Introducing…
…STEM Clubs

Children throughout the North East are discovering something new, inventing amazing things, and investigating the unknown… and they want you to join them!

STEM Clubs are an opportunity for school children to learn away from the confines of the classroom and national curriculum. Students can investigate and explore the science, technology, engineering, and maths that really interests them and STEM Club sessions could cover just about any topic.

Popular STEM Clubs have covered topics including: computer coding, biology and nature, maths puzzles (code cracking), robotics (and robot wars), engineering (and sustainable energy), rocketry, chemistry (and blowing stuff up), astronomy, physics, science talks, and the incredible things being discovered today.
The clubs are often held after school (from 3.30pm) or during lunchtimes but can take place at a variety of times and dates.

Get Involved

If you are already a STEM Ambassador it’s really easy to start supporting a local STEM Club. All you need to do is contact us at ambassadors@ncl-coll.ac.uk, or on 0191 200 4453, and we’ll find you a STEM Club that needs your help.
If you’re not currently registered as a STEM Ambassador, getting started couldn’t be easier: Simply register at https://db.stemnet.org.uk/register/ambassador and our coordinators will be in touch to arrange your DBS check and induction training.

STEM Advisory Network – STEM Clubs Evening

We would like to invite you to our STEM Clubs evening on Thursday 20 June 2013. The event is aimed at STEM Ambassadors, volunteers, and teachers interested in learning more about STEM Clubs. At the event you can watch demonstrations of STEM Club activities and meet with teachers, and other people involved in clubs, to plan and support the STEM clubs programme.

Thursday 20th June 2013, 4pm – 6pm
@ New Sixth Form Building
Newcastle Sixth Form College
Westmorland Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 7SA

Sat Nav: Newcastle College, Rye Hill Campus, Scotswood Rd, NE4 7SA

Map: Google Maps Link Unfortunately google maps still thinks we are a building site but the main entrance is very obvious now on Elswick East Terrace roughly where you can see the little red crane on the google map image.

Parking is available at the main car-park off Scotswood road: Map link for parking

Agenda

3.30pm to 4.00pm Registration and refreshments

RAEng “Winning Medals” kit
- Dave Thomas, RAEng Connecting STEM Teachers. Your chance to evaluate this resource and take it away for use in your school.

3D Printing, STEM Club activity and teacher CPD opportunity
– Mark Thirlwell, 3d Futures.

STEM Clubs Network support
– David Rogers, STEM Advisory Network.

Running a STEM Club | Demo activities
– Chris Bell, Sacred Heart High School.

Stories of success
– approaches to STEM, activities and events that have made a difference.

Plenary

The meeting will finish by 6.00pm.

AuroraWatchNet is a project to build, deploy and operate magnetometers for detecting when the aurora borealis is likely to be visible from the UK and other mid-latitude locations.

AuroraWatch UK will provide 10 magnetometers for schools to use free of charge in their teaching of science, technology and mathematics. They will select the schools which will make the best educational use of the magnetometer data. Pupils and teachers from the selected schools will also be invited to a conference where they can share their results and learn more about the aurora from space scientists at Lancaster University.

If you interested in participating please nominate a member of staff to complete the competition form before 25 June 2013. AuroraWatch will announce the results on their website on 1 July 2013.

For more information about the schools’ magnetometer project and the competition please see http://aurorawatch.net/

See the full programme and book your places at www.britishsciencefestival.org

From zombies to zebra fish, barnacles to bubbles, superheroes to sustainability…you’ll find them all in the British Science Festival Young People’s Programme Monday 9 – Thursday 12 September 2013 at:

Newcastle University
Northumbria University
Woodhorn Museum
Sunderland Museum
Newcastle City Learning Centre

Age 7-11: Turn everyday objects into smart devices or find out how science has saved lives
Age 11-14: Get blown away by explosive demonstrations or relax in a café made from waste
Age 14 -16: Investigate cutting- edge science from clinical trials and crowdsourcing to social diffusion and virtual reality
Age 16 -19: Discover how chocolate wrappers can clean up the atmosphere and whether science could make us superhuman

With over 80 activities at 5 venues across the North East, there really is something for everyone. Visit www.britishsciencefestival.org to register for updates, see the full programme and book your places.

Bookings open on 7 May 2013 and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings will only be accepted via the online system. Although the event is free, cancellation charges apply once bookings are confirmed. Full conditions of booking are available in the programme and via the booking system.

A week long coding and design event hosted by
Young Rewired State for those aged 18 and under

Web — youngrewiredstate.org
Twitter — @youngrewired #YRS2013
Facebook — facebook.com/youngrewiredstate

What is Young Rewired State?

Young Rewired State is a network of software developers and designers aged 18 and under which has been running for 5 years.

It is the philanthropic arm of Rewired State and its primary focus is to find and foster the young children and teenagers who are driven to teaching themselves how to code, how to program the world around them. The aim is to create a worldwide, independent, mentored network of young programmers supported and supporting through peer-to-peer learning. Ultimately solving real-world challenges.

Festival of Code: How it works

Festival of Code consists of a free week long event in August. Before the week we will gather details of YRSers, centres and mentors and assign you all to each other. You will spend the week building and creating awesome stuff before the big finalé in Birmingham.

You will be assigned a centre based on your location. We will have 60 centres throughout the UK. Monday — Thursday you will be making and breaking things and playing with data. Think of this as in introduction to the big weekend. Friday: you will travel to Birmingham the weekend. Saturday and Sunday will consist of showcasing what you have built during the week — climaxing with awards being given to the best projects made.

Level up coding skills/build digital prototypes to solve real world problems/work with professional programmers and open government data

Information for Parents
The Festival of Code is an annual event for programmers aged 18 or under, that has taken place in the UK since 2009.

It runs with the principles of community, open source and open data and is ultimately about finding and fostering every child driven to teach themselves how to code. We want to prevent the isolation that often comes with learning to program, and create a network of young people supporting each other through learning and solving real world challenges.

Young Rewired State is led by Emma Mulqueeny, who is a mum of two, a team of DBS-checked employees, vetted volunteers and part-time staff.

If your child wants to come along to the Festival of Code, we want to do everything we can to enable this and reassure you.

The weekend is FREE to attend

Information for Mentors

The mentor community is a huge part of the success of the Festival of Code. Traditionally it has been drawn from the Rewired State network, but as the popularity of the week has grown, so has the mentor network.

The role of the mentor is vital in the success of Young Rewired State. Duties include:

• providing expertise in programming, design, presentation skills, agile, ideation, robotics, open
data, open government data, graphics
• assisting the centre lead in running the room
• assessing skills and encouraging collaboration

It is a gentle art of being sensitive to the needs of the YRSers in attendance, some will require encouragement, some will need to be left alone. As the event progresses it becomes about focus and preparation for presentations.

If you have skills please visit youngrewiredstate.org/foc-signup

What you need for the week

Laptop, a motivated mindset and the desire to learn
For more information please visit youngrewiredstate.org

The Royal Academy of Engineering is piloting a programme of Computing in Primary Schools, one element of which is a low-cost programmable robot. This is based around a programmable microprocessor controlling a pair of electric motors mounted to a lightweight chassis. The robot can be programmed to move under its own power and is influenced by the signals from a wide range of sensors.

The Academy have 100 robots to trial with associated KS1 & KS2 resources. The robots will be donated to schools involved in the pilot on a first come first served basis. The Academy is looking for 100 Primary School teachers to volunteer their time to work through and provide feedback on the supplied resources and robot. The robots will be supplied in kit form, and teachers will be expected to build the robot as part of the trial, which has been designed for teachers with minimal knowledge of computing. Teachers can also request the support of an STEM Ambassador with a background in Computer Science to help them with this. A short clip of the Robot in action is at: http://tinyurl.com/mkra7se

The robots will be delivered to schools in early June, so please respond quickly to take advantage of this trial. Should you be interested in taking part, or want more details, please Contact the project officer, Dawn Fitt: dawn.fitt@ntlworld.com

This conference aims to support secondary science teachers through keynote lectures from high profile speakers, all incorporating links to the new proposed curriculum, and a series of hands on, practical sessions designed to inform, inspire and support.

Date: 2 and 3 July 2013.
The conference commences at 10am on Tuesday with dinner in the evening, and finishes at 4.45pm on Wednesday.

Venue: National STEM Centre, University of York, York YO10 5DD
Cost: The conference is free and includes food, accommodation and a £70 travel bursary for teachers
To book a place complete the form at: http://teacher_space_conference.eventbrite.co.uk/#

This conference will be an opportunity to:

• Discover contemporary science resources and support that is available to enrich science teaching.
• Talk to teachers about their experiences of using space as a context for teaching science, including teachers in established networks such as the STFC Leading Space School Programme and the National Space Centre’s Space Academy Programme.
• Hear about the latest developments in the new draft science curriculum in England.
• Learn from organisations carrying out contemporary science within the context of the draft science curriculum.

Keynote speakers:

Professor Bob Cywinski, University of Huddersfield
Anu Ojha, National Space Centre
Professor John Zarnecki, Open University (TBC)
Laura Thomas, 2013 Institute of Physics Schools’ Lecturer
Professor John Cave, Middlesex University
Julia Willingale-Theune, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute

How to Apply:

To book a place please complete the form at http://teacher_space_conference.eventbrite.co.uk/#

If you have any queries please email with the subject ‘ESERO Teacher Conference’ to: enquiries@nationalstemcentre.org.uk

Network Rail have designed a new trainee/apprenticeship scheme, with 20 placements in various locations. It is a 2-year scheme, offered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.

“The future of Britain’s railway is looking better than ever, and your future will too with Network Rail.

With hugely ambitious engineering projects under way across the UK, we’ve created a brand new scheme to train track design engineers. This is a fantastic moment to join us if you have good technical and maths skills and a real drive to succeed.

You’ll enjoy a varied and challenging training programme which includes producing your own designs for track layouts and seeing them installed on site. There is huge variety to the role, with real scope to develop a rewarding career in the rail industry.”

More information is available at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/schemes/trainee-track-engineering-design-scheme/

Maths competition
Put your maths skills to the test and win a sailing lesson with a double-gold Olympic medal winning sailor!

If you think maths is done from behind a desk, think again! The Transversal Maths Challenge gives pupils the chance to test out their maths skills in the real world – on the high seas. Open to UK students between the ages of 16 and 18 in full-time education, the competition challenges pupils to solve a series of maths problems centred on sailing.

The prize
The six finalists will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Port Hamble, Southampton on Thursday, 4 July 2013 to take part in a sailing lesson with double-gold Olympic medal winning British sailor, Sarah Ayton, whose most recent success came when her team won the Yngling sailing class during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The following day, Friday 5 July 2013, the students will put their new skills to the test as they take part in the annual Transversal Charity Cup. This sees teams compete in a yacht race from Cowes, Isle of Wight to Port Hamble, Southampton to win money for their chosen cause.

The questions to be answered for the competition and more details are available at http://transversal-cup.org/participate/maths-competition/.

Deadline: 31 May 2013.

There have been significant changes in the careers education, information, advice and guidance landscape. Young people are facing increasing labour market uncertainty, a complex choice of routes and the need for greater career resilience.

This conference will provide a wealth of resources and information to raise awareness about the exciting STEM related careers available to young people.

Generous ENTHUSE Award bursaries are available for teachers and lecturers from state funded schools, academies or colleges.

For further information please download the conference flyer or to book your place please visit www.slcs.ac.uk/go/nat/pnac12114

Newcastle University,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne and Wear,
NE1 7RU

An afternoon to bring together motivated educators and to illustrate the ideas behind Enlighten.

“Our goal is to create programmes that will raise achievement from teaching systems that enable and empower the students to learn, to raising self-esteem through powerful academic techniques, motivational tools and critical thinking.”

Contact Karim – info@enlighteneducation.co.uk or
Pauline – pauline.vipond@gmail.com to book your free place.

www.enlighteneducation.co.uk

Challenges

Ways to Fund Your Club

Running a Club on a Shoestring

Involving Students

Involving External Volunteers

Awards and Competitions

Life Skills

Academic Achievement

Professional Development

Your Club Identity

Working With Other Schools

Involving the Wider School

Working With Your Local Community

The Benefits of setting up a STEM Club

Working across STEM

Who will be your STEM Club members

Practical considerations

What to do and how to do it

Virtual school would like to invite teachers to contribute short audio lessons to be turned into learning videos. The videos will be distributed free of charge on the Virtual School YouTube Channel for use by teachers and science explainers or for pupils to watch at home.

