registration or writing an article in one of the ASE journals? First time attending our flagship Conference?

If this is your first ASE Conference, then please come along and say Hello.

We look forward to hearing your questions and will endeavour to answer them or point you in a selection of possible right directions!

Speakers

David Allen

Associate Professor Learning and Teaching / Outgoing Chair of the ASE 25/26, University of Hertfordshire & Creative Primary Science Education Consultancy

I worked in primary schools for over twenty years as a classteacher, senior leader and Deputy Headteacher. I taught across Key stages 1, 2 and 3 in UK and in Spain. During this time I developed a passion for science, art and design, improvised drama, assessment for learning, creativity... Read More →

Claire Seeley (MA CSciTeach)

Primary Science Education Consultant / Co-Chair of the ASE

Claire Seeley has been a teacher for over thirty years in a wide variety of contexts including both inner city and rural schools England. Claire is also a Primary Science Consultant, providing both continuing professional development and initial teacher training. She has a passion... Read More →

Emily Perry

Professor of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University

Natasha Serret

Associate Professor of Science Education, Nottingham Trent University

I started my professional career as a classroom teacher and science lead in a London primary school. I was and remain passionate about classroom learning that promotes a scientific mindset alongside the development of an understanding of key scientific concepts. This professional... Read More →

Friday January 8, 2027 10:50 - 11:15 GMT
Leathersellers Hide (Learning Hub Level 4)

Suitable for All key stages

Theme Assessment, Curriculum (General), Curriculum Change in England, Inclusion and Diversity including SEND, Leadership, Practical work including beyond the classroom, Recruitment Retention and Wellbeing, Research, Subject knowledge & pedagogy, Sustainability climate c
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 11-14, 14-16, 5-7, 7-11, Advisors/Consultants, Early Career Teachers, FE/Skills, Initial Teacher Educators, International, Post-16, Researchers, Teacher Developers, Technicians, Trainee Teachers
Social media handle(s) @theASE

11:15 GMT

Creativity & curiosity for all: the impact of student-led science

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:05 GMT

LH324 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

This interactive workshop explores the impact of project-based learning in science education, including through the lens of the CREST Awards, a nationally recognised framework for student-led STEM project work. Drawing on research evidence and programme evaluation, as well as the stories and experiences of teachers and young people- the session will examine how structured project work can enhance student engagement, attainment, and the development of wider scientific skills.

The session begins by situating project-based learning within the broader evidence base- which will be based on a report by Jennifer De Witt, including research demonstrating improvements in outcomes when students engage in inquiry-driven projects.

Participants will then explore CREST as a case study of effective implementation. CREST provides a flexible, student-led approach to project work across age phases, supporting engagement with real-world scientific challenges. Evaluation evidence indicates that participation can lead to improved attainment and progression into STEM, alongside enhanced confidence and aspiration.

A central feature of the workshop is a panel discussion bringing together teachers and CREST graduates. This provides an opportunity to explore lived experiences of project work, including its impact on motivation, identity, and classroom practice. Delegates will engage directly with panellists through facilitated discussion and audience questions.

The session concludes with structured reflection and planning, enabling participants to identify practical strategies for embedding project work within their own settings.

By the end of the session, participants will:

Understand the evidence base underpinning project-based learning in science education
Explore how CREST operationalises effective project work in practice
Reflect on the impact of project work through teacher and student perspectives
Identify practical approaches to embedding project-based learning in their own contexts
Develop one actionable change informed by evidence and discussion

Speakers

Maria Rossini

Head of Education, British Science Association

Talk to me able making STEM accessible to all young people, lego, disability and anything related to CREST www.crestawards.org

Gemma Butt

Project Officer (Teaching Workforce), Institute of Physics

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
LH324 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Suitable for All key stages

Key Stage / Audience Type Teacher Developers, 7-11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers, Early Career Teachers, Researchers

11:15 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT

A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]

Speakers

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS

Sponsors

CLEAPSS

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Initial Teacher Educators, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers

11:15 GMT

Technicians: Fearless physics

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT

Come along to this session to alleviate anxieties, boost confidence and make physics fearless. With a focus on the required practicals for GCSE combined science, the session will cover subject knowledge, equipment and provide some troubleshooting tips and tricks.

Speakers

Becky Daniels RSciTech

Science Technician, St Peter's CofE Academy

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH345 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

11:15 GMT

Technicians: Owl pellet dissection

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT

Suitable for primary or secondary age students, owl pellet dissections are a great way to develop observational skills, learn about what owls eat, the skeleton, and more.

