ASE 2025 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

The ASE is delighted to be hosting its Annual Conference, generously sponsored by AQA, at the University of Nottingham from 9th to 11th January 2025. International sessions are incorporated throughout the event’s 3 days and we will have a great exhibition with lots of exclusive Conference offers. Post-16 focus-day and for those involved in leading and delivering professional development, the Teacher Developers’ Group programme is Thursday. Friday is the dedicated Technicians day, kindly sponsored by Philip Harris, and Early Career Teacher day. Sessions for both Primary and 11-19 are threaded throughout all 3 days with a focus on Research on Saturday.

Book your tickets now at https://ase2025AnnConf.eventbrite.co.uk - and remember, if you are an ASE member you will benefit from hugely discounted prices! Check out our membership here - it’s free for Early Career Teachers and only £25 for Technicians!

08:45 GMT

BERG: Using AI to deliver the biology curriculum

Thursday January 9, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT

ESLC B05

BERG: This is an interactive session exploring how to use generative AI (especially Microsoft Copilot) to prepare and teach the biology curriculum from 14-18. It requires no specialist prior experiences. The session will use ideas from Pedagogy AI, an approach that explores how students might use generative AI productively in their biology lessons.

A laptop with access to Microsoft Copilot (https://copilot.microsoft.com) will be a useful pre-requisite for the course.

Pedagogy AI is introduced at https://www.neilingram.co.uk/pedagogy-ai/ and https://www.ai-in-education.co.uk/resources/pedagogy-ai and

Speakers

Dr. Neil Ingram

Honorary Senior Lecturer Science Education, University of Bristol

I am a biologist, interested in what children really need to know about genetics to be citizens of a genomic world. I am a teacher educator, interested in the delights and pitfalls of learning to teach, especially on PGCE courses. I am interested in the use of ICT in schools, sociology... Read More →

Jane Still

Educational Consultant, Freelance

After doing a biology degree at the University of Exeter and PGCE at the University of Cambridge, Jane has taught in a variety of schools and is an experienced online tutor, examiner, and author.

Thursday January 9, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
ESLC B05

11-19

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 14-16, Post-16
Twitter feed @Neilingram1; @Jane Still2

08:45 GMT

Behind the AI curtain: How CENTURY use ML to accelerate learning

Thursday January 9, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT

ESLC C01

Educators are invited to attend a captivating and insightful talk that explores the sophisticated mechanisms of CENTURY’s AI capabilities, driven by cutting-edge algorithms and informed by the latest research in machine learning.

Understand how CENTURY’s AI uses vast datasets to gain deep insights into each student’s learning journey, by identifying patterns in performance, preferences and challenges.

The talk offers educators valuable insights into how CENTURY is using machine learning to transform education. Attendees will discover how the platform reduces teacher workload by dynamically adjusting recommendations to cater to the individual needs of every learner, enhancing engagement, comprehension and achievement.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see how CENTURY has been the driving force over the last nine years in the use of artificial intelligence to revolutionise education.

Speakers

Christopher Richards

Century Tech

Thursday January 9, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
ESLC C01

All

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, FE/Skills, ITEs, Trainees
Twitter feed @thisiscentury

12:15 GMT

Using AI in the chemistry classroom - tips, tricks (and failures!)

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT

Coates C22

Aimed at practicing secondary school chemistry teachers, this talk will highlight innovative AI tools and techniques that can save time in a busy teacher’s chemistry classroom. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights and strategies to integrate AI into their teaching practices, ultimately enabling them to spend more time on impactful teaching. This includes exploring lesson planning and the possibility of automating tasks such as marking. Real-life examples of AI applications that have successfully enhanced classroom management and student engagement will be shared, using examples for GCSE and A-level chemistry. Some examples of successes and failures will be shared so that practices can be used in their own classrooms immediately.

Speakers

Penny Robotham

Vice Principal and teacher of chemistry, The National Mathematics and Science College

A teacher - researcher and active member of the Teacher Action research group PALAVA, I lead on chemistry at the National Mathematics and Science College. I was a lead practictioner for the SSAT on the Practical in Science project and chair the RSC UK Chemistry Olympiad Working P... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 14-16, Post-16
Twitter feed @DrPRobotham

14:15 GMT

BERG: Does AI write good science, and does it know whether it can? Evaluating the ability of Generative AI to write and evaluate scientific text

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT

Pope A34

Our project assesses the ability of Generative AI in two key areas.
1. How well does Generative AI construct evidence based scientific text compared to humans? Our assessment includes the impact of different of AI tools, length of prose and few-shot prompting.
2. How well can AI grade and provide feedback against a set of criteria when compared to human assessors. This includes an evaluation of the ability of AI to assess its own product.

Speakers

Nigel Francis

Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University

Andrew Shore

Reader, Cardiff University

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Pope A34

11-19

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type Global, ECTs, Industry, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, FE/Skills, ITEs

14:15 GMT

Generative AI for Primary Science Teachers

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT

Pope LT C15

This session will look at the range of AI tools available to Primary Science Teachers. It will look at how to use free tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot to help with planning and lesson resource creation. It will demonstrate some ways that AI can be used by primary pupils to support science learning. There will be suggestions for other free (or paid) AI tools that are available online that can support planning, teaching and learning. The session will look at the art of creating useful prompts to get the AI to do what you want.