Visit Virtual School’s channel here: www.youtube.com/virtualschool.

Letter to Science and Maths teachers

The next deadline is the 29 April 2013.

http://www.biochemistry.org/Grants/EducationalGrants/ScientificOutreachGrants.aspx

Title: Speckle phenomena from laser light scattering
Subject area: Physics
Number of Placements: 2

Speckle is a phenomenon which was quickly observed after the laser was invented, and is often considered an annoyance. It can instead be utilized to make particular optical measurements that aren’t easily done without expensive and rare equipment. Examples include the wavefront of light beams, which when not flat produces blurring in imaging, or sizing particles by looking at the size of speckle or even quantifying the smoothness of skin. This project will look at speckle produced by small particles on a microscope slide and examine the basic properties of speckle, and then move onto new and more unusual examples. The project will be partly experimental and use the equipment in our undergraduate laboratories, and the student will have opportunities to be involved with the design and direction of the experiments.

Duration: 5 weeks
Start date: 1st July

Placement Provider: Newcastle University
Anna Faszczyk

Title: Transport: RailNewcastle
Subject area: Transport / Statistics
Number of Placements: 1

RailNewcastle is an Intensive Programme in Rail Freight and Logistics with 54 students from Europe attending. At the end of the programme we will be collecting feedback forms from the students and then analyse their responses using statistics software (SPSS). The project involves: data cleaning, data analysis and report writing. The final report will be shared with 8 European RailNewcastle partners and might be used in other publications.

Duration: 4 weeks
Start date: 4 July 2013

Placement Provider: Northumbria University
Anne Willis, Peter Hoare

Title: Battery technology – a history and a look to the future
Number of Placements: 3

To develop a circus of experiments for use in local schools which establish some of the historical context of electrical cells (batteries to the general public!), their development to current models and a look towards future provision and usage, e.g. hydrogen fuel cells. The circus should provide hands on activities for a standard class of pupils (30) with support materials for technicians and teachers. If 3 students were allocated to the project we envisage that activities relating closely to KS3, KS4 and KS5 curricula could be developed. As a consequence of taking part in this project the students will gain an in depth knowledge of electrochemical cells. The developed materials would then be adopted by Northumbria and Newcastle Chemistry outreach teams and STEM Ambassadors from the Undergraduate and Postgraduate bodies trained to deliver them across the region.

Duration: 4 weeks
Start date: 22 July 2013

Placement Provider: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Owen Joiner

Title: Behavioural study of the Chilean flamingos
Subject area: Biology/Zoology
Number of Placements: 1

To carry out a behavioural study of the Chilean flamingos, specifically breeding behaviour and the integration of hand reared juvenile birds. This project will also observe the relationship between the flamingos and other species, both collection birds and wild birds.

Duration: 6 weeks
Start date: July 2013

Placement Provider: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Owen Joiner

Title: Investigating enclosure use and interactions of the wetland centre’s Vulnerable Asian short-clawed otters.
Subject area: Biology/Zoology
Number of Placements: 1

Describe the breeding behaviour and mating system of WWT Washington’s flock of endangered white headed duck. This tricky to breed species is enjoying a new exhibit at the wetlands centre. This project would enable staff to determine stocking densities for this series of ponds. Observations would include breeding behaviour, nesting behaviour, interaction with con-specifics and other species.

Duration: 6 weeks
Start date: July 2013

Placement Provider: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Owen Joiner

Title: The breeding behaviour and mating system of WWT Washington’s flock of endangered white headed duck
Subject area: Biology/Zoology
Number of Placements: 1

To investigate enclosure use and interactions of the wetland centre’s Vulnerable Asian short-clawed otters. The centre has a newly formed pair which is displaying all the signs of breeding. This is an excellent opportunity for a student to assist the centre by describing the otter’s behaviour through observational surveys.

Duration: 6 weeks
Start date: July 2013

Placement Provider: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
John Oliver

Title: What species inhabit hibernaculums
Subject area: Biology/Zoology/Ecology
Number of Placements: 1

Investigate what species inhabit hibernaculums which have been constructed around the nature reserve at WWT Washington. A hibernaculum by definition is occupied by hibernating animals during the winter. The habitats are however used all year round by different creatures. Your task would be to discover what uses these man-made habitats and would include using a range of different survey skills, trapping techniques, identification techniques and invertebrate sampling.

Duration: 6 weeks
Start date: July 2013

Placement Provider: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
John Oliver

Title: Compare and contrast the biodiversity of pond habitats
Subject area: Aquatic Biology/ Fresh water Zoology
Number of Placements: 1

Compare and contrast the biodiversity of pond habitats: one recently cleared of Canadian pond weed and others that haven’t been invaded with this plant. This will involve botanical surveys, amphibian surveys and invertebrate surveys. This project looks at the recovery rate of the recently cleared pond.

Duration: 6 weeks
Start date: July 2013

Placement Provider: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
John Oliver

Title: An Ecological survey of what species inhabit the dead hedging surrounding WWT Subject area: Biology/Zoology/Ecology
Number of Placements: 1

Investigate what species inhabit the dead hedging (barrier made from cut branches, saplings and foliage) that has been installed around the nature reserve at WWT Washington. Your task would be to discover what uses this habitat through a variety of surveying techniques to include birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibian and invertebrate species.

Duration: 6 weeks
Start date: July 2013

Placement Provider: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
John Oliver

Title: The Investigating the possible negative impact of water pollution and its effects on the aquatic invertebrate community
Subject area: Aquatic Biology/ Fresh water Zoology
Number of Placements: 1

Investigate the negative impact water pollution has on aquatic invertebrate community across the nature reserve. Compare and contrast the biodiversity of ponds displaying the effects of water pollution. This will involve carrying out botanical, amphibian and invertebrate surveys.

Duration: 6 weeks
Start date: July 2013

Placement Provider: Beamish Museum
Joanne McAnelly

Title: Museum Engineering and invention – Adhesion principle
Subject area: Engineering
Number of Placements: 2

To research and ultimately design, and if possible construct, models which may be used for demonstration of the principles of adhesion for William Hedley was a pioneer in the days of the early railways. Also to research and design and construct experiments which may be demonstrated to and tried by, visitors to the museum and can be taken to community events, in relation to the Puffing Billy Festival taking place in late September in the Wylam area.

Duration: 4 weeks
Start date: tbc

Placement Provider: Newcastle University
Chandra Vemury

Title: A Review of Martensitic Phase Transformations in Shape Memory Alloys
Subject area: Engineering
Number of Placements: 2

Over the last couple of decades, considerable research has been carried out on a class of smart materials called Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). As a result of the interesting work, SMAs have been found to have a wide range of scientific applications including heart surgery, aeronautical design and earthquake resistant design etc. This project forms part of a research study currently underway at Newcastle University and is aimed at understanding the crystallography of SMA and the effect of phase transformations on their mechanical properties.

Duration: 4 weeks
Start date: tbc

Placement Provider: Newcastle Science City
Karen Marshall

Title: Life Sciences and Bio-medicine – Future employment opportunities.
Subject area: Bio-medicine
Number of Placements: 1

Newcastle Science City (NSC) has an ongoing program which identifies and works with science, technology and engineering research institutes and businesses to understand the jobs they offer Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Engineering and Computing students. Company profiles and examples of career opportunities are printed in our eBook on our website. This project will investigate companies who work in the field of Biomedicine and Life Sciences. The researcher will work with the Skills and Education Manager at NSC to identify, interview and compile profiles about each company and will work with a young STEM employee at the company to agree a company profile, including images, to be included in the eBook. This placement will give the researcher unprecedented access to life science companies across the region, meeting young recruits and senior staff gaining an exclusive insight into the industry. They will also gain experience working with the eBook designer and publisher.

Duration: 4 weeks
Start date: tbc

Placement Provider: Newcastle University Computing Science
James Turland

Title: Private Data Leakage on Mobile Phones
Subject area: Technology
Number of Placements: 2

The recent increase in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) poses many threats to security networks. Many existing networks and systems were designed and implemented without such devices (phones/tablets etc) having access. Moreover, these mobile devices are typically insecure or insufficiently protected (password/encryption). This promotes an environment where data is mobilised and transferred through unsecure devices. This poses significant risks and vulnerabilities and data leakage is a natural outcome of this.
Newcastle University has a keen interest in the field of BYOD and the risks related to this new phenomena. We have recently launched the Cyber Security Research Institute in collaboration with several other Academic Institutions in order to investigate and understand this problem space. We are interested in the human/cyber relationship aiming to understand the ways in which people use these devices and the methods in which they can be controlled/monitored.

Duration: 4 weeks
Start date: tbc

Placement Provider: Newcastle College
David Rogers

Title: Science Communication / Web Technologies
Subject area: Technology
Number of Placements: 1

Production of a series of video interviews with STEM Ambassadors for publication on the web. During this project you will learn about science communication, web design and social media.You will also get to meet professionals and academics from a wide variety of fields within STEM.

Duration: 4 weeks
Start date: tbc

Placement Provider: Newcastle College
David Rogers

Title: Science Communication / Web Technologies
Subject area: Technology
Number of Placements: 1

Research Science and engineering practical experiments and demonstrations. Completing a resource for STEM ambassadors and teachers to deliver in schools. During this project you will learn about science communication, what makes a good demo and how enrichment can support school curriculum.

Duration: 4 weeks
Start date: tbc

The activities are designed to enhance the curriculum, covering areas not supported by existing resources. They were developed with STEM Ambassadors in mind, and include guidance on introducing the topic, how to present the activity, structuring the session, equipment lists and health and safety notes.

The activities explore the following topics, providing STEM Ambassadors and teachers with guidance on introducing the topic, how to present the activity, structuring the session, equipment lists and health and safety notes:

• Colour questions – what happens when coloured substances are mixed with oil and water?
• Improving glue – can we develop a stronger glue?
• Eat your greens – can we stop food from going off but still keep it tasty and nutritious?
• Exploding cells – why can’t the concentration of our body fluids change?
• Take your medicine – why are there so many different kinds of pills?
• Save our conkers – what’s happening to our conker trees? Will they survive?

The six resources are also available as pdfs from the STEMNET website, from the STEMNetworking Resource Bank, and from the STEMNET TES site.

More Details Here

Booking: n.l.hall@durham.ac.uk 0191 370 6200

A full day event for teachers at NETPark, Sedgefield, County Durham. The theme is Space Technology and purpose of the day is to enhance the teachers’ subject knowledge in this area and increase awareness of STEM careers.

The day is structured around workshops delivered by scientists and engineers which will provide the teachers with ideas for activities which will engage students with the STEM curriculum. Teachers will receive free resources to take away which they will be able to use in Science lessons or for STEM clubs. You will also have the opportunity to discuss STEM careers informally with practising scientists and engineers.

The workshops include making a robot, a spectrometer and landing a virtual Mars Rover. There will also be an engaging talk by a US Space Scientist who has worked with NASA.

Activity providers

The STEM Directories are an online resource to help teachers find Enhancement & Enrichment activities across the UK to support their teaching. It contains information about activities delivered in-school as well as trips that schools can make and challenges, competitions and summer schools. STEM Directories have over 300 schemes live on the site, but are keen to make the resource as comprehensive and useful to teachers as possible. As an added bonus, we provide 30 grants a year of £500 to teachers in English state schools, and more £500 grants for Maths teachers UK-wide who select a scheme listed on the STEM Directories site. If you’re not already listed, it’s an easy process and you will become eligible for teachers to apply to spend £500 on your scheme. The closing dates for these rounds of grants are 20 March 2013 and 22 March 2013.

To register, visit www.stemdirectories.org.uk/login/?action=register

And for more information about the grants, go to www.stemdirectories.org.uk/teacher-faqs

Teachers

The STEM Directories provide information about ways to support and extend your science, engineering, design and mathematics teaching. Some schemes bring exciting activities into your school, others can provide a memorable day out for your students or a nationwide competition to help motivate your science club. They might involve bringing a real scientist, engineer or mathematician into the classroom, give your students access to equipment not readily available or simulate real-life applications of science and technology. Many schemes can provide supporting teaching materials to help get the most of the activity.
STEM Directories also offer grants of up to £500 available for you to have a STEM Enrichment activity take place at your school in 2013. The closing dates for these rounds of grants are the are 20 March 2013 and 22 March 2013.

