School Workshops
World of Cells workshops differ from classroom teaching by approaching material from a cell’s perspective, using a simple narrative.
After an initial discussion to assess current knowledge, students are read an interactive Mr Men-style story in which the main character is a cell in the reader’s body (except for the egg and sperm tales). The reader features in the story as the Giant, helping students understand that the biology happens inside them.
Students then consolidate their learning and demonstrate understanding with a creative activity and feed this back at the end of the session.
Although flexible to fit in with school timings, the standard workshop length is 75-90 minutes, with a maximum of 60 students. They require a projector and appropriate space(s) to start in one group, potentially break up into smaller groups for the consolidation exercise and come back together at the end.
Curriculum links
Click on the relevant button to see the relevant learning outcomes for your school.
Consolidation activity options
Choose from the following activities:
Compose an acrostic using learning, thoughts or questions about the body
Act out a section of the story
Create a soundtrack for the story
Illustrate a book page
Compose a dialogue between cells
Write an alternative story about a similar cell
Compose a poem/song about puberty changes or the menstrual cycle
Map the journey of a red blood or egg cell. The red blood cell map works well within student outlines
Parent / Carer / Teacher Discussions
In the UK, I offer a chaired discussion of the latest science books from Walker and Usborne. Attendees can then order books at 20% off the RRP, to be delivered to your School.
Cost
For schools in the UK, the cost is £4 per child per workshop plus travel (and accommodation if required). This is reduced to £3.50 per child if a parent/carer/teacher discussion of science books is organised, with at least 10 attendees.
For schools outside the UK, please contact me to work out an appropriate fee. Generally, I would expect flights and accommodation to be included as well as a fee per workshop per child. I am happy to work with you and to liaise with other schools in your region to facilitate this. It may be that another Professor Pea, living more locally, is able to provide the workshop.
“Truly inspirational! Pupils were engaged throughout and inspired to discover more.”
— Emma Prew, Year 4 Teacher
“My son fell and scraped his knee. He was examining the little bits of dried blood later that day and remarked, ‘It’s ok! Seb’s friends have come and plugged up the holes in my knee.’ He had remembered the story from three months ago.”
— Sophie Bettison, Year 6 Teacher and Parent
“Eve the Egg as the main character made the science memorable.”
- Ahmad, Grade 12 student
“I liked the whole dynamic where the egg is learning to appreciate her differences and become comfortable in her own body.”
-Noor, Grade 12 student
“The rhyme scheme flows like a song and the concept of a friend group makes it relatable.”
-Maya, Grade 12 student