STEM Ambassadors under 30 years-old working in careers relating to ethical or ecological issues are sought to contribute to a careers guide that will be sent to schools and colleges nationwide. The guide looks at Ethical and Green Careers and will be published by Babcock Lifeskills.
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.
Tuesday 8th May
Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester
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.
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
STEMNET and Cisco are challenging 11-16 year olds to use their Maths and Science skills to
plan a major sporting event in their local area. The Challenge is to plan a major sporting event that would transform your local area and showcase local and national talent. Teams of 4-6 students must choose a sport and a venue or location, and work out what resources, facilities and equipment would be
needed for the event. As with all STEM Challenges, teams will present their project at a STEM Challenge
local judging event.
Here’s a quick run-down of National Science and Engineering Week events open to the public and schools in the North East. Click on the links to view full descriptions of the events
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.
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)
Free Regional STEM Careers Guidance Event for Post 16 Students Date: Wednesday 15th March 2012, 10am – 2pm Venue: University of Sunderland, Dale Building, Sciences Complex, City Campus, Sunderland
Held within National Science and Engineering Week the STEM @ Sunderland Event is a hands on showcase event highlighting STEM careers and building the links between education and industry. Aimed at year 12 students with an interest in STEM careers and those who are considering university progression the event is open to schools and colleges from across the north east region. Delivered as a joint venture between The University of Sunderland, STEM Outreach at Newcastle College and RTC North Ltd; students will engage in employer led workshops across the four STEM disciplines. Participating companies include:
Proctor and Gamble
BT
3M
EDF energy
Thorne Lighting
NHS careers
NHS Pathology labs
SABIC
Siemans
Additional activities will be provided by ICE and Go Motorsports with a series of stimulating and exhilarating activities also offered by the University of Sunderland including Real Man Simulation (Sim Man) and Xsens MVN Biomech Suit.
Held at the Sciences Complex, City Campus, University of Sunderland; groups students will have access to regional and national employers, advice on STEM careers and university progression routes including funding advice and an insight into STEM opportunities.
Information for teachers
Open to 10 x year 12 students (per institution) interested in STEM careers and university progression
Interactive sessions delivered by companies and STEM ambassadors and supported by university students
Opportunity to meet and talk to current STEM employers encouraging education and industrial links for the school / college and employer contact, information and advice for the student
Access to University information and advice throughout the day
All students will receive 6 x 30 minutes taster workshops with sessions allocated to schools in advance
It is anticipated that 18 schools from across the region will take receive a place therefore allocation given on a first come first served basis
Unfortunately lunch is NOT provided therefore packed lunches must be brought by individuals
Registration
For further information and to register your school for this event please contact STEM Outreach at ambassadors@ncl-coll.ac.uk
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is committed to promoting enthusiasm and understanding of STEM subjects in young people and, as part of this commitment, offers funding to support local education projects.
The IET Education Fund is an annual fund, and will be accepting bids for funding from 1 January 2012 to 9 March 2012 for projects taking place 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2013. Awards of up to £5000 can be offered. Eligible projects must help to engage UK-based students aged 5-19 with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects, and projects must involve more than one educational establishment. For more information and an application pack, please go to http://www.theiet.org/fund
After some fantastic placements last summer we are now looking for project hosts for Summer 2012. Could you host one of the region’s bright, enthusiastic and capable young scientists and engineers?
Nuffield Bursaries offer aspiring young scientists the opportunity to explore their chosen field of science, technology, engineering or maths during a 4 to 6 week summer placement. North East placements are offered by leading local and national businesses, scientific industrial research institutes and all of our excellent local universities.
STEMNET and the Paralympic Torch Relay Team are challenging 11-14 year olds to create a spark to light the Paralympic Flame by the energy of human endeavour.
The Challenge is to design a spectacular human-powered invention for creating the spark which lights the Paralympic Flame. For the Challenge entries, pupils must produce a design for their device and present to a panel of judges. Pupils will need to provide enough evidence to convince the judges that their invention will work.
