CUSP
FSTC have been working in partnership with The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), The Association for Science Education (ASE) and The School Development Support Agency (SDSA) to produce the CUSP: Cultural Understanding in Science Project. The project aims to add valuable, specific examples of Muslim heritage perspectives in science and technology to the secondary curriculum for 11 to 16 year olds. This curriculum enrichment is fully consistent with the QCA's revised programmes of study and supporting guidance materials. It will inspire, challenge, include and support all learners aged 11-14 through the production of innovative study materials. An indirect consequence of the project is that it strengthens and deepens community cohesion through a collaboration between Muslim and non-Muslim educators, teachers, advisers and policy makers. It acts as a learning model for future collaborative work with faith communities by offering guidance, exemplifications and perspectives. An innovative learning resource, which is part of CUSP, is City 1250. ASE Global team have developed this fictional film where 4 teenagers contemplate their forthcoming time in a reality TV show based in an Islamic city from 1250. The participants are worried that after all this time, their needs will not be met. Classroom students then discover, through using colourful and informative resources, that the science and technology of 1250 can produce a high standard of living. They learn about the advances of Muslim scientists in eight vital fields, and consider how their work influenced future scientists. A series of worksheets accompanies City 1250 providing practical experiments that give information on the Muslim Contribution to these areas (e.g. pharmacy or optics). Click here to see the film of City 1250.
by: FSTC Limited, Sat 15 November, 2008
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