Sire Life Sciences

SIRE Life Sciences is a Recruitment & Executive Search Consultancy dedicated exclusively to the European Life Science industry. SIRE Life Sciences provides a “Complete-Life-Science-Cycle-Search-Solution” to both Life Science Professionals and Life Science Employers operating in the European Life Science sector. We offer a tailor made European-wide service for both Permanent or Freelance solutions specialized in delivering into the world’s leading Life Science institutions. SIRE Life Sciences has highly skilled teams of Recruitment, Executive Search and Staffing Issues Specialist providing high premium in tailored Life Science recruitment solutions and advice on staffing issues particularly executive search and retention. SIRE Life Sciences covers Freelance & Permanent Recruitment and Executive Search Consultancy in the European Life Science sectors: Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology Medical Devices Clinical Research Organisations Food Science Cosmetics SIRE Life offers recruitment, executive search and staffing issues consultants who are specialist within a: Specific niche’ market within the European Life Science sector Technical profession within the European Life Science sector Specific region within Europe We name it the “3Dimensional SIRE Search Method” with the aim to find the best professionals fastest.

SIRE Life Sciences distinguishes itself by offering our clients a combination of competitive advantages and values we believe in. We are a European Life Science Recruitment and Executive Search consultancy offering Recruitment, Executive Search and Staffing Issues consultants for both freelance and permanent solutions who are specialists within a:

Specific niche’ within the European Life Science sector
Technical profession within the European Life Science sector
Specific region in Europe
We name it the “3Dimensional SIRE Search Method” with the aim to find the best professionals fastest.

SIRE Life Sciences places utmost importance on Corporate Social Responsibility and we make every effort to ensure our operations are as environmentally friendly and ethical as possible. We continuously consider the impact of our business operations on the nature that surrounds us as well as humanity. Some of our methods of making our services as sustainable as possible include:

Recycling all of our office waste
Sending all of our communication electronically to limit paper usage and save trees.
Where possible, we use energy-saving equipment and work methods.
Planting a tree in the name of every successful placement. -By donating these trees we help to reduce our Carbon Footprint and make our operations more sustainable.
Dedicating to providing equal chances for all, regardless of skin colour, ethnic or national origins, disability, marital status, religious belief, sexuality or age.
Donating annually to Unicef.

Factors Affecting Students’ Performance in Science in Nigeria Schools

Abstract This is a review paper that identified factors causing students’ poor performance in science as teachers’ method of teaching, students’ interest, class size, poor laboratory facilities among other factors. Recommendations were made at the end of the paper; one of such recommendations was that teachers should be more dedicated to their duties

Introduction Science is different from other disciplines by its processes which are; observation, classification, measurement, prediction, problem identification, collection, analysis and interpretation of data, drawing conclusion, experimentation etc. In Nigeria research has shown that students’ performance in science has not been encouraging due to some factors. The table below shows percentage of students’ performance in May/ June Examination from 2006 to 2011 in Nigeria. YearPercentage of pass 200622 200720 200826 200926 201023 201130 Source: The sun news 2011

Factor influencing students’ performance Adegboye (2003) believed the main factor that is responsible for poor performance in mathematics is the fear of mathematics. Okooboh, Afolabi and Asilika (2004) stressed that the unimpressive response to science and technical education is particularly evident in students’ poor performance in science subjects at secondary school level. In the words of Ajileye (2006) insufficient resources for the teaching and learning of science constitute a major cause of student underachievement. The insufficient resources include laboratories, science equipment, and specimens to be used as teaching aids. Onuoha (1997) identified shortage of qualified and dedicated teachers as the factor affecting student performance in science and that poor practical orientation will lead to poor understanding of the theory. In his opinion teachers are no more dedicated to their assignments. They give more time to trading, petty contracts, farming etc. They sneak in and out of the classrooms and laboratories at will. Ukwuma (1990) in his investigation of factor impair science education confirmed that over 80% of failure in science and technology are due to the inability of students to perform well in practical. Akinola (2006) believed that causes of mass failure of students in senior secondary Chemistry Examination include teacher’s methodology, structuring of the curriculum, the concentration of examination questions on few topics and the inability of students to perform enough practical before their examination. Ladanu (1991) observed that most of the textbooks used in secondary schools are written by foreign authors. Languages used in some of the texts are complex and ambiguous. Hence, it becomes difficult for students to comprehend. In the opinion of Akanbi (2003) poor performance in Physics may be due to a number of fundamental reasons, which could be due to shortage of science teachers in quality and quantity, inadequate laboratory equipment and facilities, poor motivated teaching strategies, shortage of suitable Physics textbooks and other factors. Bamidele (2004) observed lack of interest in physics by students due to preconceived idea that physics is a difficult subject has affected the enrolment and performance of students in physics. Ogunbiyi (1986) investigated that many secondary school students are unfamiliar with more than half of laboratory apparatus and are unable to know in what experiment they are used. Garba (2004) conducted a research on the relationship between classroom control and students’ performance; his findings revealed that teachers who are sufficiently equipped with strategies that assist in classroom control adequately will automatically enable the students have full concentration and lead to positive academic performance of the students. In the opinion of Ojo (2001) lack of qualified teachers, lack of facilities and poor teaching method are factors to be considered when it comes to student performance in science. He said the success of any science education programme depends to a large extent on the teacher. Olonade (2000) and Fatola (2005) in their different studies both agreed that school location and school size influences students’ performance in sciences. In a study carried out by Owolabi (2004) on a diagnosis of students’ difficulties in Physics, he revealed that poor performance of students in Physics could have emanated from student’s lack of full understanding of Physics concepts Aiyelabegan (2003) identified attitude, approach of students and teacher to Physics, inadequacy of practical equipment, unconducive environment and lack of qualified hands to handle practical works as factors affecting student performance in Physics. Apata (2007) confirmed that students taught by qualified and experienced teachers performed better than students taught by unqualified and inexperienced teachers. Conclusion and recommendations Poor students’ performance in science is due to poor teaching method, poor textbooks, students’ interest, class size, poor laboratory facilities, teacher attitude to work and poor condition of service. In view of the above conclusion it is suggested that teachers should be more dedicated to their duties, provision of laboratory equipment and reduction of students’ number per class.