The challenge is aimed at young people aged 11 – 19 years old (key stages 3, 4 and 5), and involves 3 to 6 team members working together to design and build a radio controlled 4-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicle to set specifications, that can successfully negotiate a specially designed test track that emulates that of real life and what a full scale 4×4 vehicle can do. Teams entering the challenge will spend a number of weeks designing, researching, building and project managing their 4×4 vehicle to enter it into a regional heat to compete against other schools from their area. Regional winners will be selected via a judging process to go through to the National Final where they will compete again but this time against the other regional winners to challenge to become the 4×4 in school Technology Challenge UK National Champions.
Registration for the 4×4 in Schools Technology Challenge 2011/12 season is now open and the 2011/12 Rules & Regulations and Challenge Handbook are now available to download from the 4×4 in Schools website. I am delighted to announce that following the success and high standard of entry from the 2010/11 season, the 2011/12 Regional Finals will be held in February (dates T.B.C) and the UK National Final will be held at the Big Bang Fair on Thursday 15th March 2012 at the Birmingham NEC.
Supporting teaching and learning in colleges
Are you interested in becoming an ementor?
Aims
Ementoring is a flexible way to volunteer and an opportunity for you and your mentee to develop new skills. By sharing your experiences, you can support other people to grow in confidence and explore options for their future. All you need to be a mentor is a willingness to help other people and an online connection. Because ementoring is done online, you can do it at a time and place that suits you.
Who are we looking for?
Mentors can be from all levels, working in an engineering related profession or with an engineering background, and from a variety of ethnic/cultural backgrounds and social classes. Ideally you would have progressed up through the further education route or have knowledge of the further education sector. You will need to be enthusiastic, passionate about Engineering, want to help other people and have a willingness to share your experiences and insights to help encourage young people in further education to remain committed to a career in engineering. It will be helpful, but not essential, if you were an existing STEM Ambassador and have previous experience of working with young people.
What is involved?
Once you have registered and completed your training, the Bright Links engineering team will match you with up to four mentees who will be students in further education colleges who are studying engineering courses at Level 2, Level 3 and possibly Level 4. They will be looking for advice and support around study skills, apprenticeships, engineering careers, applying to university and much more. You will communicate with your mentees through the safe and secure Bright Links ementoring website, which will have its own engineering section dedicated to this Engineering Further Education ementoring project. To be effective you need to be willing to spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour a week supporting your mentees.
Next Steps
Become a mentor: If you think you’ve got what it takes to be a mentor, apply to the Bright Links engineering programme today at www.brightlinksengineering.org
£80 per week available to students studying A Level or other higher academic or vocational STEM qualifications in the North East!
Nuffield Foundation offer up to 1000 bursaries a year, for students to work alongside practising scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. Projects take place during the summer holidays, giving students an insight into the world of scientific research and development.
Placements are available across the North East, in universities, research institutions and other organisations.
Take a look at projects available for Summer 2011 here:
As you know, water is a basic requirement for all life, yet water resources are facing increasing demands and competition from users. The UN General Assembly assigned 22 March of each year as the World Day for Water after the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. Since 1995 World Water Day has been celebrated across the world, raising the issues related to water. In 2011 there were over 600 World Water Day events being held around the world, one of which was at Kenton School.
Water for the World
Over 100 people from 12 primary schools across Tyne and Wear turned up to support World Water Day and to gain a greater awareness of water scarcity issues. A range of entertaining workshops were on display to get stuck in to; from scientific experiments to mapping water scarcity on Google Maps to throwing cups of water at sixth formers – the latter being very popular! Many thanks are in order for the workshop deliverers including: the Environment Agency, Newcastle University, TDR, Kenton School, Sir Charles Parsons Primary School, WaterAid as well as SCENE Ambassadors from Newcastle College Sixth Form.
Are you an employer or IT professional who wants to use your skills and experience to help inspire the next generation? Get involved with IT education by signing up for e-skills UK’s IT Ambassadors scheme.
Why IT Ambassadors?
Fewer students than ever are choosing to study IT-related degrees at university and the sector is experiencing shortages as a result. IT Ambassadors aims to harness the enthusiasm of people who work in technology to inspire more students to take up rewarding careers in IT.
Who can get involved?
From games designers to business analysts, software developers to project managers, IT professionals at any stage of their careers can become IT Ambassadors.
What will I be doing?
