The Association for Science Education

History

The ASE formed in 1963 by the merger of the Science Masters Association and the Association of Women Science Teachers. The Association for Science Education can trace its origins back to 1900. The first Annual Meeting was held in January 1901 which then led to the formation of the Association of Public School Science Masters. Incorporated by Royal Charter in October 2004, the ASE operates as a Registered Charity. The history of the ASE can be found in two publications: Interpreters of Science by David Layton and, published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the association, Advancing Science Education: the first fifty years of the Association for Science Education, Edited by Edgar Jenkins and Valerie Wood-Robinson.

The Patron of the Association was Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, PC, KT, GBE, FRS, until his death in 2021. It is now HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.

Activities

The Association promotes improvements in science education and education in general, specifically through advice and support for teachers, technicians and others with meetings and conferences, journals and resources, curriculum and professional development programmes and contributions to research and policy debates.

Journals

The ASE produces four journals which not only keep members up to date with developments in science education but also provide ideas and tips for the delivery of science education. Their journals include:

• Primary Science (previously: Primary Science Review) - aimed at the primary sector, giving ideas for lessons and developments in primary science education.
• School Science Review - SSR is the ASE's academically peer-reviewed journal supporting 11-19 science education, to provide CPD for both readers and contributors and share research and expertise across the ASE community and wider science education network.
• Science Teacher Education Online Hub - aimed at providers of initial teacher training and aims to inform and contribute to the development of science teacher education in all phases of education.
• Journal of Emergent Science - supported by the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT). JES focuses on research and the implications of research for practice and provision of science (including health, technology and engineering) for young children from birth to 11 years of age.

Annual Conference

The annual conference attracts over 2000 delegates and include 250+ talks and workshops ranging from academic lectures and exhibitions, to a social programme and themed days.

Governance

An elected Education Group governs and controls the affairs of the Association. The Education Group advises the Trustees on all aspects of science education. Its 30 members represent all sectors of the science education community and speaks authoritatively on behalf of the Association. The group is led by the Chair of the Association and meets 3 times a year. The Chair of the Association is elected by the membership and serves a term of one year.

The Trustee Body has responsibility for ensuring that ASE works properly as a charity, that the finances are properly regulated and monitored and the appropriate policies are in place. The trustees meets 3 times a year and consists of 11 member trustees.

List of presidents and association chairs from 1963–2020

Awards

The ASE is involved with many awards including:

• Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach)
• Registered Scientist
• Registered Science Technician