This will be a hands on session where you can learn how to safely dissect owl pellets and discover the tiny bones of animals that the owls cannot digest.

Speakers

Fiona Roberts RSciTech

Senior Science Technician, Morley Academy Leeds

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH346 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

11:15 GMT

Technicians: SEND, science practicals and science clubs

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT

In this session we will demonstrate and discuss how to support SEND students in science practicals and share ideas for SEND science club activities, including demonstrating good use of the Widgit software for work sheets.
Technician delegates will benefit from sharing the ideas and resources to help SEND/EAL students in their practice.

Speakers

Mark Hanson

Science Technician, Washwood Academy

Jane Parry

Senior Science Technician, Saltley Academy

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH347 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Theme Curriculum (General), Subject knowledge & pedagogy, Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

12:25 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in

Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT

A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]

Speakers

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS

Sponsors

CLEAPSS

Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 11-14, 14-16, Initial Teacher Educators, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers

12:25 GMT

Technicians Lunch with Technician Awards

Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT

Creative Hub Atrium Level 1

All those registered with a Technicians day ticket are warmly invited to the Techs day lunch, during which the Technician awards will be presented, as follows:

> Newcomer of the Year – recognising a technician who has made an exceptional impact early in their career

> Outstanding Contribution – celebrating an individual who goes above and beyond to support science teaching and learning

> Lifetime Achievement – honouring long-term commitment, expertise, and service to the technician profession

Speakers

Lynn Ladbrook

Chief Executive, Association for Science Education

Rachael Bailey

Chair of ASE Technicians Committe / Senior Science Technician, The Orme Academy

I've been a school science technician since 2010, currently a senior science technician at The Orme Academy part of Shaw Education Trust, previous to this I was a senior analytical chemist in the pharmaceutical industry.

I have also worked alongside STEM learning as a lead PDL... Read More →

Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
Creative Hub Atrium Level 1

Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians
Social media handle(s) @theASE

12:25 GMT

Frontier Science: Engineering the future

Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:30 GMT

In this talk, IChemE President Ollie Folayan will share his journey into chemical engineering, describe a day in the life of an engineer, talk about the work he has done to widen access to underrepresented groups and highlight the forces shaping engineering in the future.

Speakers

Ollie Folayan FREng CEng FIChemE

Head of Process Engineering, Costain

Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:30 GMT
LH345 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Suitable for All key stages

Theme Frontier Science
Key Stage / Audience Type 5-7, 7-11, 11-14, 14-16, FE/Skills, Technicians, Trainee Teachers, Initial Teacher Educators, Advisors/Consultants, Early Career Teachers, Post-16, Teacher Developers
Social media handle(s) @OllieFolayan74

13:35 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT

A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]

Speakers

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS

Sponsors

CLEAPSS

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 11-14, 14-16, Initial Teacher Educators, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers

13:35 GMT

Ideas exchange to catalyse and support school and research partnerships

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT

LH321 (Learning Hub Level 3)

In this session I am to explore ‘what works’ in initiatives that support schools and universities/researchers to work together.

Welcoming educators, senior leaders, and STEM professionals with experience funding or supporting research in schools to an exploratory workshop finding out what works to involve young people directly in research and innovation. Come along to learn more. Discussions will also inform the design of a new grant aimed at supporting educators to build the confidence and capacity to tap into existing programmes connecting schools and researchers or run their own research projects.

Outcomes: Participants will share and learn about best practice in integrating participating in research in teaching and learning approaches.

Participants will connect with others with an interest in supporting a culture of research and innovation in UK schools.

Participants will influence the design of a pilot grant being developed by the British Science Association.

There are a number of ways that schools can engage with researchers, including through schemes like IRIS, Orbyts and the Royal Society Partnership scheme. However visibility of, and access to these opportunities is not always consistent. With funding from UKRI, the British Science Association will be supporting UK schools in challenging circumstances to deepen their relationships with research and researchers; by taking part in existing schemes or running their own research projects.

The workshop is for educators, senior leaders, and STEM professionals with experience of funding, supporting, or brokering relationships with research and researchers, as well as educators interested in connecting their students with real research.

Speakers

Susan Matambanadzo

Education Manager, British Science Association

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
LH321 (Learning Hub Level 3)

11-19

Theme Research, Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, FE/Skills, Technicians, Initial Teacher Educators, Advisors/Consultants

13:35 GMT

Technicians TBC

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
LH345 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

13:35 GMT

Technicians: Science practicals as careers

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT

Students often ask, "When will we ever use this or how is this ever used in real life?"
In this session, we will look at different activities that can be used in lessons or as STEM club activities and how they can be related to careers in the real world.