You’ll be supporting IT education and careers activity in schools and colleges across the UK. Ways you can get involved include:
giving a careers talk in schools
hosting visits to your company for students
providing information about your company for a student careers website
providing work experience for students
How IT Ambassadors works
1. Find an activity
Businesses and individuals can explore the e-skills activity pages to find a suitable way to get involved with schools. If you’re an individual volunteer, you can find something that matches your interests, experience and availability. If you’re a company you can find a range of activities designed to suit a variety of business interests.
2. Get advice and guidance
A range of resources to help you engage with schools are available. Everything from templates to case studies and guides are available for download on the e-skills activity pages.
3. Connect with a school
The IT Ambassadors scheme is a partner of the STEM Ambassador programme. You can find a local school to work with through STEMNET’s network of schools. For Tyne and Wear schools contact stempoint@ncl-coll.ac.uk
If you’re planning to work on an individual basis with students in schools you’ll be eligible for a free CRB check as part of the STEM Ambassador programme.
Visit: www.e-skills.com/itambassadors
Start exploring our activity pages to find a way you can get involved with IT Ambassadors.
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 second round of the 2011 Public Engagement Grant Scheme from the Institute of Physics is now open for applications. The grants are worth up to £1000 and aim to support physics-based outreach activities in the UK and Ireland throughout 2011. Activities should provide engaging experiences of physics for public audiences.
Can you help explain the concepts that students find hardest to learn?
“Often, the best teaching goes unnoticed and unrewarded. Britain’s Dream Teachers, created by Jamie Oliver and YouTube, aims to identify and celebrate inspiring teaching and help students get to grips with the toughest topics.”
YouTube has asked more than a thousand students and teachers as well as subject experts at Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body, to come up with what they consider to be the toughest topics at GCSE and Standard Grade in Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography and History.
The identified topics in Biology are: What is the role of DNA in cloning and evolution?; How does nerve transmission work?; Which enzymes catalyse what substrates and how do I remember them all?
In Chemistry: How are polymers structured?; How do I test for ions in a compound?; How do you balance a chemical equation?
In Physics: How is radioactivity used in everyday life?; What is electromagnetic induction and how does it work?; How do I calculate forces and momentum and what equations do I need?
Now the question is have you got the answers?
If you’ve got an effective way of teaching one of the toughest topics make a short video of your idea and post it up on YouTube so other teachers and students can learn from your approach. You could also win a £10,000 prize split between you and your school, and the winning teachers with a group of students will be invited to an award ceremony at Google’s UK headquarters.
Upload your video by midnight on 5th April when all entries will be judged by a panel of subject specialists including previous Teaching Award winners. The results will be announced on 13th April.
The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) launched “theWeather Club” in September 2010. theWeather Club is the public outreach arm of RMetS, where general public members can become part of a community in which the weather is something to be celebrated, enjoyed and talked about. To enthuse people with a passing interest in the weather with stories about exciting, often dramatic, occasionally sublime weather from around the world. A recent survey in the UK revealed that the average Briton spends an astonishing six months out of their lives talking about the weather so this club is appealing to an eager audience.
Membership includes a free Galileo thermometer, a quarterly magazine called “theWeather,” full access to website content, weather forums and a great range of discounts on weather related products, weather postcards, a collectable A-Z of weather and a membership card,.
The launch of theWeather Club was marked by a project called “The Great British Weather Experiment,” during September and October to help study the arrival of autumn. The study is the largest of its kind in UK with hundreds of people taking thousands of observations of weather, temperature and rainfall. The results can be found on theWeather Club website. The launch also included a tour of Britain in a VW campervan called Daphne, visiting 16 cities in 8 days and encouraging schools and individuals to participate in the experiment.
Dr Liz Bentley, founder theWeather Club, said: “theWeather Club is for all those who appreciate the weather for all its wonders. Its beauty, its power, its fragility, its occasional absurdity, and deep fundamental influence it has upon us all. It will allow us to come together and share our obsession with the weather.” To find out more about theWeather Club visit www.theWeatherClub.org.uk
Event for STEM Ambassadors and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics school / college teachers
STEM Advisory Forum and STEMNET are pleased to invite you to the
STEM Forum Event
The Royal Society,
6-9 Carlton House Terrace,
London,
SW1Y 5AG
Tuesday 22 March 2011
4:30pm to 7:00pm
This event brings together school and college teachers with people who use Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in industry and business. There will be presentations on the school curriculum and on STEM in the economy. The main purpose of the event is to enable a sharing of information and views between education and the workplace.