For more information about the grants, and to apply, please visit
www.stemdirectories.org.uk/teacher-faqs

Healthcare Science Week 2013 is nearly here – March 15th to 24th (as part of National Science and Engineering Week 2013) and we need you to help us promote the incredible work of healthcare science professionals in your local area!

What you can do:

What should you do next?

All you need to do is download the New Healthcare Science Week Guide and the New Healthcare Science Ambassadors Toolkit from the NHS Careers website. Both contain a wealth of ideas and promotional materials to make your event a success – presentation slides, a leaflet, poster, video and real life stories.

Make sure you let us know about your Healthcare Science Week plans, so we can share ideas and spread the word throughout the healthcare science community, ensuring Healthcare Science Week 2013 is the best yet!

Get a copy here:
STEM Projects toolkit 1 to 6

Also available as a downloadable pdf from the Downloads Hub of the CREST area of the British Science Association website:
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest-awards/download-hub

Hosted by the National STEM Centre’s e-library:
http://www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/elibrary/collection/1670/stem-projects-toolkit

The Schools Analyst Competition is an annual event organised by the Analytical Division of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Teams of three students, from the first year sixth form or equivalent groups, compete to solve a practical exercise requiring laboratory skills, interpretation, and problem solving within a specified period of time. Regional heats are held in the RSC regional centres, which for the North East are Huddersfield, Bradford, Newcastle, Teesside, and Sunderland. The results from the winners of these local heats are then compared, and the best team is selected to enter the national final.

The Sunderland heat of this competition will be held on Monday the 18th of March between 1:00pm and 5:30pm in the Fleming Building at Sunderland University.

The Newcastle heat of this competition will be held on Wednesday, 27th March 2013 between 4.30pm and 7.30pm in the Ellison Building Laboratories (EBA504) at Northumbria University.

Each school in the area is invited to enter one team of three students drawn from Year 12. The winning team will need to demonstrate practical competence, organisation, problem solving skills, and effective written communication. The winners are selected on the basis of a detailed report of their results and conclusions.

Laboratory and safety considerations mean that they can only accommodate a limited number (9) of teams of three. Entry will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

Download entry instructions and competition details here

For more visit the RSC website.

This is a great opportunity for schools as there are some fantastic learning benefits to a partnership with an international school, especially when looking at global issues such as climate change where a real life context from more effected areas can be very beneficial in promoting understanding of the impacts and challenges involved.

As well as the British Council resource – Climate4Classrooms – and the BSA’s own specially adapted Tree for Life challenge, there are lots of CPD units and workshops available. There is also the £1500 grant for a teacher exchange visit once the schools have shown that they are working in partnership; working together on a CREST Award or completion of the Tree for Life project will be accepted as evidence of this and will qualify teachers to receive the grant.

For more information please see the flyer British Council and British Science Association – CREST Schools leaflet to get involved or receive online copies of the resources please contact us.

more >

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN!

Join us for a celebration of science, engineering and maths in the North East
• Enter pupil project work to win cash prizes and places at The Big Bang UK 2014
• Bring a group of pupils for a fun, exciting and inspirational day out

Enter the Competition
Do your pupils have science, engineering or maths project work they want to show off? The Big Bang North East includes the regional heats for the National Science + Engineering Competition. There is over £1500 prize money up for grabs and the best projects will win a place at The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair 2014. Find out more and register here http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/northeast/

Visit the fair
Bring a group of pupils for a fun, FREE, day out. Visit the fair for a full day (10am-2.30pm) and enjoy a selection of activities which including science shows, hands-on workshops, drop-in zones and inspirational talks. Headliners are the Science Museum’s crazy comedians, Punk Science, who return for 2013 with The Most Disgusting Show in the World.
Find out more and book here http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/northeast/

Places for competitors and visitors are FREE but limited, so REGISTER NOW to make sure you don’t miss out! http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/regionalregistration/?tid=4

Any questions? Contact us on northeast@thebigbangfair.co.uk or 01642 740400 or tweet us @TBB_NorthEast

This will be the fourth academic year that they have run the work experience week with the support of the staff at Eakring and volunteers from the business, with tremendous feedback from the delegates.

They will be holding two work experience weeks; the weeks commencing 8 April and 1 July 2013.

The week is an inspirational insight into National Grid and consists of interactive talks, hands on activities, trips to operational sites and a Project Day covering gas and electricity sides of the business.

If you have family or friends that would like to apply for the course, please visit their site here and complete the form.

Any questions regarding the Work Experience Weeks should be directed to Caryl Coton on 07769 558062 or caryl.coton@uk.ngrid.com.

£7 per student, maximum of 10 students per organisation

Trailblazers is an inspiring and exciting conference for 16 to 19 year olds, being delivered to open a major exhibition and engagement programme at Discovery Museum. The conference will focus on current career opportunities and professions in the science, engineering and technology industries in the North East and beyond. There will be an emphasis on increasing the female work force in these industries but the conference is relevant for both male and female students.

Rosalind Elsie Franklin by Vittorio Luzzati, 1950 © National Portrait Gallery, London

The day will include keynote speakers including Professor Isobel Pollock from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Member of Parliament for Newcastle Chi Onwurah, and Baroness Prosser from SEMTA (sector skills council for Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies). There will also be a range of practical workshops, demonstrations and careers stall areas from different organisations and businesses representing a wide cross section of science, engineering and technology specialisms.

The ticket price, as well as the talks, workshops and stall areas, includes a delegate pack for each student and lunch and refreshments.
Please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as places are limited. Students will also receive a complementary invitation to the evening exhibition launch at the museum.

For bookings and enquiries, please contact the Discovery Learning Team on 0191 2772174, email learning@discoverymuseum.org.uk

This conference is sponsored by SEMTA
Trailblazers is sponsored by SCMPharma

Get set, demonstrate competition
National Science & Engineering Week are on the hunt for the very best demonstration ideas for science teachers and technicians. The new Get set, demonstrate competition is now open for nominations. Just use the easy online form to submit a video that you think shows an amazing demonstration.

Activity packs
Free packs full of science and engineering hands-on activities and projects are produced each year for National Science & Engineering Week, and are available to download all year round.

4 packs are exclusively for secondary schools:

• Genius Inventions This wide range of activities is mainly aimed at 14-16 year olds. With strong curriculum links, the activities cover ground-breaking inventions in three science disciplines, helping put students’ scientific knowledge into the context of invention and discovery.
• Musical Moods Whilst the theme of this activity pack is around the topic of sound, these creative activities also link to electricity, human biology and behaviour and are suitable for students from the age of 11-16. Some cross-curricular activity might be possible with your Music department.
• Future Morph These careers focussed activities are mainly aimed at 11-14 year olds. They engage students with the lives of real life scientists and help put their science learning into a personal context. The resources fit with some elements of “How
  Science Works” and could contribute towards outstanding/good practice in terms of providing a broad science curriculum.
• Rockin’ Crystals With activities suitable for students aged 11-16, this varied pack includes hands on experiment and activity ideas. Activities link to those parts of the KS3 and KS4 chemistry curriculum that relate to states of matter and structure of materials.

Case studies
Secondary school case studies provide accounts of some of the best events and activities that have taken part during National Science & Engineering Week since 2009 and will give event and activities ideas for organisers.

How-to-guides
Ideal for first-time organisers, these guides present step-by-step instructions in how to arrange publicity, how to organise an NSEW event or activity and where to find funding.

To access these and more register here. It only takes a few minutes to get started.

Line Up:
Rob Eastaway: The Maths of TV Gameshows
Steve Mould: Weird and Wonderful Maths
Colin Wright: The Maths of Juggling

Maths Inspiration is one of the largest maths enrichment programmes for teenagers in the UK. It’s a chance for Year 11s and sixth formers to experience the UK’s most inspiring maths speakers live, in big venues, presenting mathematics in the context of exciting, real-world situations.

All shows have three interactive talks, an interval and a lively Q and A session at the end. Many of the shows feature mathematicians, engineers and physicists, making this the ideal STEM outing for your school.

Maths Inspiration Flyer 2013

www.mathsinspiration.com

Any organisation capable of developing and delivering UK-based projects which promote STEM subjects to school children can apply for funding, including schools, IET Local Networks and IET TPNs. Awards of up to £5000 can be offered.

Applications for funding must be endorsed by the IET Local Network in which the project will be carried out, and applicants require a referee who can confirm their ability to deliver the project.

2013 funding round

Bids for funding will be accepted from 1 January 2013 to 18 March 2013 for projects taking place 1 May 2013 to 30 April 2014. Bids submitted after 18 March cannot be considered.

A formal judging process will take place, with judges’ decisions expected 26 April 2013.

To apply for funding you must:

• read the criteria and guidelines
• develop your application in collaboration with your IET Local Network
• submit your application electronically to the regional liaison officer

All successful applicants are required to submit a report on completion of the funded project. Applicants who have not submitted a report for a previously funded project will not be considered for further funding until the outstanding report has been submitted and acknowledged.

Apply here: http://www.theiet.org/resources/teachers/education-fund.cfm

Watch a short video from last year’s festival here >

UK Maker Faire at Newcastle ScienceFest from Mango Studio on Vimeo.

Maker Faire showcases the amazing work of all kinds and ages of makers. Anyone who is embracing the do-it-yourself (or do-it-together) spirit and wants to share their accomplishments with an appreciative audience.

Here are just some of the topics that they’re looking for:

• Robotics
• Electronics
• Music Performance and Participation
• 3D Printers and CNC Mills
• Bicycles
• Kites
• Puppets
• Textile Arts and Crafts
• Home Energy Monitoring
• Rockets and RC Toys
• Sustainability
• Green Tech
• Radios, Vintage Computers and Game Systems
• Electric Vehicles
• Biology/Biotech and Chemistry Projects
• Food and Beverage Makers
• Shelter (Tents, Domes, etc.)
• Unusual Tools or Machines
• How to Fix Things or Take them Apart (Vacuums, Clocks, Washing Machines, etc.)
• Student Projects

Entries

The first step to participating in Maker Faire is to submit an entry that tells them about yourself and your project. Entries can be submitted from individuals as well as from groups, such as hobbyist clubs and schools. Please provide a short description of what you make and what you would like to bring to Maker Faire, including links to photographs and/or videos of your project. They particularly encourage exhibits that are interactive and that highlight the process of making things.

Maker Entry Categories

You can apply as a:

• Maker
• Performer
• Workshop provider

Makers: Individuals, groups, schools and organisations that would like to demonstrate what they make and/or how it works; interactive exhibits are encouraged. For Maker groups, please have one point person to coordinate your efforts. No fee to exhibit for non-commercial exhibits.

Performers: Musicians and entertainers who would like to perform at Maker Faire.

Workshop providers: For individuals/groups wishing to run short continuous workshops at the Maker Faire, or longer workshops as part of the Fringe Programme.

Funding

Most makers pay their own expenses. However, some budget is available to support large-scale projects, production costs, performances and workshops. If you would like to request budget for your activity, please include a cost as part of your answer to the final question ‘Is there anything else we should know about your project?’

How to Apply

Complete an application form online: http://www.cluboreilly.co.uk/?page_id=1554

Deadline 20 Jan 2013

More info at www.MakerFaireUK.com or Marissa.Buckingham@life.org.uk

These foundation courses team students up with role-model engineers who will guide students through every stage of product development to solve real engineering challenges! Previous students have worked with engineers from companies such as Babcock, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and the Royal Navy.

2-5 April, ECITB Engineering Experience, Harper Adams University College, Shropshire (splendid, rural location in the Central England!), £95

8-10 April, Engineering Experience, University of Liverpool, £175
Each course has a capacity of 100 students; 10 places maximum per school for each course.