The author of the new book "Science Fix: Science Made Easy for Primary Teachers", Danny Nicholson, will discuss how AI tools can help reduce teacher workload. You will leave equipped with a toolkit of AI resources and strategies to enrich your science curriculum and inspire curiosity in your students.

Speakers

Danny Nicholson

ITT Lecturer and Consultant, Think Bank Ltd

Danny Nicholson is an independent teacher trainer, author and consultant. He is a former science teacher and now delivers computing and science training to teachers all over the UK as well as overseas. He has been delivering initial teacher training to primary teachers for nearly... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Pope LT C15

Primary

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @dannynic

08:45 GMT

Leveraging AI Technologies for Responsive Teaching

Friday January 10, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT

Physics C29

The session delves into the transformative potential of AI in creating a more dynamic and responsive educational environment. The session focuses on practical applications and tangible outcomes for educators, including sharing ideas & strategies from practising teachers and providing valuable insights and practical takeaways for the delegates.

In traditional classrooms, responsiveness to student needs is paramount. Traditional teaching methods, while effective in many respects, often struggle to address the diverse and evolving requirements of individual students. AI technologies offer innovative solutions to bridge this gap, enabling educators to tailor their approaches to better meet the needs of each learner.

Delegates in this exploration of AI technologies for responsive teaching will gain:
1. Understanding of AI Applications: A comprehensive understanding of how AI technologies can be applied to create more responsive and effective teaching environments.
2. Practical Implementation Strategies: Strategies for integrating AI tools into their teaching practices to personalise learning and enhance student engagement.
3. Insight into Data Utilisation: Knowledge of how to leverage data-driven insights to inform instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.

The proposed structure of the talk is detailed below:

>Overview of the Topic - Explain the importance of responsive teaching and the role of AI in education

>Understanding AI Technologies in Education
*What is AI?
Define AI and provide examples relevant to education.
*Key AI Technologies Used in Education:
Machine Learning
Natural Language Processing
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Data Analytics
Provide real-world examples and case studies

>Benefits of AI for Responsive Teaching
*Personalised Learning Experiences - Discuss how AI can tailor educational content to individual students.
*Real-Time Feedback and Assessment- Explain the benefits of immediate feedback and adaptive assessments.
*Enhanced Student Engagement - Explore AI tools that make learning more engaging.
*Efficient Classroom Management- Describe how AI can automate administrative tasks and support classroom management.

>Practical Implementation Strategies
*Integrating AI into Teaching Practices- Step-by-step guide on incorporating AI tools in the classroom.
*Case Studies and Success Stories - Share specific examples of schools & teachers successfully using AI for responsive teaching.

>Challenges and Considerations
*Technical and Ethical Challenges - Discuss potential challenges such as data privacy, bias in AI, and technical barriers.
*Future Trends and Developments -Highlight emerging trends and the future of AI in education.

>Q&A and Interactive Discussion

>Conclusion- Summary of Key Points /Recap the main takeaways from the talk.
*Call to Action
*Encourage delegates to explore and experiment with AI tools in their teaching practices.

Speakers

Kavitha Ravindran

Co-founder & Director of sAInaptic, sAInaptic Limited

sAInaptic is an AI-driven web app for GCSE science that automatically evaluates free-text answers to open-ended questions, providing instant feedback. The feedback includes a predictive score and qualitative, teacher-like information on correct and missed concepts. sAInaptic’s auto-marking... Read More →

Sponsors

sAInaptic

Friday January 10, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
Physics C29

11-19

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 11-14, ITEs, Trainees

13:15 GMT

An easy intro to AI- machines of the future

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT

Physics B23

This session will look at free resources developed by the Royal Society, British Science Association and Google Deep Mind that form an easy introduction to the concepts of AI, and will get your students imaginations racing, thinking about what the machines of the future might be able to do. Perfect as an intro to the topic either for STEM clubs, or in the curriculum. For years 5-8

Speakers

Estelle Whewell

Partnerships Manager, British Science Association

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT
Physics B23

All

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, Industry, Global, 11-14, 7 to 11

08:45 GMT

Affective connection with science through Open Schooling and Storytelling

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT

Coates C22

How does the CONNECT-science questionnaire assess students' emotional connection to science, while open schooling activities and the captivating story "Our Green Library: CARE-KNOW-DO" ignites their passion and fosters scientific knowledge and action?

This research is part of the EU-funded project CONNECT-science.net and the UK Green-Forum involving primary and secondary schools.

Speakers

Alexandra Okada

Senior Research Fellow, The Open University

Dr. Alexandra Okada is the scientific coordinator of the EU funded project CONNECT - open schooling and principal investigator of OLAF - Online Learning and Fun. She is an educational senior researcher at the Open University UK, a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy and... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
Coates C22

All

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, 11-14

09:45 GMT

Practical approaches to teaching AI in Primary Schools

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT

ESLC B04

A hands on session looking at ideas for teaching upper primary children about how AI works in different contexts. The session includes:

- Applications of AI
- AI safety in schools
- Exploring BIG Data applications
- Unplugged activities to explore how AI works
- Benefits of AI
- AI ethics
- Environmental impacts of AI

A set of tried and tested resources will be showcased, and shared, designed specifically to support primary aged children develop their understanding of all aspects of AI.