STEM Ambassadors will have the opportunity to talk directly to those involved in STEM teaching at school/college and will be able to share examples of how they use STEM in their work.
Teachers will have the opportunity to share with those in industry and business the factors that influence what happens in lessons. Teachers will be able to use the examples of STEM in the workplace in their lessons.
A light buffet will be provided at 6.30pm.
To book your place at this exciting event, please click on the event registration link below:
The Big Bang North East 2011
New College Durham, 12 July 2011
Book Now!
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 2012
- 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 Young Engineers for Britain, CREST awards and the National Science & Engineering Competition. There is over £1500 prize money up for grabs and the best 10 projects will win a place at the prestigious national fair, The Big Bang 2012.
Find out more and register here 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, or half, day and enjoy an exciting science show, hands-on workshops and inspirational talks from young people who have succeeded in STEM. Groups will also tour the competition stands – perhaps it will inspire them enter The Big Bang North East in 2012!
Find out more and book here www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/northeast
Volunteering programme helping IT employers to inspire students
IT Ambassadors aims to harness the enthusiasm of people who work in technology to inspire more students to take up rewarding careers in IT.
"We’re helping employers to provide meaningful support to schools by sharing our lessons learnt from the many activities that we have organised for schools. We provide companies with best practice materials such as template activities, presentations and hints and tips for volunteers that e-skills UK has acquired through years of experience."
Visit IT Ambassadors to make the most of the resources available. The scheme is also partner of STEM Ambassadors. Contact itambassadors@e-skills.com to be kept up-to-date with news and any opportunities in your area.
If you live in Newcastle, are over the age of 16 and would be interested in making short films about areas of scientific interest, a new volunteering opportunity has just become available. STEM Reporter Volunteers will be learning how to shoot and edit films and then making video reports on advancements taking place locally in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The reports will then be uploaded to the Newcastle Science City website. http://www.newcastlesciencecity.com The website already contains a great deal of information and the Community Engagement pages include an Events Diary where you can see what is going on each month. For example, the third week of March 2011 is designated as Science Week so there will be a range of events that STEM Reporters can choose to report on. Keep an eye on the website for updates. If you aren’t sure what is going on and need help to choose, the training planned for mid February will help you decide which topic or event you want to get involved in and which roles you will be most comfortable with eg writing scripts, operating equipment, front of camera reporting, editing and uploading etc.
Full training in all aspects of the roles will be provided by Swingbridge Media and all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed by CSV.
You don’t have to have any prior experience of film-making but if you do, you will be more than welcome to join the team and share your skills with others. The hours are flexible and training times will be arranged to suit the majority.
If you would like to find out more, please contact Kath Patton at CSV on 0191 2326616 or email kpatton@csv.org.uk
Wednesday 15th December 2010 at 19:00 (refreshments from 18:30)
Presented by R L Warrender - Senior Lecturer, University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland Cluster Computer (USCC) is an example of what can be built using commodity components for the creation of a high performance computer cluster. Built just over three years ago, the USCC uses 160 Intel ‘Woodcrest’ Cores running in 40 compute nodes and can be booted into either Windows or Linux operating systems.
The talk will focus on three key areas:
a) The system architecture and construction – size really matters!
b) Examples of recent uses being made of the system – how effective is the USCC?
c) The development of teaching resources for use by staff and students interested in applications to be run on the USCC.
In addition to the talk, attendees will also get the chance to visit the facility and see a variety of visual applications running on the cluster.
The talk will be given by R L Warrender, who is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Computing at the University of Sunderland. As well as teaching within the Computing Department, he is also studying for his Professional Doctorate developing a Framework for Efficient Cluster Computing Services in a Collaborative University Environment.
The tour of the USCC facility and demonstration will be given by Professor John Tindle who designed the USCC system.
Electric car racing event – Wednesday 6 July 2011 at Croft Circuit, Darlington
Your school is invited to participate in this exciting Greenpower electric car racing event. Your school still has time to get involved, to design, build and race an electric car.
Greenpower is dedicated to promoting engineering and technology as a career option to students aged 9 to 25 in any form of full or part-time education. This is achieved through unique hands on projects to design, build and race an electric car, with the support of an engineering ambassador.