Year 10 Physics in Engineering

Work alongside experienced engineers, scientists and academics and encounter the extraordinary world of physics in engineering. This brand new course gives students the chance to discover how physics is applied to problem-solving in our rapidly changing high-tech world. Projects and masterclasses will be run by National Grid, National Space Centre, National Nuclear Laboratory, Rugby School, University of Warwick and the University of Leicester. Only 50 places available; 5 places maximum per school. Bursaries worth £80 are available to students attending from certain schools. See website for details.
9-11 April, Rugby School, £95

Course fees include all accommodation, meals, course materials, supervision and social activities. Teachers are advised to encourage students to apply early as places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Students can apply directly from the Smallpeice website.

The problem: In Bangladesh land is frequently flooded as a result of climate change, ruining crops grown for food. The result is that families go hungry.

The Challenge: To design and make a model solution to the problem that will enable farmers to grow crops even when the land is flooded.

Students test their models to see which one holds the most weight when floated in water then look at how Practical Action has worked with communities in Bangladesh to build floating gardens out of local, sustainable material.

Resources to help you deliver the challenge are free and include a PowerPoint, teacher’s notes, student worksheets, certificates and an A2 poster which you can request free.

Visit: practicalaction.org/floatinggardenchallenge

Spring 2013 Maths Inspiration programme.
These are interactive lectures aimed at sixth formers and more able Year 11s.

Newcastle, Theatre Royal on Friday, 8 March 2013

The speakers will be Rob Eastaway, Steve Mould, Colin Wright and Helen Arney(MC) and their talks will be “The Maths of TV Gameshows”, “Weird and Wonderful Maths” and “The Maths of Juggling”.

www.mathsinspiration.com

The show is from 1-3.45pm. Seats are £7 each with one adult going free for every 10 student seats purchased. All prices include VAT.

Maths Inspiration are now accepting provisional bookings! Having made your provisional booking you will have until Friday, 7 December to pay for your seats, or three weeks from the day you book if you book after 16 November. We will email you back to confirm your provisional booking within three working days during term time. If you do not hear from us, then you are not yet provisionally booked. A Spring booking form will be available online after the half term break.

Biology Challenge aims to encourage an interest in biology beyond the school curriculum and stimulate curiosity in the natural world. The competition is open to pupils in Year 9/Year 10 in England and Wales, Year 10/Year 11 in Northern Ireland and S2/S3 in Scotland.

Teachers have until 19 December 2012 to register students to take part in the 2013 competition. The 2013 entry fee is £25 per school for unlimited student entries.

Please see http://www.societyofbiology.org/documents/view/1103 to download a Biology Challenge registration form.

Please see http://www.societyofbiology.org/documents/view/1101 to download a Biology Challenge poster.

Registration is now open for the British Biology Olympiad 2013

The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents. In addition to encouraging and rewarding pupils in their studies the BBO provides a means of selecting a team to represent the UK at the International Biology Olympiad in Switzerland.
Teachers have until 19 December 2012 to register students. This year two free BBO student registrations are being offered to each school.

Please see http://www.societyofbiology.org/documents/view/1102 to download the 2013 BBO poster.

Please see http://www.societyofbiology.org/documents/view/1104 to download the 2013 BBO registration form.

The British Science Association’s Kick-Start Fund is designed to help schools in challenging circumstances create a buzz around science, inspire staff, pupils and parents and make NSEW the best week of the year!

Is my school eligible?

To be eligible for a grant schools must fit into at least one of the following criteria:

have a high proportion (30% or more) of pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds
have a high proportion (30% or more) of pupils eligible for free school meals
be a small school based in a remote and rural location

How do I apply?

All you need is an idea for an event or activity to run during the Week. For help with activity ideas, visit the grant activity page here.

Apply for the Kick Start Fund here

Free Engineering CPD
Sponsored by LSIS STEM Support

An opportunity for professional development and industrial up-skilling
Tuesday 6th of November 2012, 1-3pm

Venue:
Darchem Engineering
Stillington
Stockton-on-Tees

Designed to:
• Engage FE Engineering teachers in new developments in Engineering practice
• Encourage the sharing of effective practice

Darchem Engineering Ltd based on Stillington Industrial Estate comprises six business units, three of which provide engineered solutions to high temperature problems associated with the aerospace market. The other units provide fire protection and high temperature insulation and fabrication solutions for the offshore, naval and nuclear markets.

Darchem utilises computer aided design techniques and software, combined with onsite fire testing facilities, and unrivalled expertise to provide the optimum engineered solution for their customer’s high temperature problems.

The visit will include an accompanied tour around the site and an opportunity to talk to key people within the business.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity, spaces are limited. Book your place now.

For further information and bookings contact: Harry Teasdale hteasdale@cleveland.ac.uk

Free Mathematics CPD
Sponsored by LSIS STEM Support

An opportunity for professional development and networking – with a focus on GCSE Mathematics
Tuesday 13th November 2012

Designed to:
• Support FE teachers through active development of their teaching practice
• Engage FE teachers in the development and use of resources
• Encourage the sharing of effective practice

Agenda

10.00 Registration and Refreshments
10.30 Welcome, Introductions and Starter Activity
10.45 Exploring the specifications and assessment requirements for GCSE Mathematics
11.15 Problem solving activities to improve grades
11.45 Learning from others – share a GCSE resource/strategy that you have used successfully
12.45 Lunch and networking
13.45 Probing questions to enhance learning
14.15 Reviewing a variety of activities/resources
15.15 Update from LSIS STEM Support
15.30 Reflection and evaluation
15.45 Close

Take away some great resources and ideas to use with your learners!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Book your place now.

Date: Tuesday 13th November 2012
Venue: Hartlepool College of FE, Stockton Street, Hartlepool TS24 7NT

For further information and bookings contact: Viv Brown vivbrown1@gmail.com

A bit more information about the grants

Grants of up to £500 for you to have a STEM enrichment activity take place at schools in England before March 2013, to be chosen from those listed in the online STEM Directories (www.stemdirectories.org.uk).

The aim of STEM Directories Grants Scheme is to foster the use of the STEM Directories, enable wider access to activities listed and support STEM teachers. The scheme is designed to not only raise awareness of enrichment activities but to support teachers’ professional development and enhance the experience in school by helping integrate enrichment activities in curricular practice. Grants are open to all state-funded schools in England. Applications are particularly welcome from both schools in underprivileged areas and high achieving schools.

Some activities may be free, in which case funds can be used to help integrate these in classroom practice (e.g. for materials and/or CPD). Grant funds will be transferred once the activity has been delivered (usually directly to the activity provider). Please remember the maximum grant is £500 and any further cost is the responsibility of the school.

http://www.stemdirectories.org.uk/teacher-faqs/

Providers, if you’re not listed on the site, you won’t be eligible for teachers to apply for a grant to access your scheme. They also provide money to the school even if your scheme is free, so everyone wins!

An exciting new job opportunity has become available working with us at Newcastle College STEM Outreach! If you have an interest in working with schools and other organisations to increase engagement with science, technology, engineering, and maths we would love to hear from you.

STEM Outreach Coordinator / Administrator

Ref: SIX 6575
Salary: £15,720 – £16,157 per annum
Closing Date: 16 October 2012
Interview Date: 23 October 2012

Download the job description here:
six 6575 STEM Administrator pdf

To apply please download a Newcastle College Application Pack Here in Microsoft Word .doc format to print or e-mail to recruitment@ncl-coll.ac.uk

This post involves arranging STEM Outreach activities across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. You will work extensively with organisations representing the whole spectrum of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), educational institutions, professional associations and STEM Ambassadors (volunteers form industry) throughout the region.

With a passion for STEM, the successful candidate will be highly self-motivated and able to work with a range of people from different backgrounds. Customer relations are extremely important in this role.

Applicants should have experience of project work and working in a busy office environment. The successful candidate will have a relevant level 3 academic/vocational qualification or higher.

Please note that this post is fixed term until 31 March 2015.

Newcastle College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Strictly no agencies or canvassing.

Job Title: STEM Outreach Administrator
Reports to: STEM Outreach Lead / School Office Manager
Grade: Support Grade E
Pension: LGPS
Teaching Role Category: Non Teaching

Key Tasks:
To contribute to the organisation for STEM Outreach activities across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. To ensure the smooth operation of STEM Outreach systems and procedures.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The following are Job Specific responsibilities for this position:
1. To liaise with STEM organisations and educational institutions to ensure events run smoothly.
2. To maintain STEMNET and STEM Outreach database systems.
3. To maintain and collate information relating to STEM Outreach activities and participants.
4. To deal with enquiries about STEM Outreach activities.
5. To attend events in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland acting as an Ambassador for the College and STEM Outreach.
6. Complete routine clerical tasks within the school office.
7. Contribute to the enhancement of systems and procedures relating to STEM Outreach activities.
8. To assist the administration of the Sixth Form College when required.

The following are standard responsibilities for all positions within the College:
1. Participate in any College staff review/performance management processes involving the identifying and meeting of training needs for self and others.
2. Take appropriate responsibility to ensure the health and safety of self and others.
3. Pursue the achievement and integration of equal opportunities throughout all College activities.
4. Undertake any other tasks and responsibilities appropriate to the level of this post.
5. Newcastle College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.

To apply please download a Newcastle College Application Pack Here in Microsoft Word .doc format to print or e-mail to recruitment@ncl-coll.ac.uk

Alternatively, packs are available for collection from the
Shared Services Department,
Newcastle College Sandyford Campus,
Sandyford Road,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE1 8QE
Telephone: (0191) 200 4000

Please return completed applications to the above address by 16 October 2012.

“I would strongly recommend all schools to get involved in the Partnership Grants scheme.” – Carl Williams, Markland Hill CP School, Bolton

Do you have a great idea for bringing science to life in schools?

The Partnership Grants scheme provides grants of up to £3,000 for science projects run at a primary or secondary school or college in partnership with a professional scientist or engineer.

Since 2000, the scheme has awarded over £1.1 million to 660 schools and has ignited enthusiasm for science among young people across the UK.

For more and to apply visit: royal society partnership grants

With over 65,000 people expected on site across the 4 day event, The Big Bang is now the largest single celebration of Science & Engineering for young people in the UK. As the Fair extends to four days for 2013, they are expanding the Club Showcase to over 150 clubs to form the largest showcase of its type in the country.

A club can be selected to:
A) Compete in a clubs competition held Thursday 14th and Friday 15th March 2013 with awards handed out at the National Awards Ceremony on the evening of Friday 14th (school and college days) in the ExCeL Auditorium including UK Club of the Year.
B) Participate in the UK Showcase on the Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March (Family days) and be eligible for People’s Choice Awards presented on Sunday 17th March 2013.
C) A combination of A and B Compete and Participate for all four days Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th March 2013
To be eligible for either of the above the club must participate for at least two days (Thursday and Friday or Saturday and Sunday). Any club available for all four days will be eligible for both.

The clubs selected will receive:
Food vouchers per day
A clubs show box
Access for all students to book into activities at The Fair
Participation certificates for all students participating

Please note clubs will be able to participate for one day but will only be eligible for:
£50 worth of food vouchers per day
Access for all students to book into activities at The Fair
Participation certificates for all students participating

Club Bursaries
All clubs selected will be provided access to apply for a bursary for travel and accommodation. The link to the online bursary application process will be provided to clubs upon notification that their application was successful.

Please note that bursaries are only available to clubs that prove they have exhausted all reasonable attempts to obtain the funding elsewhere. This includes, school funds, Parents and Teachers Associations, Local Education Authorities, local businesses and education charities. Evidence of formal written requests and refusals or part funding offered will be required as part of your submission.

If your club will require funding to participate we strongly suggest all clubs begin this process of application prior to the formal application link being provided in December. Please note that the bursary application deadline will be Friday 25th January and all evidence will need to be submitted by this date in order to be considered for a full or partial bursary.

More information contact clubs@thebigbangfair.co.uk

More info here: www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/stemclubs

One of the things that they’d like to do is to have a website for the film with some background info & the question of “why STEM?” has come up. They’d like to have quotes about what inspires people about STEM, why they’ve pursued a career in STEM, why it’s important, what they love about it. Big questions!

It would be amazing if you’d be happy to share your thoughts on this as quotes that we could use on the website. Or perhaps quotes from others that inspire you. Please email Lorrain (l.s.coghill@durham.ac.uk) with your quote and confirm that you’d be happy for her to use it on the website.