Speakers

Paul Tyler

Owner / Director, My Science Club

Primary school teacher and Science Coordinator in a large primary school just outside Glasgow. Interested in all things primary science, Science Capital transitions to secondary and anything to do with Topical Science and Citizen Science. I produce a monthly Topical Science Update... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
ESLC B04

Primary

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Industry, Global, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, 11-14
Twitter feed @glazgow

11:15 GMT

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Science Education in Middle School years

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT

Coates C27

Objectives:
Understand AI Fundamentals: Provide a clear understanding of basic AI concepts, including machine learning, neural networks, and data analysis, tailored to the middle school context.
Explore AI Applications in Science Education: Demonstrate specific AI tools and applications that can be used to enhance science instruction and engage students.
Develop Practical Skills: Offer hands-on experience with AI resources and activities that educators can directly implement in their classrooms.
Address Ethical Considerations: Discuss the ethical implications of AI use in education, focusing on data privacy and bias, and how to navigate these challenges responsibly.
Workshop Structure:
Introduction to AI in Education (20 minutes):
Brief overview of AI and its relevance to modern education.
Discussion on the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating AI into the science curriculum.
Interactive Demonstrations of AI Tools (30 minutes):
Showcasing AI applications such as virtual labs, intelligent tutoring systems, and data analysis platforms.
Live demonstrations on how these tools can simulate scientific experiments, provide personalized feedback, and enhance data literacy.
Hands-On Activities (25 minutes):
Participants will engage in interactive exercises using AI tools.
Group activities where educators can brainstorm and design lesson plans incorporating AI technologies.
Sharing of best practices and innovative ideas for classroom implementation.
Ethical Considerations and Open Discussion (10 minutes):
Addressing the ethical issues surrounding AI in education, including privacy concerns and algorithmic bias.
Encouraging critical thinking and discussion among participants on how to ethically integrate AI in their teaching practices.
Q&A and Closing Remarks (5 minutes):
Open floor for questions and discussion to clarify doubts and provide additional insights.
Summary of key takeaways and resources for further learning.
Target Audience: Middle school science educators, curriculum developers, and educational technology specialists who are interested in integrating AI into their teaching practices to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment.
Materials Provided:
Detailed handouts on AI concepts and tools.
Access to an online repository of resources, including lesson plans, software recommendations, and further reading materials.
Conclusion: This workshop aims to empower middle school educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively integrate AI into their science classrooms. By providing practical tools and fostering a deeper understanding of AI's potential, we can inspire educators to enhance their teaching practices and better prepare students for the future.

Speakers

Tammie Schrader

ex NSTA President (America)

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Coates C27

11-19

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 11-14

14:15 GMT

Using ChatGPT to prepare science lessons: teacher experiences and impact

Saturday January 11, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT

ESLC B01

There is widespread interest among teachers in using Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to support lesson planning, to reduce teacher workload and to enhance lesson variety and quality. This session presents the findings of research exploring the experience and impact of over 100 secondary science teachers who used ChatGPT to prepare Year 7/8 lessons in the summer term 2024. This research was a randomised controlled trial, commissioned by the EEF and co-funded by the Hg Foundation.

The session will explore:
-the impact of using ChatGPT on teacher workload and lesson quality, compared with a comparison group who used no Generative AI
-how teachers integrated ChatGPT into their planning processes and the tasks/activities they used ChatGPT for
-teachers’ perceptions of using ChatGPT and intentions for future use
-teachers’ experiences of learning to use ChatGPT

Web address included here (as it will not fit in the box below): https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/projects/choices-in-edtech-using-generative-ai-chatgpt-for-ks3-science-lesson-preparation-2024-teacher-choices-trial

Speakers

Katherine Aston

NFER

Palak Roy

Senior Trials Manager, NFER

Saturday January 11, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
ESLC B01

11-19

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16, Advisors/Consultants, ITEs, Trainees

14:15 GMT

Keynote: AI and the Science Teacher

Saturday January 11, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT

Pope LT C17

This session looks at how AI can support accessibility and inclusion in science teaching.

Miles will begin the keynote with a quick introduction to the foundations of generative AI, before demonstrating some of the practical ways in which tools like Chat GPT may be used to save on science teachers' workload. He then turns to consider some ways in which pupils might use, and misuse, these technologies themselves.

He concludes with a discussion of the broader ethical and other implications of generative AI. This will be a great opportunity for teachers to consider how and why they might incorporate more use of AI into their practice.

Speakers

Miles Berry

Professor of Computing Education, Roehampton University

Professor of Computing EducationSchool of EducationChair, NCCE academic boardUniversity of Roehampton | London | SW15 5PJ

Saturday January 11, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Pope LT C17

All

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, ECTs, Post-16, Trainees