REFRENCES

Adegboye, A.O &Adegboye,O.A(2003).An investigation into Secondary School students’ performance in SSCE Mathematics. Lafiagi Journal of science Education 5 (1& 2), 25-31.

Aiyelabegan,A.T (2003). Effect of physics practical on Students’ Academic performance in Senior School Certificate Physics Examination in kwara state. Lafiagi Journal of Science Education 5 (1& 2), 84-89.

Akinola, B.M.A (2006). Causes of Mass Failure in senior secondary school Chemistry in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. Oro Science Educational journal. 4(5&6),19.

Ajileye , O.O (2006).Towards Effective Science Education: Issues in Universal Basic Education Programme. Journal of Sports Management and Educational Research. 1 (2), 337.

Akanbi A.O (2003). Trend in Physics Education in Secondary School in Kwara State. Lafiagi Journal of science education. 5(1& 2), 69- 75.

Apata, S.F (2007). Influence of Teachers -Academic Qualification and Experience on Students’ Performance in Senior Secondary School Physics In Kwara State. (Unpublished master thesis). University of Ilorin,Ilorin

Bamidele, L (2004). Students’ Poor Performance in Physics. A Bane to our Nation’s Technological Development. Nigerian Journal of Science Education and Practice. 2(1), 174

Garba,R.B(2004). Teachers’Classroom Control and Students’ Academic Achievement (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Ilorin,Ilorin. Ladanu, G.A (1991). Students’ Performance in Biology- Factors and remedies. Journal of Education Students’ Association, University of Ilorin. 7, 8.

Ogunniyi, M.B (1986). Teaching science in Africa. Ibadan: University press.

Ojo M. O (2001). Problems of teaching Science and Mathematics in Nigeria.A paper presented at the Train- the Trainers workshop for Science and Mathematics teachers in Colleges of Education in Six Geo – political zone of Nigeria.

Okooboh, M.A, Afolabi, M.A, & Asilika, D.A (2004). Science and technical Education in a Democratic Government for Sustainable National Development The Conference: Journal of Contemporary Educational Thoughts. 1 (1), 44, 45.

Olonade, G.B(2000). Influence of School Location, School Size, Sex DifferenceAnd Teachers Variables on Mathematics Achievement of Secondary Student In Kwara State. (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

Take It From Your Engineering Tutor, These Summer Science Programs Rock!

These programs offer, in your engineering tutor’s humble opinion, incredible opportunities to improve your engineering skills, meet other kids psyched about engineering, and have a ton of fun this summer.

American Society of Materials Int’l – Materials Camp A one-week residential camp for high school students. Held in two locations, the West Coast Camp meets at the University of Washington in Seattle, and the East Coast Camp meets at ASM Materials Engineering Institute in Cleveland (not exactly East Coast, but who’s counting?). Each camp takes 30 students, and pays all expenses, including travel to and from camp, for accepted participants.

IBM – EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering (EXCITE) Camps Also a one-week residential camp, in this case for 6th and 7th graders. There are 13 locations in the U.S.

Junior Eng Technical Society (JETS) – UNITE (Uninitiates’ Introduction to Engineering) This US Army-sponsored camp is aimed at women and minorities interested in science and engineering. There are four locations, at universities in Florida, New Mexico, Delaware and Michigan.

NASA – Summer HS Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP) Eight-week research apprenticeships for high school students at least 16 years of age. Choose between residential programs and commuter programs nationwide. All participants receive a salary for their work!