So….why STEM?
What inspires you about STEM?
Why have you pursued a career in STEM?
What do you love about STEM?
Why is STEM important?

The University of Nevada are running a challenge for which UK schools are eligible.
Full details are available at http://cadchallenge.net.

The challenge is to create a 3D design using a free browser-based CAD tool. Designs will be judged on complexity and physical fidelity.

Prizes
First place: NCLab Full Version for one year (see details), an iPad 3, and Certificate of Award.
Second place: NCLab Full Version for one year (see details) and Certificate of Award.
Third place: NCLab Extended Version for one year (see details) and Certificate of Award.

Closing date: 30 November 2012.

Do you have a fantastic idea for making physics accessible? Do you want to reach a wider audience? Do you need some support to make your outreach activity happen?

The first round of the 2013 Public Engagement Grant from the Institute of Physics is now open for applications. The grants are worth up to £1500 and aim to support physics-based outreach activities in the UK and Ireland throughout 2013. Activities should provide engaging experiences of physics to public audiences.

More information about the grant scheme, including application forms, guidelines and summaries of past projects, is available online at http://www.iop.org/about/grants/outreach/page_38843.html, or by emailing physics.society@iop.org.

Closing date: 22 October 2012.

The STEMNET Awards aim to recognise the UK’s most inspirational people for motivating young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is again kindly offering a trip to CERN for the winners of each award. Winners will be announced at The STEMNET Awards 2012 Ceremony which will take place at the House of Lords on Wednesday 21st November, hosted by Lord Sainsbury.

From Friday 31st August to Monday 1st October, there is the opportunity to nominate for the following awards:

• Most Dedicated STEM Ambassador- for those Ambassadors who have made a significant contribution to the programme.

• Most Dedicated Employer- for those employers that have supported their employees to become an Ambassador and then to actively engage through this with their local schools.

• Most Dedicated Teacher- for those teachers who have proactively engaged with the programme for the benefit of their pupils and school.

• Most Dedicated STEM Club- for those STEM Clubs who have proactively engaged with the programme for the benefit of their pupils and school.

• The Inspirational Technician Award- for those technicians who have inspired young people to follow technician career routes.

There is no limit to the number of categories you can nominate in and please do forward onto your contacts too.

We are pleased to invite anybody to the awards ceremony who nominates a shortlisted candidate.

The Royal Academy of Engineering is offering training to engineers who would like to improve the way they engage the public with their work.

Run by expert science communicators and performers Matt Parker and Timandra Harkness, participants will learn about giving great talks and outreach hints and tricks.

Participants will then get the chance to see Matt and Timandra’s new engineering comedy, Humans V Nature, which is supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

When: 10.00-17.00 Thursday 27 September 2012, followed by Humans V Nature at 19.30.

Where: The Royal Academy of Engineering, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DG

Who: Training is open to early-career engineers working in industry or academia. Applicants should have an interest in public engagement but are not required to have had direct outreach experience.

Cost: £40 (subsidised). Includes a day’s training, lunch and evening meal, entrance to the comedy performance and one night’s accommodation if required.

How to apply: Interested engineers should complete the application form at the following link and email completed forms to manisha.lalloo@raeng.org.uk by noon Friday 7 September 2012.

Ingenious training application form (726KB)

Successful applicants will be notified by 12 September 2012.

If so, please let them know that the National Science + Engineering Competition is now open for online entries.

Finalists are invited to showcase their projects to judges and visitors at the Big Bang Fair in London’s ExCeL Centre, 14^th to 16^th March 2013. Over 100 finalists have been selected via regional heats at recent Big Bang fairs across the UK – but there are plenty of places in the finals remaining for those who enter online. Prizes include the titles of UK Young Engineer of the Year & UK Young Scientist of the Year, cash prizes, international trips and invitations to prominent STEM institutions & research sites.

For more information please see the website: www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/nsec

Would you like to organise enrichment and enhancement activities to raise the profile and enjoyment of mathematics in your school?

The Mathematics E&E grants scheme will make 72 grants of up to £500 available to teachers of mathematics to choose activities from the STEM Directories in the 2012-2013 academic year.

An exciting opportunity to initiate mathematics enrichment and enhancement (E&E) activities in their schools and help integrate E&E into their curricular practice. We welcome applications from all schools, with preference being given to state-funded schools that have not had external mathematics enrichment activities in the past two years.

Grants of up to £500 and guidance on choosing activities listed in the online STEM Directories are being offered by the Royal Institution, funded by The Clothworkers’ Foundation. The scheme is designed to raise awareness and use of enrichment activities and to support your professional development, whilst enhancing the mathematical experience in your school.

There are a limited number of grants and these will be allocated at two stages. The deadlines for applications are as follows:

Round 1: Wednesday, 26 September, 2012
Round 2: Friday, 30 November, 2012

Summary
What is being offered:

* Grants of up to £500 for a mathematics E&E activity for your school in 2012-2013, to be chosen from those listed at www.stemdirectories.org.uk.
* Consultancy and support on the choice of activities during the application process, and on fostering related good practice.

In exchange you will be expected to:

* Provide feedback on the delivered activity and this project.
* Engage in how learning from the experience can inform and be sustained in your and your school’s teaching.

Details on how to apply, grant entitlements and expectations, are available by emailing maths@ri.ac.uk

An exciting new job opportunity has become available working with us at Newcastle College STEM Outreach! If you have an interest in working with schools and other organisations to increase engagement with science, technology, engineering, and maths we would love to hear from you.

STEM Outreach Coordinator / Administrator

Ref: SIX 6372
Salary: £15,720 – £16,157 per annum
Closing Date: 27 July 2012
Interview Date: 14 August 2012

Download the job description here:
six 6372 STEM Administrator pdf

To apply please download a Newcastle College Application Pack Here in Microsoft Word .doc format to print or e-mail to recruitment@ncl-coll.ac.uk

This post involves arranging STEM Outreach activities across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. You will work extensively with organisations representing the whole spectrum of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), educational institutions, professional associations and STEM Ambassadors (volunteers form industry) throughout the region.

With a passion for STEM, the successful candidate will be highly self-motivated and able to work with a range of people from different backgrounds. Customer relations are extremely important in this role.

Applicants should have experience of project work and working in a busy office environment. The successful candidate will have a relevant level 3 academic/vocational qualification or higher.

Please note that this post is fixed term until 31 March 2015.

Newcastle College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Strictly no agencies or canvassing.

Job Title: STEM Outreach Administrator
Reports to: STEM Outreach Lead / School Office Manager
Grade: Support Grade E
Pension: LGPS
Teaching Role Category: Non Teaching

Key Tasks:
To contribute to the organisation for STEM Outreach activities across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. To ensure the smooth operation of STEM Outreach systems and procedures.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The following are Job Specific responsibilities for this position:
1. To liaise with STEM organisations and educational institutions to ensure events run smoothly.
2. To maintain STEMNET and STEM Outreach database systems.
3. To maintain and collate information relating to STEM Outreach activities and participants.
4. To deal with enquiries about STEM Outreach activities.
5. To attend events in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland acting as an Ambassador for the College and STEM Outreach.
6. Complete routine clerical tasks within the school office.
7. Contribute to the enhancement of systems and procedures relating to STEM Outreach activities.
8. To assist the administration of the Sixth Form College when required.

The following are standard responsibilities for all positions within the College:
1. Participate in any College staff review/performance management processes involving the identifying and meeting of training needs for self and others.
2. Take appropriate responsibility to ensure the health and safety of self and others.
3. Pursue the achievement and integration of equal opportunities throughout all College activities.
4. Undertake any other tasks and responsibilities appropriate to the level of this post.
5. Newcastle College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.

To apply please download a Newcastle College Application Pack Here in Microsoft Word .doc format to print or e-mail to recruitment@ncl-coll.ac.uk

Alternatively, packs are available for collection from the
Shared Services Department,
Newcastle College Sandyford Campus,
Sandyford Road,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE1 8QE
Telephone: (0191) 200 4000

Please return completed applications to the above address by Friday 27 July 2012.

ICE are running a series of interactive sessions utilising a 14m cable stayed bridge kit for visitors of the festival!

The Geoscience Education Academy offers UK science teachers a great opportunity to understand how to teach geoscience if it is not their principal subject, but must do so as part of the curriculum, with behind the scenes visits to the National History Museum and British Petroleum included in the programme.

The GEA is completely free to attend with all expences included and reimbursed. So take advantage of this exciting oportunity!

For a copy of this year’s programme and for further information on how to register, please contact Joanna Mears, Education & Training Officer, at joanna.mears@geolsoc.org.uk

The "A-team" from the All Hallows Catholic High School, Lancashire, have lived up to their name to become winners of STEM Challenge 10, the last competition in a successful series ahead of London 2012. They had the most innovative and exciting plan for a local sporting event, created using their maths and science skills.

Cisco, STEMNET and the Pearson Foundation challenged students to consider the venue, location, sport, resources, facilities and equipment to plan a large scale, accessible and sustainable event in their home area.

The finalists presented a Dragon’s Den style pitch to a panel of expert judges on 6 July at Cisco House, London, overlooking the Olympic Park in Stratford. The judging was based on the core Values of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement: excellence, friendship, respect, courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

From blind football to an aquatics centre, all of the finalist schools embraced and excelled in the Challenge. Despite extremely tough competition, the All Hallows Catholic High School stood out through their excellent data analysis surrounding their swimming venue. It was inspired from a love of circles and presented with nails reflecting the Olympics colours.

STEM Challenges are a series of competitions designed to encourage young people aged 11-16 to use the skills learnt in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics lessons to think and work creatively about the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. STEMNET (The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network) works in partnership with major organisations to nationally manage each Challenge for UK Secondary Schools.

Nearly 200 UK state-maintained secondary school teams took part in this final Challenge and were put through a rigorous regional judging process, in which eight teams made it through to the final:

• All Hallows Catholic High School, Lancashire
• Angley School, Kent and Medway
• Kendrick School, Surrey and rest of Berkshire
• Perins School, Hampshire and Isle of Wight
• South Axholme School, Humberside
• The Elton High School, Greater Manchester
• The Gryphon School, Wiltshire, Swindon and Dorset
• Woodham Community Technology College, County Durham and Tees Valley

The winning team won £2500 for their school’s STEM Club and eight tickets for Olympic Hockey. Second place was awarded to Woodham Technology Community College who received £1000 for their STEM Club and eight tickets for Olympic Canoeing whilst the third place team from South Axholme Academy were awarded £500 for their STEM Club and eight tickets for Olympic Rowing. The Elton High School were also Highly Commended by the judges for an excellent use of research, sources and surveys.

STEM Challenge 10 forms part of Cisco’s "Out of the blocks" project which gives schools the chance to explore the events and venues of London 2012 whilst practising maths and science skills. More information about the "Out of the blocks Maths and Science Series 2012" project can be found at www.mathsandscience2012.co.uk.

This annual celebration of all things STEM will be held at Newcastle University on Wednesday 4 July and there are still a few places available for both visiting schools and projects stands.

Visit the fair – come along 10am-2.30pm to enjoy a packed programme including a selection of these highlights

- Two amazing science shows: Punk Science’s ‘Know it all?’ and Science Junkies ‘In the Zone’

- Hands on workshops including catapults, radio technology, cryoscience, sustainability and cell biology

- Two drop-in activity zones with giant bridges, robots, sports science and the ever popular ‘Welding with Chocolate’

Enter the competition: if your pupils have project work they’d like to show off they could win hundreds of pounds in prizes and places at the national Big Bang Fair

To find out more or to book contact northeast@thebigbangfair.co.uk
or ring Colin Wilkinson on 01642 740400.

You can also book online at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/northeast

Biology is at the heart of many challenges we now face, including: food security, disease, sustainability, climate change, species extinction, an aging population, and more. We want to see, in pictures, the biological problems and solutions that are important to you. This could be a piece of research that has the potential to cure disease, an environmental issue that needs more urgent attention, or a subject matter that you are particularly passionate about.

Photography has the power to capture the attention and interest of everyone, leaving them wanting to find out more and asking their own questions about what they see. Entries should aim to make the audience mindful about the issue that is being illustrated.
Short-listed entrants will be invited to an awards ceremony duringBiology Week.