By taking part in the competition, all participants are given an insight into the real, tangible world of science and engineering. The competition is very popular, which stands as a testament to its unique approach to engineering and its ability to bring together and excite young people from a variety of different areas and backgrounds.
Not only does Greenpower approach the idea of science and engineering from a less mainstream direction than normal lessons or after school clubs, it also encourages creativity and most importantly enthusiasm and cooperation in problem solving invaluable skills for any young person. For the school getting involved will bring the following:
- A project which can be used to enhance the engineering diploma or CREST award or other STEM activities.
- Links with Mechanical, Electrical and Design engineers as mentors.
- National and regional recognition.
- A visit to North east school that has already taken part to share experience.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is delighted to offer continued support to Greenpower. Participation in this exciting challenge requires teamwork, engineering skills, commitment and enthusiasm.
If you are willing to give your students a brilliant opportunity to get involved in a project like this and would like to receive more information about how to enter this Websites:
Institution of Mechanical Engineers – http://imeche.org/ Greenpower
If you would like to enter the competition then please contact Julie Harrison on 07899 050767 or email julieharrison@a4e.co.uk.
Please note: pupils will also be able to attend that are not participating in the actual design and build programme. Further details about this will be sent to schools nearer to the time.
NORTH EAST REGION In partnership with IMechE North East
SCENE – Sustainable Communities and Environments North East
We would like to invite you to the SCENE launch conference on Thursday 18th November 2010 at the Assembly Rooms, Newcastle.
SCENE is a brand new venture from Newcastle College as part of their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. The four key strands of SCENE are corporate social responsibility, carbon reduction, sustainable development and community cohesion. SCENE works with schools and communities in the North East to raise awareness of and educate about climate change and sustainable development issues both regionally and globally.
The conference is suitable for teachers, sixth form students, community groups and any interested businesses. Please forward to any colleagues who might be interested.
The agenda for the day is as follows:
08.00 Arrivals / Teas and Coffees
09.00 Lynda Evans – Welcome and introduction to SCENE
09.15 Speaker – Ann Finlayson, SEEd Director
10.00 Workshop 1
11.00 Break
11.30 Workshop 2
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Workshop 3
14.30 Speaker – Adrian Hilton – Climate North East
15.15 Thank you and Close
Please contact Lizzie Lunn at elizabeth.lunn@ncl-coll.ac.uk or on 0191 200 4453 to register your attendance or if you have any queries.
For more information on SCENE and to register please visit www.scenelink.org
Organisation
Workshop Name
Description
Climate Change Schools Project
CCSP’s Adaptation Challenge (AC)
Newcastle College has just become a Climate Change Lead School. This workshop will discuss how Newcastle College could lead on an AC project in Newcastle. Examples of other wonderful projects taking place by the Lead Schools around the region to give ideas.
ActionAid
Power Down
ActionAid provides award-winning resources, lesson ideas, participatory and visual materials, information on assemblies and workshops from ActionAid’s network of teachers, to inspire, amaze and explore.
Sustaine
Brighter Futures Together toolkit
Participants will have the opportunity to hear more about the Brighter Futures Together toolkit, learn more about sustainability and explore how they can begin to take action to improve their own local neighbourhoods.
The Great Debate
The Great Debate ‘taster’ workshop
A two-session workshop introducing sixth form students to the world of debate, showcasing the work of The Great Debate and RCE North East. The aim is to encourage young people to engage in serious discussion of contemporary issues.Students will be given a topic to research prior to attending the workshop.
Team Kenya
Climate Change Connections
Ecotourism In Kenya
Tourism Concern
Exploration of the human and environmental costs of unsustainable tourism.
This workshop will explore the human and environmental costs of unsustainable tourism, through the stories and photos presented in Tourism Concern’s exhibition ‘Demonstration Tsunami’ documenting what has happened to India’s coastal communities in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.
Newcastle City Council and North East Skills
Enviro Schools and Schools Against Waste
Workshop about how the Newcastle City Councils Enviro Schools Programme engages with schools on sustainability issues and what the Schools Against Waste programme is, how schools can access this free resource and why we have develop it.
Energy Saving Trust
Carbon Reduction
Practical ways to tackle Carbon Reduction.