By doing this we may be able to inspire future STEM enthusiasts.

Speakers

Rachael Bailey

Chair of ASE Technicians Committe / Senior Science Technician, The Orme Academy

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
LH347 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

13:35 GMT

Technicians: Working with glass

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:40 GMT

CH208 (Creative Hub Level 2)

Come along and have a go and making some simple glass items to gain confidence when heating and bending glass. You can keep everything you make, options will include delivery tubes, stirring rods, glass spreaders and U bend tubes amongst others. If you have a glass cutter in your department – bring it with you!

Speakers

Tracy Sherwood-Farnfield

Senior Science Technician, The School of Science and Technology

Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:40 GMT
CH208 (Creative Hub Level 2)

Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

14:45 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in

Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT

A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]

Speakers

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS

Sponsors

CLEAPSS

Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Initial Teacher Educators, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers

14:45 GMT

Tale of two stems - growing and genotyping anthocyaninless brassicas (Part 1) (MiniOne Systems)

Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT

CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION HAS A MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF 24 - on a first-come, first-served basis on the day (Sched is not used for pre-booking.)

Plants are one of the most versatile and accessible model systems in science education — bridging the gap between the macro world students can see and the molecular world that drives it. Anthocyanins, the powerful antioxidants behind the rich colours of grapes, blueberries, and purple cabbage, offer a stunning entry point into both cell biology and genetics — and they're hiding in plain sight.

This two-part session takes you on a journey from plant to pipette. Beginning with phenotype, you'll learn how to reliably germinate rapid cycling brassica seeds to cotyledons in as little as 72 hours — giving your students visible, measurable results within a single school week. From there, we'll connect what students can observe with their own eyes to the molecular evidence beneath the surface.

In this first session, we'll walk you through the full workflow: scoring plants based on their phenotypic purple pigmentation, performing a DNA extraction, and preparing samples for PCR of the anthocyanin/anthocyaninless genetic marker. By the end, you'll have the confidence and the practical know-how to bring authentic plant molecular biology into your classroom.

All delegates participating in Part 1, are welcome to join the Embitec team for tea/coffee and cakes during the break, before Part 2 commences.

Speakers

Erika Fong

Director, MiniOne Systems

Molecular Biology Anywhere and for Everyone! The game changing MiniOne Electrophoresis System was first of its kind designed specifically for teachers and students to have equal access to key biotech techniques with engaging activities. Whether used in the classroom lab or at home... Read More →

Sponsors

MiniOne Systems (Embitec)

Browse our webpage at https://eu.theminione.com for links to:

> The MiniOne Electrophoresis System
> The New e-Pipette
> The MiniOne Incubator
> The Let it Glow Bacterial Transformation MiniLab
> Pipetting and Gel Loading Practice Kits
> MiniOne MiniLabs - complete lab kits for ha

... Read More →

Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, Technicians

14:45 GMT

Technicians: Less is more: the benefits of a microscale approach

Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT

This session will highlight the vast multitude of benefits felt by staff and students when employing a microscale approach to practical work.

There will be hands-on opportunities to try out some microscale favourites plus hints and tips for where to start with the set up if you’re new to microscale and how to convince your teaching staff to make the switch!

Speakers

Becky Daniels RSciTech

Science Technician, St Peter's CofE Academy

Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
LH347 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

14:45 GMT

Technicians: When enthusiam meets zero time

Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT

Join us for a practical and hands-on session where we’ll provide support to run a fresh new science club or transition activity where we do the hard work for you.
We’ll share quick ideas and free resources that you can use immediately and will take the strain of ideas and time. We’ll identify time saving strategies, budget busting ideas and filling your science cup up again!
Perfect for anyone looking to give their transition days or science clubs a facelift!