There are two categories of award:
• Photographer of the Year (over 18) – Prize £1000
• Young Photographer of the Year (18 and under) – Prize £500
(There will be additional prizes for the runner-up and highly commended entries to each competition)

Closing date: midnight on 31st July 2012
For full details and to enter visit www.societyofbiology.org/photocomp

Science Songwriter of The Future! is a national competition to find Britain’s best science songwriters aged 18 or under. Simply record a song about science and submit an mp3 to sciencesongwriter@gmail.com by July 13th.

Some experts from the worlds of science and music have been roped in to judge your songwriting skills and there are some AWESOME prizes on offer. This year, there’s also a special Institute of Physics category for the best song on the topic of “The Social Physicist”, with its own mini-prize.

THE PRIZES:

Grand Prize:
Weekend-long tickets and train fares for the winner and a guest (or guardian) to go to Green Man Festival and take part in a science songwriting workshop in Einstein’s Garden.

A recording session at London’s House of Strange studios – to record the winning entry in style.

2nd Prize: £50 iTunes voucher

3rd Prize: £25 iTunes voucher

“The Social Physicist” prize: £50 iTunes voucher

More info can be found here: http://geekpop.co.uk/2012/06/06/science-songwriter-of-the-future-2012/

Newcastle College have launched their summer school course guide with 5-day courses available in Science, Engineering, Computing and Aerospace and all free for 16-18 year olds.

Information can be found in the course handbook here.

To sign up to a course call 0191 200 4000 or come along in person at one of the Open Events at our Rye Hill Campus:

Have you ever wished that you worked for NASA? Of course you have! NASA are known to use “Armageddon” (1998) in their management training programme to see if their trainees can spot all 168 scientifically impossible events in the movie (averaging one a minute). Sound like fun? Now you can have a go too! “Armageddon” is being shown at the first SciScreen event and you will have the chance to click along as you spot the scientific inaccuracies!

The event is being held in collaboration with the ARC and the North East England Branch of the British Science Association with guest speaker David Hughes from the Sunderland Astronomical Society, who will be giving a quick primer talk before the film is shown and will then do a Q and A afterwards where you can check your answers, and the discussion can be taken into the bar afterwards.

Monday July 2nd – 7.30pm. Price: £6 Concessions:£5

Get your tickets early! They can be bought here: http://www.arconline.co.uk/detail.php?id=2993

STEM Outreach recently visited Boldon School’s STEM club where students helped to build a jelly baby wave machine and learned about light waves, reflection and refraction. Hannah and David obviously breaking the stereotype of white coats and goggles as one of the students remarked, “You look more like you’re from a rock band than scientists.” \m/ To build the tasty wave machine they used gaffa-tape, kebab skewers and jelly babies.

Students tested the wave machine by moving a jelly baby skewer at one end of the machine; setting off a Mexican-wave of jelly babies across the length of tape.

They then got to “test” the jelly babies by eating half of them. A wave was set off along the tape again but with one half stripped of jelly babies. This simulated a wave travelling from a dense (with jelly babies) to less dense medium (without jelly babies). The students observed changes to the wave as it passed along the length of the tape and explained what was happening.

To round off the session, Hannah and David talked about refraction and how refracted light allows you to see transparent objects such as clear glass. Students were amazed by glass objects “disappearing” in a beaker of glycerol (which has the same refractive index as glass).

The wave machine will be making another appearance this weekend at Newcastle Community Green Festival where STEM Outreach will be appearing with STEM Ambassadors as “Science Pirates” to communicate some of the amazing science research happening in and around the North East alongside some great bands, crafts and food. Event details here.

The "Rio +20 Youth Solutions Conference" will give students a chance to debate the same global issues to be discussed by world leaders at the "Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development" in June.

Young people will have the opportunity to see how these issues are affecting the North East as part of the College’s role in the UN Regional Centre for Expertise (RCE) in Education for Sustainable Development. Through this they aim to give young people a voice about sustainability issues. The solutions from the event, suggested by young people, will be discussed at the next annual meeting for the global RCE.

Debates will be facilitated by passionate Sixth Form Students from the College, industry experts and professionals, and teachers will be invited to support debates. Also during the day we hope to provide information to students about careers and training in sustainability and the environment sector.

Issues to be discussed on a local level:
• Jobs
• Energy
• Food
• Flooding and Drought
(More information about Rio+20 can be found at www.uncsd2012.org/rio20)

The event will be suitable for gifted and talented students as well as subject areas like citizenship, sciences, geography or a school eco-committee. Please register with Rachael Little via email rachael.little@ncl-coll.ac.uk or phone 0191 200 4453.

The university have an impressive array of companies and organisations lined up to meet and provide information to your pupils in the areas of:
· Engineering
· Renewable Energy
· Ecology
· Environment
· Marine sector
· Science and Technology

They have hands-on interactive science activities, prizes to be won, and ‘conference-style’ presentations by undergraduate students on their inspiring project work overseas.

There is limited availability and places are allocated on a first come-first-served basis. The closing date for registration is Friday 28th September. This event is free to all schools.

To book your place, please contact Annie Cunningham directly.

The meetings provide a good opportunity to meet University staff and discuss accessing University resources and facilities, transition to HE and CPD for teachers. In addition you will be updated on progress since the first meeting in January and how the university are implementing the suggestions put forward. They will also present some new activities and projects and hope to solicit your views on these.

They will also be offering guided tours of Moorbank Botanic Garden and an opportunity to meet their education officer. The team at Moorbank is currently revising their education programme and are keen to hear your views on what schools and colleges would like to see made available.

This event is open to all teachers and advisors in the STEM discipline, including those who have not previously attended. If you wish to attend, please complete the online registration form by Friday 22nd June and you will receive an email confirming your place.

St Thomas More School, in North Tyneside, is offering a select number of schools the opportunity to be involved in a fantastic day. This is for four Year 9 students from your school that may be interested in pursuing a career in civil, mechanical, design engineering or maths industry.

Teams of four will be competing against 19 other local schools using expert advice from industry specialists. An accompanying teacher (from a Maths, Science or Technology background) is also invited to attend a STEM Club CPD session to learn about and test the type of activities you could run with a small group of students in your school. You will be involved with the Athlete or Machine training, a session informing you about free STEMNET resources that are available and you will have the opportunity to be involved with a STEM Ambassador activity.

Lunch will be provided for teachers, please ask student to bring a packed lunch. Please email Jonathan Powell (JPowell@stmschool.org.uk) with subject heading CHALLENGE DAY to book your place.

This year the CREST Awards turns 25! CREST are looking to find at least one award holder from each year since 1986 to help us celebrate the occasion. Whether you received a CREST Award last week or back in the 80s, you can join the CREST Alumni Network.

The British Science Association will keep you up to date with the latest CREST news, events, winners’ trips, competitions, funding and other opportunities.

Sign Up today to get started.

On 27th March and 18th April local heats The Royal Society of Chemistry (Analytical branch) competition were held at Sunderland and Northumbria University respectively. A total of 54 students from 18 schools in the region competed and the winners were announced as:  Emmanuel College in Gateshead and Central Newcastle High School; with runner up Newcastle College.

“It was a wonderful success. We had double the number (of teams) this year… The university sponsored lunch, provided a student ambassador, and a work placement student. There was a wonderful young and fresh feel about the whole competition!” – Roger Reeve at Sunderland University.

Emmanuel college and Central Newcastle High School will now be judged along with 4 other winners for a chance to go to the final.

Calling teachers! STEMNET would like to know more about your club and what you would like from the STEM Clubs Network. To make your voice heard about what you value about the STEM Clubs Network and what more you would like from it, please complete the online survey. You can find the survey here:www.keysurvey.com/survey/430489/ba2e/.

A limited number of grants of up to £500 are available for you to have a STEM E&E activity take place at your school in 2012, to be chosen from those listed in these online STEM Directories.

The aim of STEM Directories Grants Scheme is to foster the use of the STEM Directories, enable wider access to activities listed and support STEM teachers.  The scheme is designed not only to raise awareness of E&E activities but to support your professional development and enhance the experience in your school by helping integrate E&E activities in curricular practice. All state-funded schools in England are eligible to apply. Applications are particularly welcome from both schools in underprivileged areas and high achieving schools, but the successful applicants will be chosen at random from the eligible applicants.

For more information, please look at the Grant Terms. To apply, fill out an Application Form. The deadline for this round is 5pm on Thursday 31 May 2012.

This is a competition for 11-16 year olds to design a video game.

The competition is split into 2 categories, the concept award and the making award.

The concept award is geared towards students who like the way video games look and enjoy creating their own set of video game characters and inventing a whole new world for them to live in.

The game making award is for students fascinated by how video games get made and enjoy using some of the game making software available to create their own mini games at home.

Students don’t have to choose between them however and can enter both.

Students can enter as a team of three, as a pair or on their own.

Students can take a look at last year’s contestants and see what sort of games made it into the top 10. They can also look at the ‘Make a Game’ page and have a go at creating your very own game right now.

Keep your eyes peeled on the website for more updates. Students can also attend workshops taking place this Summer across the UK. Find out more here.

Attention teachers! Did you know that you can borrow samples of Moonrock and Meteorites?Well you can! With the science and technology facility council’s Loan Scheme.

Valuable samples of moon rock and soil were brought back to Earth by NASA’s Apollo astronauts. STFC is the only authorised source for the loan of this precious material to educational or scientific organisations within the United Kingdom. Four educational packages are available free of charge (including special security delivery/collection) for short term loans of lunar samples and meteorites.

The samples were collected during NASA’s manned space missions to the Moon in the late 1960′s and early 1970′s. During these missions the Apollo astronauts brought back to earth 382 kilograms of lunar material. NASA decided to use a small proportion of the rock and soil to develop lunar and planetary sciences educational packages.

They are of interest to everyone from a young child to a geology student. Each package also contains different examples of meteorites, put together by the Natural History Museum. Some sets have sectioned samples, and every set has chunk-sized pieces of meteorite that can be handled. Comprehensive support material is included with each loan. Hundreds of schools, colleges, universities, museums and astronomical societies throughout the UK have enjoyed the samples since the scheme began. Please give them at least four months notice. For further information and how to apply for a loan, read the notes for borrowers + application then visit the frequently asked questions.

How you can help and get involved:

• Help write up 12 weeks of lesson plans based on “Scratch”. Email Linda if you can help with this.
• Sign up here as a teacher if you’re interested in hearing when the curriculum is ready.
• Sign up here to volunteer at your local club to teach coding.
• Sign up here if you’re interested in sponsoring the project.

Newcastle Bright Club is the thinking person’s variety night, blending comedy, music, art, new writing, science, performance, and anything else that can happen on a stage. The Centre Life are welcoming along some of the north east’s finest academics, researchers and students for a variety night like no other.

Newcastle Bright Club

Training session

Weds 25 April

12.30pm-2.30pm

Centre for Life – meet at main visitor reception

A great public engagement opportunity for north east based students and researchers!

Footage of some previous Newcastle Bright Club acts can be found below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6_1n3nDOOg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8V8XAcrqj4

If you’re interested in finding out more or even taking part in Newcastle Bright Club please get in touch with Sheela Joy on sheela.joy@life.org.uk or 0191 243 8292.

Lectures, updates, workshops, manufacturers, publishers and more. Sessions for those new to the subject and experienced teachers.

Durham University
21 June 2012
9.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Sponsored by: The Institute of Physics, Science Learning Centre North East and Durham University

Book via: Nicola Hall, tel 0191 370 6200
e-mail: n.l.hall@durham.ac.uk
web: www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk/northeast

Cost: FREE with lunch and refreshments included. Places must be pre-booked through the Science Learning Centre North East. (Failure to attend without prior notice will incur a £25 administration fee.)

All postgraduate engineers (MSc to professors) based in the UK working in any engineering area, either in academia or industry, are eligible.

You need to be available on the following dates:
- Workshops: London 26 June; Aberdeen, 3 July; Manchester, 12 July (10h – 16h30).
- British Science Festival: 7-9 July
- Develop poster: ~25h spread throughout July and August (this is just a rough estimate, more or less time might be required)

Only up to 34 applications will be selected.