SCENE, Newcastle College
SCENE Ambassadors
SCENE Ambassadors are sixth form students who create a resource related to the SCENE strands (e.g. climate change) and deliver it in primary schools.
Fundraising Skills UK Ltd
Fundraising
Introduction to fundraising and factors in fundraising success.
OPAL
Learning to lead environmental surveys
A workshop on environmental surveys.
John Muir Award
Environmental Award
The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme which encourages people of all backgrounds to connect, enjoy and care for wild places
Come and find us at the Assembly Rooms (Newcastle) Ltd, Fenkle Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5XU
Be a part of the first ever engineering mathematics network
A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for engineering mathematics practitioners to join a new networking group. The group will support those who are teaching mathematics in the engineering diploma (whether mathematics teachers or engineering teachers) by providing opportunities to meet together and share what they are doing, as well as to try out the resources available. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at Engineering Mathematics Level 3 practitioners, and anyone teaching mathematics within other engineering courses, who wants to seize a valuable opportunity to investigate a variety of teaching approaches, network and learn from others and explore and develop resources. Venues are likely to include Manchester, London and Bristol and will take place between 22 November and 3 December 2010. To express an interest in attending or for more information contact Melanie Harradine
Embedding Excellence in Mathematics Leadership conference
This free one-day NCETM conference will assist with the professional development of newly-appointed mathematics subject leaders in the primary, secondary and further education sectors. It will allow participants access to experienced, practising teachers identified as excellent subject leaders in their sectors. Delegates will also become part of a support network. The conference, on 13 November, 09:30 am to 5:30 pm at City Inn, Brindley Place, Birmingham, will be launched with a keynote speech from HMI Jane Jones. To apply, complete the online application form by 20 October 2010.
Last chance to join secondary subject leaders’ seminar
The second NCETM national online seminar for secondary mathematics subject leaders will address some of the big issues secondary subject leaders face, suggest resources that can support you in the role, give you the chance to hear from other subject leaders and share your experiences and challenges, and offer the opportunity to join a continuing secondary subject leaders’ network. The meeting, on Wednesday 20 October from 8:00 to 9:00 pm, will use Elluminate Live! but no particular equipment or software is required, nor is expertise or experience of online meetings. If you are interested in joining the meeting and/or would like to know more, contact Phillipa Marshall.
If you would like more information on NCETM please contact them at info@ncetm.org.uk
STEM Ambassadors and STEM teachers came together to share ideas and experiences at an event on 27th September 2010 at the National Space Centre.
We invite you to join a follow-on discussion based around the following questions.
For those working in or with STEM:
Is there anything you wish you had learnt, been told at school or college which would have helped prepare you better for your chosen career, study or work environment?
What do you think are the key messages about studying or working with STEM that we should be telling young people today?
For those teaching and working with young people in education:
Is there anything you wish you could tell your students about working in or with STEM that you think could help prepare them better for study and/or work?
What are the areas for which you would like particular support from those working in or with STEM subjects e.g. careers, curriculum, work experience, extracurricular activities etc?
What are the best ways in which those working in or with STEM can help you and your students? In your experience, what works well?
For those in other roles:
What are your views on the links between the world of work and STEM Education?
The Research Councils UK (RCUK) school placement scheme, Researchers in Residence (RinR) is searching the North East for engaging scientists wanting to participate in a TV school science documentary whilst raising their own profile.
This opportunity will raise your profile, allow you to engage the public, maximise the impact of your research and support the development of transferable skills such as teaching and communication skills.
The documentary requires a motivated and enthusiastic PhD or post doctoral researcher to deliver a project based on their research area to inspire 11-18 year olds. Placements consist of a minimum of 14 hours student contact time (supervised by the host teacher) and can be tailored around research commitments, spanning a six week period. The project is open primarily to STEM researchers however, non-STEM disciplines will be considered based on the strength of the project rationale. Whether you specialise in astrophysics, biology or geography, participating in the documentary is an excellent opportunity to showcase your research.
The project should enrich the classroom and include practical demonstrations, activities for the students and talks on focussed topics.