National Inventors Hall of Fame – Camp InventionYour engineering tutor loves this one for younger children. A one-week day camp for kids entering grades 2-6, offered at over 430 schools nationwide.

Society of American Military Engineers – Engineering and Construction Camps:Two options: a one-week US Air Force Academy-hosted camp in Colorado Springs, CO, for 60 students, and a one-week US Navy Seasbees-hosted camp in Port Hueneme, CA for 40 students. These are tough!

Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) – Science Technology and Engineering Preview Summer Camp for Girls (STEPSThese one-week residential camps for middle school and high school female students are tuitino free, thanks to a national initiative put forth by the SME’s Education Foundation. Currently, the program is open to Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin residents, with the camps held in those respective states.

US Dept of Energy – Renewable Energy and Environmental Protection (REEP) Summer Academy Another regional opportunity, this time for minorities and inner city youth from Texas, Louisiana and Colorado. Three-week residential program focused on renewable energy and environmental protection. In this case, the children really are our hope for the future!

US Dept of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration – National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI)These four-week residential camps are open to middle school and high school minority students, and focus on civil and transportation engineering. Held at 41 participating colleges and universities nationwide.

As an engineering tutor, I can tell you that none of these camps are a breeze. You work hard and learn a ton. But I’m willing to bet that if you’re reading this article, you’re like me, and that’s exactly your idea of fun. And don’t worry. Someone gets thrown in a pool every once in a while. These are camps for middle school and high school students, after all.

Examples Of Science Fair Projects

Examples of Science Fair Projects

Part of the preparation that is completed by the teaching staff in readying a science fair event is presenting the ideas to the students. Some students are very interested in these types of extracurricular events and other students would just as soon remain anonymous in the back row of the class. This aspect of preparation involves a sales pitch of sorts from the teacher. She or he must present the idea to the class while fostering the encouragement for the students to participate. The prizes and recognition will motivate some students and other students will be motivated by the opportunity to explore some topic that interests them. The latter set of students will need little encouragement and former group will likely retain enough interest to at least consider what the teacher is presenting. One way to sell the class on these events is to show them examples of science fair projects.

One of the most effective examples of science fair projects is the stink bomb.
If students were to rank their favorite among the examples of science fair projects, this smelly chemical reaction would be in the number one position. There are two reasons for using this example of science fair projects. The first is to get the attention of the students hiding on the back row and convince the others that this can be a fun and enjoyable process. There is nothing quite like a demonstration to win over a crowd of less than enthusiastic teenagers! The second reason is that if you use this example of a science fair project in class then the students cannot use it in the science fair. This clever reason prevents all the mischievous students from showing up to the science fair with all manner of smelly projects. By using this as examples of science fair projects in class you take it off the table as a possibility for student experiments.

Once the teacher has gotten the attention of the whole class and the neighboring classes down the hall with the stink bomb, she or he should have no trouble signing up the students for this event! Once this is done the students can begin discussing what topics they would like to demonstrate at the now popular school science fair.

Factors To Consider When Hiring Science Paper Editing

Editing is a significant part of the writing process. This is the stage when the manuscript is checked for errors. It is better if the person who writes the manuscript is different from the one who edits it. This way, the document can be improved from a different perspective. Important documents, especially those that will be published, should be thoroughly checked. Before you submit your research to a journal, make sure that it undergoes science paper editing.

Research companies and scientists around the world are hiring editing companies that provide science paper editing to be certain that the manuscripts are ready for publication. Although publishers say that edited manuscripts do not guarantee acceptance, a well-edited research paper is more appealing to reviewers compared with unedited ones. It is best to look for a good science editing firm that will help improve both the language and content of the manuscript.

Below are the factors that you should consider when looking for a Science paper editing firm.

Look for an online editing company that offers scientific, medical and academic editing. Firms that provide this service employ editors who have solid backgrounds in the fields of Science, Medicine and Technology.
Native English speakers make good editors. Although some ESL speakers are proficient in English, a native English speaker can easily identify mistakes and make appropriate corrections to the document.
Opt for experienced science editors. Unlike regular editors, science editors are familiar with the requirements and standards that your manuscript should meet. In addition, experienced editors are trained and qualified in editing scientific documents.
Hire the services of an established online editing company. There are many companies and individuals that offer science paper editing. However, not all of these providers are legitimate and reliable. Choose firms that show the testimonials of previous clients.
Make sure that the document you submit for editing is confidential and secure. Plagiarism is rampant online so the security of your manuscript is very important. Online companies that offer science paper editing should give you a secure webpage where you can upload and download your documents. The information in the manuscript should not be shared with third parties.

Science paper editing has many advantages, especially for first-time authors and ESL speakers. Choose a suitable provider that will help you improve the overall quality of your research paper. Inquire about the services offered by OnLine English, the pioneer in scientific and academic editing online.