Outcomes:
As a result of attending our session, you will be able to:
•Leave with ideas, practical solutions and time and money saving tips!
•Reflect on current practice and share with other delegates
•Explore issues specific to technicians providing enrichment support

The aims of this session are to:
• Support technicians with ideas and resources for transition activities and science clubs
• Plenty of pick up and go plans with low prep, high impact
• Identify time and money saving methods of running enrichment activities more effectively

Background:
We have been creating digital resources to support educators to run their own in house science clubs for more than 4 years. These resources are age and thematically organised. Initially our packs were just for primary age range as we both have a primary background. The more time we spent chatting with educators of all ages since the inception of My Science Club, the more the idea of supporting secondary colleagues kept arising. Technicians in particular, spent time on our stands and in our sessions telling us they wished something like this existed for secondary as they never seem to have enough time to pull together ideas for content or had run out of ideas and needed a fresh approach. We suggested that our Upper Primary Packs would work well initially but it lit a fire in our bellies that this could grow into something bigger and support more educators to provide engaging enrichment activities and make their lives easier. In January 2026, we launched our first lower secondary packs adapted from the upper primary content. Now, alongside the talented Dr Jo Montogmery, we are now creating bespoke packs for secondary with primary versions. Both of which can be used effectively in transition activities and lower secondary science clubs.

Speakers

Jo Montgomery CSciTeach

Primary Science Education Consultant, Dr Jo Science Solutions

RSC Excellence in Primary Education Prize 2024. With both a teaching and science background, Dr. Jo Montgomery has more than 20 years’ experience working with children and schools to support science education from Early Years to university. Passionate about encouraging curiosity... Read More →

Paul Tyler

Director, My science Club

Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
LH345 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians, 11-14
Social media handle(s) @DrJoScience

16:10 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT

A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]

Speakers

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS

Sponsors

CLEAPSS

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Initial Teacher Educators, Post-16, Technicians, Trainee Teachers

16:10 GMT

ECTS, techs and teachers working together

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT

Join the past Chair of the ASE's National Technician Committee and the past ASE Chair of the Association, for insights into school science technicians and teachers including trainees, NQTs and RQTs working together - how they collaborate to optimise best working practices!

Speakers

Jane Oldham RSciTech

Lead Science Technician and Outgoing Chair of ASE, De Ferrers Academy and Association for Science Education

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH347 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians, Early Career Teachers, Trainee Teachers, 11-14, 14-16

16:10 GMT

Tale of two stems - growing and genotyping anthocyaninless brassicas (Part 2) (MiniOne Systems)

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT

CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION HAS A MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF 24 - on a first-come, first-served basis on the day (Sched is not used for pre-booking.)

Plants are an ideal model system to teach macro and molecular levels of biology. Anthrocyanins are powerful antioxidants found in many of our favourite produce, including grapes, blueberries and purple cabbage.

In this second session, the molecular evidence comes to life. Taking the PCR products prepared in Part 1, you'll load and run your samples on the MiniOne Electrophoresis System — visualising the DNA banding patterns that reveal the genotype of each plant. Within minutes, the gel tells the story: which plants carry two functional copies of the anthocyanin gene, which carry one, and which carry none.

With results in hand, the real scientific thinking begins. Students will compare their molecular data directly against the phenotypes they scored in Part 1 — connecting the visible purple or green pigmentation of each plant to the genetic evidence on the gel. It's a genuine eureka moment: the bridge between what students can see and what the DNA reveals.

This session brings Mendelian genetics off the page and into the lab in the most tangible way possible. Dominant and recessive alleles are no longer abstract concepts — they are visible bands on a gel, matched to living plants sitting right in front of your students.

Speakers

Erika Fong

Director, MiniOne Systems

Sponsors

MiniOne Systems (Embitec)

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, Technicians

16:10 GMT

Technicians: Make and take hands-on workshop

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT

Come and get hands-on with some fun activities and ideas perfect for use in lessons and science clubs.

Activities may include making a doppler ball, handy material test kit, LED torch, pinhole camera, chromatography trolls and more and browse an array of ideas and worksheets to print out at home.

Please drop in and join us!

Speakers

Sarah James

Science Technician, Fairfax Multi Academy Trust

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH346 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

17:10 GMT

Meet the ASE Technicians Committee

Friday January 8, 2027 17:10 - 17:30 GMT

If you are a science technician, come along to the "Meet the Technicians Committee" session at the end of Friday of Annual Conference 2027.

Got a question? Ever wondered about what goes on behind the scenes? Ever thought about getting involved in Committee activities? Are you wanting to know more about Professional Registration or writing an article for one of the ASE journals or webpages, or presenting at one of our events and sharing your practice?

We look forward to meeting you and helping with your queries!

Speakers

Rachael Bailey

Chair of ASE Technicians Committe / Senior Science Technician, The Orme Academy

Becky Daniels RSciTech

Science Technician, St Peter's CofE Academy

Friday January 8, 2027 17:10 - 17:30 GMT
LH346 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)