The placement will be supported by a teacher mentor, and communications training and T&S will be provided. Participants are encouraged to meet with the host teacher prior to beginning the placement as they are often able to advise and offer guidance on suitable project ideas. Commenting on the support she received whilst on placement at Thomas Hardye School, Katie Ball, biosciences researcher states, “Always ask the teachers before going into schools for their advice, maybe even show them your lesson plans; they probably have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t, remember they’re trained to teach.
“It was inspiring working with Dr. Jeremy Rowe, (biology teacher) at the school; I learnt a lot from his interaction with the students.”
The documentary will be filmed by Brook Lapping, an internationally acclaimed documentary production company which produces content for both TeachersTV and new online channel Newton
1 The Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK’s seven Research Councils:
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Science and Technology Facilities Research Council (STFC)
2 Researchers in Residence, funded by RCUK with support from the Wellcome Trust, brings together PhD and post doctoral researchers, young people and teachers via exciting and innovative placements in secondary schools and colleges across the UK. www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk
3 Teachers TV supports the professional development of anyone working in school through engaging videos, practical resources and an active online community and is funded by the Department for Education and operated by independent media consortium, Education Digital. www.teachers.tv
HD 4 , a perfect platform for participating researchers to raise their profile amongst the academic community.
Open to PhD students and post docs funded directly or indirectly by one of the seven UK Research Councils or the Wellcome Trust.
Researchers need to apply now to be considered, as filming starts in the mid-winter term (November). To apply, complete the application form at www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk
Part of the Official London 2012 Education Programme
STEM Challenges are a series of competitions which link the curriculum to the inspiring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Each challenge incorporates a range of activities for schools and once in a lifetime prizes can be won!
“The STEM Challenge students feel privileged to be a part of the competition. This is the best extra-curricular activity I’ve ever been involved with!” ~ Pam Large, Sacred Heart High School.
The STEM Challenges are ten activities designed for KS3 (or equivalent) students and inspired by London 2012. Each Challenge is a competition focusing on a different aspect of either the preparations for London 2012, or the event itself. The Challenges provide a cross-curricular approach to the STEM subjects, which benefits students in their academic work, whilst allowing them to develop skills and values that are essential outside the classroom. The activities have been designed for use in a club environment (e.g. a STEM Club) or during lessons.
The STEM Challenges are managed by STEMNET (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network) in association with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), and are funded by the Department for Education.
New Challenges are introduced each term and last approximately 6 to 8 weeks. They provide an opportunity for students aged 11-14 to explore, experiment and innovate! Each team is set a task related to London 2010, which gives students the chance to experience a combination of hands-on testing and research.
STEM Ambassadors are a free resource available to support your students and clubs in the Challenges. STEM Ambassadors volunteer their time to help excite young people about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. They have proven to be a vital resource for schools and colleges:
“The pupils valued the comments they received from STEM Ambassadors. It was great for them to have experts who really knew what they were talking about. Pupils were encouraged to discuss their ideas more as they were keen to improve their designs and complete the task to the best of their abilities.” ~ Lucy Rowe, St Mary’s Middle School, Puddletown, Dorset.
“STEMNET, you have solved my problem! We have no budget to pay Science speakers for our school and I’m so pleased to have made contact with you.” ~ Mrs Gaur, Shirley High School, Croydon, London.
STEM Challenges aim to support children and young people across the UK in the development of their leadership, personal, thinking and life skills. In each Challenge, a team of students work together to develop and achieve the seven core values of the Olympic and Paralympic games, these are: excellence, friendship, respect, courage, determination, inspiration and equality. Team work and enthusiasm are essential!
How to get involved in the STEM Challenges
It’s easy to get involved- simply register on the website www.stemchallenges.net The sign-up process is quick and simple- and you can go back to enter as many teams as you like from your school. What’s more, if your school is part of the STEM Clubs Network and you are a club leader- then it’s even easier. Just select your name from the list and you’re done!
We will send you a newsletter with regular updates on the Challenges, including information on forthcoming Challenge launch-dates and deadlines.
“Thank you so much for all your help! I have been really impressed by STEMNET’s advice and your organisation of our Scientists who were first rate and ideal for our purposes.” ~ Rebecca Jones, Science Co-ordinator, The Pointer School, London.
STEM Challenge 1
Challenge: Design an Eco-friendly National Handball Centre.
Winners: Appleton Academy from Wyke, West Yorkshire.