The British Science Association will consider how well your proposal is written, if you have a clear message you want to pass on to the general public and if the skills developed by this project will potentially benefit your and others in the future. They may also consider diversity criteria in similarly marked proposals.

You can apply using the form here.

A series of free regional events bringing together teachers and businesses to inspire students with the excitement and potential of STEM subjects.

Join local teachers and businesses at one of these informal events to explore how to work together to engage secondary school students with the opportunities offered by STEM.

Real-world experience
Bring practical experience and contemporary applications of STEM into school to engage students with the relevance of studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Employability skills
Create STEM challenges to help students develop vital skills for future employment including communications, project management, team-working and problem-solving.

Networking
Build connections across the local community working with businesses, teachers, students and parents to raise the profile of STEM industries and careers.

Your regional event:

Middlesbrough: 30 May at Teesside University. 4.30pm – 7pm.
Come along at 3.30pm for a welcome from the Dean of the School of Science and Engineering and a tour of their cutting-edge facilities.

There are 12 events being held round the country, for details of other dates and venues and to book your free places visit: www.stemnet.org.uk/bis or call 07531 810881

Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are experienced in engaging students with STEM or looking for guidance and support to begin Putting the Business into STEM Education.

The site went live last week, featuring information and data entry pages for their global experiment, and dozens of resources exploring chemistry in sport. The global experiment will test the effects of sports drinks on athletic performance and encourage participation in students of all ages. Children in school and at home are encouraged to take part, ideally before the start of this year’s London Olympics!

Alistair Brownlee, twice world champion triathlete and former chemistry student, introduces the global experiment site and talks about the role chemistry played in his own education and how chemistry is vital to his sport.

!

Dragonfly Productions is looking for people to take part in a new popular history and engineering series for Channel 5…

Are you a die-hard engineering enthusiast? Do you have the skill and ambition to recreate historical innovations?

“Beat the Ancestors” is a new, exciting series that sees a team of modern-day men and women battling against history’s most ingenious minds.

Their challenge: to rebuild iconic inventions that changed history: from siege engines to gunpowder mills, early automobiles to invasion crafts.

The ultimate test: can they use their modern knowledge to improve on the original design?

If this sounds like an exciting challenge, please contact Dragonfly Productions at:
beattheancestors@dragonfly.tv or 020 3487 1214

Cisco and STEMNET are challenging 11 to 16-year-olds to use their maths and science skills to plan a major sporting event in their local area.

Go to www.mathsandscience2012.co.uk/challenge2012 to find all the details and a step-by-step guide to the challenge, including:

• Teacher notes
• A starter activity
• Presentation advice
• Videos of Olympic athletes introducing Challenge 2012
• Videos of organisers explaining the design and construction of London 2012 sites
• Olympic and Paralympic sports fact-sheets

Bring London 2012 to life in your classroom!

The full list of Nuffield Foundation Bursary Placements open to A Level students in the North East is now available here: nuffield Placements 2012

Here’s the list…
List of Nuffield Bursary Placements available for Summer 2012

Placement 1 – Pharmaceutics: dosage form design
Placement 2 – Pharmaceutics: dosage form design
Placement 3 – Sutainability and ethics
Placement 4 – Porous materials, functional materials
Placement 5 – Public Enagagement- the science of chocolate
Placement 6 – Chemistry history and promotion
Placement 7 – Microbiology
Placement 8 – DNA Chemistry
Placement 9 – A Level Chemistry Outreach Materials
Placement 10 – A Level Chemistry Outreach Materials
Placement 11 – Development of a range of A-level Chemistry learning support activities utilising the Cambridge Structural Database
Placement 12 – Development of a range of A-level Chemistry learning support activities utilising the Cambridge Structural Database
Placement 13 – Development of a range of A-level Chemistry learning support activities utilising the Cambridge Structural Database
Placement 14 – Dyson Physics
Placement 15 – Forensic Anthropolgy in Second Life
Placement 16 – Forensic Skeletal Investigaton
Placement 17 – Forensic Chemistry
Placement 18 – Drug Testing
Placement 19 – Drug Testing
Placement 20 – Medicinal Chemistry
Placement 21 – Medicinal Chemistry
Placement 22 – Antibacterial Agents
Placement 23 – Antibacterial Agents
Placement 24 – Science Communication / Web Technologies
Placement 25 – Science Communication / Web Technologies
Placement 26 – Transport: RailNewcastle
Placement 27 – A Review of the Influence of Metallurgy of Nitinol on its Mechanical Properties
Placement 28 – Green Potential of Urban Environments
Placement 29 – Carbon Capture in Urban Environments
Placement 30 – Thermal Energy and Water(Placement tbc)

To apply email us at ambassadors@ncl-coll.ac.uk

The Collective Memory aims to share informal learning and evaluations from public engagement activities, responding frequent requests from the science communication community that we should all do this. Collective Memory offers the opportunity to share experience from a wide variety of public engagement initiatives with the option to back these entries up with formal evaluations. Using the Collective Memory will enable you and your organisation to build up a record of your projects and learn from others across the field, bringing up the quality of initiatives across the board. There’s no shame in sharing what didn’t work as well as what did – it’s what you learnt, and all of us can learn, from doing the project that’s important.

Benefits of using the Collective Memory site include:

• Building a portfolio of public engagement project evaluations which could be used to provide evidence for future funding
• Demonstrating your expertise in the field
• Using a structured framework for personal reflection and evaluation
• Contributing to and using a diverse resource that can provide guidance on a wide variety of projects, building on what others have learnt by doing
• Getting in touch with other practitioners to discuss learning from projects

The upgraded site now supports document upload – if you have a backlog of formal evaluations, why not share them online?

Please do have a look at the site (collectivememory.britishscienceassociation.org), explore what’s already on the site and take a few minutes to add your projects.

If you have any questions about Collective Memory, do get in touch with the site manager Toby Shannon – sis@britishscienceassociation.org

At the great North Museum from now until the 12th April, Newcastle University’s interactive Lego exhibition looks for answers to some of the greatest questions regarding the urban environment, population growth and town planning and design.

The project is involving the public in the construction of a giant Lego town. Around 110,000 bricks are being used to create the ‘mini-city’, which will take shape over the course of the exhibition and whose size, scale and purpose will be determined by the public working with University researchers.

Find out more here: http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmuseum/news/the-great-north-build-a-small-town-with-a-big-purpose/

Educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust is looking for current Year 11 students to apply for a place on a Low Carbon Energy residential course over the summer. They will gain experience of university and industry that will accelerate their personal development and their potential for greater academic achievement.

Yr 11, Low Carbon Energy
Newcastle University, 23rd – 26th July, 2012

The move towards a lower carbon economy requires us to develop a portfolio of low carbon energy technologies for the electricity, heat and transport markets. Sponsored by Senergy, a global energy services company, this course introduces you to the wide reaching opportunities in this fast changing sector and the difference you could make within this area of engineering.

What will I be doing?

• Learning about the different forms of low carbon energy including wind, waves and tide through a series of masterclasses and laboratory sessions
• Having question-and-answer sessions with leading experts from Senergy in low carbon energy and marine engineering
• Using state-of-the-art research facilities including wave tanks, wind-wave-current tanks and circulating water tanks to conduct tests and experiments
• Learning about the engineering challenges involved in capturing, distributing and storing energy from the environment
• Competing in teams to design-and-make the most effective and innovative low carbon energy capture devices, tested in commercial and research test facilities
• Benefiting from the experience and guidance of student mentors from marine technology and engineering

This course is subsidised and costs £225 which includes all accommodation, meals, course materials and fully supervised social activities. Students can apply directly from the Smallpeice website. Applications are reviewed and places allocated on a first come, first served basis.

> More info and apply here <

The time commitment would be less than one hour and there would be no travel involved: the communication would be done entirely by phone or email. You would be asked to send a few photographs to illustrate the text. You would be sent a list of standard questions, and a deadline by which a response would be appreciated. You would be sent both a draft for approval, and a copy of the final product.

If you are interested, please contact Richard Tarrant on richard.tarrant46@gmail.com.

A range of interactive workshops will provide the opportunity to explore some of the latest development in physics and new resources for teaching physics in the classroom.

There is a choice of four workshops, of which participants will need to select two from the following: “Physics and Toys”, ”ICT in the science classroom”, “Jolting the jaded – do physics” or “Seeing inside the body: practical medical physics activities and resources”. More information can be found here.

The day is being help at the Durham University
on 21 June 2012 from 9.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Participants can book by ringing Nicola Hall on 0191 370 6200,
or by emailing n.l.hall@durham.ac.uk.

The day is an excellent opportunity and is completely FREE, with lunch and refreshments included. Places must be pre-booked through the Science Learning Centre North East. (Failure to attend without prior notice will incur a £25 administration fee.)

The trail will be launched with a guided tour on Monday 12th March at 10am from the Lit & Phil (for more info:
http://www.newcastlesciencefest.com/programme.html)

How does it work?

From Monday there will be 46 unique QR code stickers in locations across Newcastle City Centre. Scanning the code will take you to a website with further information about the chemical relevant to that place or product. You might find an Ethanol sticker down the pub, or caffeine at the coffee shop, but the challenge is to find all 46, including some you may not be familiar with.

What is a QR Code?

A QR Code is like a barcode, but it links to a webpage. They are readable using free apps downloadable to any smart phone (e.g. BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone)

What if I don’t have a smartphone?

You can request a booklet which will be sent to you as a PDF to print out, then you can tick off the QR codes you find, making a note of their location.

How can I find out more?

A full list of the chemicals on the trail can be found here:
http://www.newcastlechemistrytrail.co.uk/, the locations of the QR codes are however top secret! There are also active facebook groups (search Newcastle Chemistry Trail) and a twitter feed (@NCLChemTrail).

Can I have a QR code to display?

Yes! If you would like to help increase awareness of chemistry and its importance to Newcastle’s history by displaying a relevant QR code at your workplace, your school or anywhere else you think may be relevant please do contact mail@newcastlechemistrytrail.co.uk, requesting the QR codes you would like to display.

Are you looking to improve and develop skills for maths outreach? Do you currently do public engagement in maths and want to improve, or are you looking to try and incorporate the ‘M in STEM’ into your work?

BIG’s forthcoming skills day helps dispel the myth that Maths is a difficult and scary subject, among communicators as well as the public, and we hope to make it easier for people to engage with and to see the kind of work being done to popularise maths, as well as learning approaches to delivering their own sessions.

There will be three very skilled Maths communicators running the day: Matt Parker, Joshua Award-winning maths communicator and ‘Stand-up mathematician’, Nicola Stock, Centre for Life and Dr Sara Santos, from the Maths Busking project.

The event will cost £50 for BIG Members and places are strictly limited to a maximum of 20. Non-members will need to join BIG first at an annual cost of £30.

For more information, or to register, click here

The Royal Academy of Engineering is seeking to appoint an experienced and resourceful teacher of a STEM subject who can enthuse other teachers and support the development of STEM in their local schools.

The aim of the Connecting Teachers project is to create a national network of support for STEM teachers, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to engage a greater number and wider spectrum of students in STEM. The role of the Teacher Coordinator involves establishing a network of local schools and providing support, guidance and training for the teachers of STEM subjects in these schools.

The Academy already has 16 Teacher Coordinators in post across the UK and is looking to add to this number. We are particularly keen to receive applications from mathematics and ICT teachers in the following regions:
• Northern Ireland
• North East
• West Midlands
• South West
• South Wales
• South East
• London

Applications are also welcome from teachers of the science subjects, D&T and engineering.

More details about the Connecting Teachers Project and the Teacher Coordinator role can be found at www.raeng.org.uk/about/jobs/default.htm.

Candidates should apply in writing to Dominic Nolan (Dominic.Nolan@raeng.org.uk) at The Royal Academy of Engineering, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DG. Please enclose a full CV and a letter outlining why you are suitable for the role and how you would set up and run a network. The CV must include the names and contact details of two referees.

Closing date: Monday 19th March (midday).
Interviews to be held on 2nd and 3rd April.

If you nominate a teacher, it is asked that you to provide evidence of their achievements and contribution to the life of their school or college, both in and outside the classroom. It is also expected that these teachers will have been involved with the wider teaching community in some way, such as providing professional development for local colleagues. Pupils’ own opinions and support can provide important evidence for the nomination. The nomination process closes at the end of May.

It is easy to nominate a teacher; just download the forms from the Institute’s website and return a completed version.

For more information: visit www.iop.org/teachersawards

The MetroCentre has it’s very own ‘Maths Trail’, a walk that takes you through the Centre solving mathematical puzzles and questions using Metro Units to measure. Thousands of children have completed the trail during the ‘Maths in the Malls’ events, and it has been such a success that it is now a permanent fixture in the Centre.

You can download the walk booklet here: http://www.mathsinthecity.com/sites/shopping-centre-maths-walk

Can you spare just one day to help celebrate and reward the hard work of budding young scientists and engineers from across the North East?

The Big Bang North East is the regional heat for the National Science & Engineering Competition. It’s going to be an amazing day! Students will be educated and entertained through science, engineering, maths and technology enrichment activities provided by the Science Museum’s Punk Science, STEM Ambassadors, local companies, universities and charities. Amongst all the activities, students will be pitted against each other to win nominations to the Big Bang National Fair, and the prizes that are on offer.

We need your help! Judges help us select the winners and encourage the competitors to greater things. We’ll be awarding 10 nominations to the Big Bang National Fair in March 2013, along with a wide range of prizes.

Judges are only required to attend on the day, and you can’t fail to be inspired by the fantastic young people who are exhibiting their projects. If you, or your organisation, want to get more involved, find out about other ways here:

http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/northeast/get_involved.cfm

Come and help us make a difference to these young people, and look out for future Nobel Prize winners. Register online at http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/northeast/register.cfm

or contact
Colin Wilkinson colin@coryluslearning.com 01642 740400

Where? Newcastle University
When? 4th July 2012, 9:15am – 3:30pm

All shows have three interactive talks, an interval and a lively Q and A session at the end. Many of the shows feature mathematicians, engineers and physicists, making this the ideal STEM outing for schools.

Maths Inspiration are at Newcastle Theatre Royal tomorrow (2 March 2012) from 1pm to 3:45pm. Tickets cost £7 per student. Email mail@mathsinspiration.com for more details.

The speakers will be Timandra Harkness, Matt Parker, Paul Shepherd and Mark Lewney doing talks on: “Maths in The Simpsons”, “How Maths Built the Olympic Stadium” and “The Maths of the Rock Guitar”.

Inspired by this year’s Aurora Borealis and, as part of the Newcastle ScienceFest 2012, volunteers at the Star and Shadow will attempt to recreate (at least) 3 light experiments that changed our view of the world.

1. Recreating Alhazen’s experiment with candles and an ‘o’ sized hole, volunteers will see if they too can disprove the ‘husk’ theory of light (c965, Basra). How can all those light particles get through that hole? And why the heck IS the image upside down?

2. In the doorway of the Star and Shadow, volunteers will use paint and mirrors to recreate Brunelleschi’s demonstration of the perspective illusion (c1420, Florence).

3. With Newton’s mechanical theories sweeping the Western world, volunteers will, like Goethe, pick up the prism and say ‘hang about, this doesn’t actually make sense!’ (1790, Weimar). Join them in the attempt to make their own colour shadows – If Newton was right about colourific rays, then how could a yellow-orange light produce a shadow containing other colours?

Other experiments may arise on the day, depending on weather conditions, your ideas, and the results discovered.

The British Science Association is launching an ideas challenge for 5 – 14 year olds asking them to invent a multi-terrain global racer that uses renewable power.

Pupils will need to invent one method of transportation that can carry themselves and two friends across a range of challenging terrains in their global adventure! The race could last many weeks, so vehicles will need to be large enough to carry supplies.

Racers must be presented in the form of a poster with a drawing of the invention accompanied by an explanation of how it works. Full teacher’s notes will be provided.

Entries will be judged by a panel and the best researched and explained in each category will win a selection of prizes.

Macmillan and Kingfisher Childrens’ Books are generously providing £25 worth of books for each age category. There is also a Nintendo DS up for grabs for each of the younger age categories plus a Nintendo 3DS for the winner of the 11-14 age group. The closing date for all postal entries will be Monday 2nd April 2012.

For full details go here: British Science Association School Competition

North East based social enterprise, Open Engineering Solutions, is launching a new innovative concept designed for children & young people who want to consider a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) and employment.

"The new science educational tool, OpenVirtualSTEM, will make it easier for all children and young people to learn STEM subjects, particularly in physics, maths and coding (programming), where these subjects are most devalued. In addition, it will be used to help raise their aspirations, strategic thinking and improve their employability skills, so they could have an understanding of the real world of work."

Open Engineering Solutions first new product is available at www.open-engineering-solutions.co.uk. The official launch to schools and colleges will take place at Newcastle City Library, Newcastle upon Tyne on Thursday 1st of March, 2012, when STEM Ambassadors and teaching staff will be joined with STEM Outreach at Newcastle College and the IMechE. Greenpower North East will also be officially, launching their activities in Newcastle on the same day with Open Engineering Solutions. Yetunde, will be present at the OpenVirtualSTEM meeting to give information and advice.

Scientists, social scientists, engineers and clinicians can experience life in the heart of the newsroom by applying for a British Science Association 2012 Media Fellowship.

Spend 3-8 weeks this summer working with hosts including the BBC, Guardian and Nature to produce accurate, well-informed news about developments in science, and work alongside the UK’s top science editors in the British Science Festival Press Centre.

Return to work with media confidence, contacts, and first-class communication skills.

“I came away brimming with ideas, skills and advice for my researcher peers and I met some amazing people with the same values and drive as me. It was extremely interesting, educational and fun I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the world outside their research bubble.” Media Fellow

Apply online from 16 January – 11 March 2012

We welcome applications from researchers at all stages of their career and for eligibility criteria, experiences from past Media Fellows, and the online application form go to

www.britishscienceassociation.org/mediafellows

Sponsored by RCUK, Wellcome Trust, BBSRC, STFC and the IET

Can your students become national champions?
Will they claim maths glory for your school?

Mangahigh’s National Science and Engineering Week Maths Challenge is your students’ chance to shine!

Register your school at www.mangahigh.com to participate.

In conjunction with the British Science Association, Mangahigh is running a unique free competition for all UK schools, for the duration of National Science & Engineering Week. The school that scores the most points during NSEW (9th-18th March 2012)  will be crowned National Champions, and will receive medals and certificates, presented in person on 12th June by eminent mathematician and TV star, Professor Marcus Du Sautoy!

Featuring more than 550 different lessons, 16 mathematics games and 55,000+ maths questions, Mangahigh is a free-for-schools maths resource that uses games-based techniques to inspire students to greater efforts in their mathematical studies.  Teachers can easily activate their school at www.mangahigh.com and immediately get their students started on Mangahigh’s exciting free resources.

Take centre stage as a science presenter!

Prove it is the online video competition for all ages created for National Science & Engineering Week 2012.

If you fancy yourself as the next Brian Cox or the next Alice Roberts get involved and film yourself explaining one aspect of our world in motion in 30 seconds.

The British Science Association want to collect as many stories of our world in motion as they can so, whether you want to use your video to talk about plate tectonics, social media,the solar system, or about anything to do with motion, be part of the national buzz for NSEW and take part in Prove it!

How to get involved?

Take part in Prove it in four easy steps.

1. Film or create a 30-second video or animation explaining any aspect of our world in motion. Remember to come up with a catchy title!

2. Upload and register your video on the BSA website, or if you are from a school, on Films for Learning

3. Wait for 24 hours then watch your video and vote for the videos you like best on the You Tube Channel.

4. Keep liking and rating videos and wait to hear if you are a winner! The videos with the most likes/ highest Films for Learning ratings will be shortlisted for the final judgement from a celebrity panel!

You have until midnight on 19th March 2012 to get your entries in!

What’s the prize?

There are some fantastic prizes for the best videos in a number of different categories. For schools there is a class VIP visit to meet Natural History Museum Scientist Dr Caroline Smith, (and to see the Tissint Meteorite!) plus class flying experiences at AirKix indoor Sky diving centres up for grabs! For anyone over the age of 16 there are three camcorders up for grabs; a Sony Handycam DCR-SR58E Camcorder for the talented First Prize winner and two Panasonic HX-DC1 (White) Upright Full-HD Camcorders for two runners up.

The overall winner (from any age category) may even be mentioned on BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory!

More details here:
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/NSEW/GetInvolved/NSEWActivities/Proveitcomp.htm

Learn more and register: www.mathsandscience2012.co.uk/challenge-2012

Download your Challenge 2012 resources
www.mathsandscience2012.co.uk/challenge-2012

Register your teams online
www.stemchallenges.net/register

Registration is open from 27 February to 15 May 2012.
Teams must register by 15 May 2012 to take part.

Sign up for email updates!
www.mathsandscience2012.co.uk

Don’t miss out on the latest news on the Challenge and the Out of the blocks series.

National Science & Engineering Week: Events and activities for everyone, 9–18 March 2012

In 2012, National Science & Engineering Week explores “our world in motion.”

National Science & Engineering Week shines the spotlight each March on how science, technology, engineering and maths relate to our everyday lives and helps to inspire the next generation of scientists with fun and participative activities.

With over 4,500 events and activities attended by 1.7 million people in 2011 and generating over £1m in press coverage, this is the UK’s widest grassroots celebration of all things science and engineering. You can join the celebration by attending an event or taking part in our national activities.

EWB-UK Outreach Workshops

Date(s): 23rd February 2012 (21:00) to 31st December 2012 (21:00)

Behind the Scenes Tours of the Natural Science Stores
Date(s): 17th March 2012 (10:00) to 17th March 2012 (11:30)
Date(s): 17th March 2012 (11:00) to 17th March 2012 (12:30)

Lecture: Evolution, Extinction and The Lost Humans
Date(s): 15th March 2012 (18:00) to 15th March 2012 (19:00)

Saving the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper
Date(s): 13th March 2012 (19:00) to 13th March 2012 (20:15)

Tackling Species Extinction
Date(s): 12th March 2012 (19:00) to 12th March 2012 (20:15)

Red Kite Ramble
Date(s): 10th March 2012 (10:00) to 10th March 2012 (13:00)

A Great Late Night
Date(s): 10th March 2012 (18:00) to 10th March 2012 (22:00)

The Engineering Challenges of Sustainable Transport
Date(s): 14th March 2012 (18:15) to 14th March 2012 (20:30)

Designing the Dynamic
Date(s): 8th March 2012 (09:00) to 15th March 2012 (17:00)

ScienceFest Weekender
Date(s): 10th March 2012 (10:00) to 11th March 2012 (18:00)

Armstrong the Electrical Wizard
Date(s): 14th March 2012 (11:00) to 14th March 2012 (13:00)
Date(s): 14th March 2010 (14:00) to 14th March 2010 (16:00)

Nature Party at Moorbank Botanic Garden
Date(s): 11th March 2012 (14:00) to 11th March 2012 (17:00)

Newcastle ScienceFest12
Date(s): 8th March 2012 (10:00) to 15th March 2012 (22:00)

Undress: Redress
Date(s): 8th February 2012 (09:00) to 7th April 2012 (23:00)

A Real CSI/Forensic Science Investigation
Date(s): 12th March 2012 (08:00) to 23rd March 2012 (15:00)

Behind the Scenes: Hydro Walk
Date(s): 15th March 2012 (11:00) to 15th March 2012 (13:00)

Just Add Water
Date(s): 11th March 2012 (11:00) to 11th March 2012 (15:00)
Date(s): 17th March 2012 (11:00) to 17th March 2012 (15:00)

CSI Forensic Science Investigation Workshop KS2, KS3, KS4
Date(s): 9th March 2012 (09:00) to 18th March 2012 (16:00)

The Thomas Hepburn
Date(s): 15th March 2012 (10:00) to 15th March 2012 (17:00)

Rocks from Space
Date(s): 16th March 2012 (19:30) to 16th March 2012 (21:00)

Night Sky Observing
Date(s): 16th March 2012 (21:00) to 16th March 2012 (22:30)
Date(s): 16th March 2012 (21:00) to 16th March 2012 (22:30)

Cleveland & Darlington Astronomical Society Meeting
Date(s): 9th March 2012 (19:15) to 9th March 2012 (21:00)