Prize: Trip to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The first STEM Challenge required students to design a National Handball Arena for the 2012 Olympics. The STEM Club at Appleton Academy began the Challenge by testing out different surfaces for the floor of the Handball court. In groups, the members of the STEM Club completed experiments on types of laminate flooring they had constructed and analysed how recorded balls behaved on different surfaces around school.
The successful team, from year nine, then designed a stadium based on a segmented orange. They worked with STEM Ambassador Phil Spencer, a building surveyor and the technology department to prepare scale diagrams and models to show the layout of the main arena.
The winning features of the design include the segmental structure of the sphere-shaped dome, which would allow natural light and ventilation into the arena. The team incorporated the use of eco friendly solar panels to achieve the environmental objective of the challenge. At the presentation event, the judges commended the team for their work and leadership skills.
“Winning the STEM Challenge, a national competition, is the result of a great deal of hard work and commitment by our students, and their excitement and enjoyment of science created by their teachers and the STEM Club.” ~ Dwayne Saxton, Academy Principal.
“It is fantastic that the hard work and skills of our pupils has been recognized nationally. This project has been completed in our after-school club – the pupils’ enthusiasm and willingness to invest their own time reflects the interest they have developed in their lessons.” ~ Barbara Hey, Advanced Specialist Teacher in Science at the Academy and STEM club co-coordinator.
STEM Challenge 2
Challenge: adidas asked students to design a new glove for Olympic and Paralympic Canoeing, Rowing or Sailing.
Winners: Heolddu Comprehensive School, Bargoed.
Prizes: £3,000 worth of STEM Club equipment and the latest in adidas sports clothing.
The second STEM Challenge required students to design a new glove for adidas (Official Sportswear Partner to London 2012) to be used by top Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Canoeing, Rowing or Sailing events. The Challenge was launched by double Olympic Gold medalist James Cracknell.
Students at Heolddu Comprehensive School decided to design a new glove for rowers, who don’t tend to wear gloves as they can cause their hands to sweat, impeding the action of rowing. The pupils relished the opportunity to produce a specially designed glove, which, made with the right materials could allow breathability and make a major contribution to the sport.
Once the team had decided on the most important properties to include in the design of their glove, they used a range of tests, activities and factsheets provided by STEMNET in order to research their design.
Heolddu beat stiff competition from seven other teams from around the country that made it through to the final, where they faced a Dragon’s Den style interview and grilling from the judges, including Olympic gold medallist rower, Tom James.
The students’ design is so inventive it is now being commercially developed by adidas. According to the company, the design was so innovative that it could give our Olympians the winning edge!
“We were thrilled and honoured to win such a prestigious competition!” ~ Owen Griffiths, Science Teacher, Heolddu Comprehensive School.
The Royal Society’s Partnership Grants scheme is now open. You can apply for up to £3000 to work with scientists and engineers on creative investigations that inspire students with the excitement and wonder of cutting-edge science or engineering research.
Funds are available for projects working with students aged between 5-19, as long as the project involves a UK school or college, and a practising scientist or engineer. The next round for applications closes on 5 November 2010. For more details about eligibility criteria and to find out how to apply, go to http://royalsociety.org/partnership.
The North East Science Alliance (NESA) provides people who work in science communication and education the opportunity to network, share ideas and form collaborations. The informal meetings typically start at 7pm, after refreshments have been served, with short presentations about current projects, research or other schemes of interest from a variety of speakers.
NESA also promotes the opportunity to network with contacts, and this is carried out with plenty of time at the face to face meetings, but also via a Google Group that allows members to share news, job opportunities, discuss current issues and pass on information.
The aims of the NESA are:
to promote public dialogue about science in its broadest sense
to raise the profile of public engagement activities in North East England
to encourage the co-ordination of public engagement activities in North East England
to promote collaboration in accessing funding, staging activities and making the most of all of our resources to maximize public engagement with science
As a member of the NESA you will be able to attend the quarterly meetings, give presentations and share information as well as taking advantage of this excellent networking opportunity.
Membership of NESA is free and open to anyone working to engage the public with science; the network is run by volunteers and relies on the generosity of hosts, presenters and organisers providing assistance free of charge to operate. To join, and learn about future meetings, please sign up at: http://groups.google.com/group/ne-science-alliance For more information, please visit the British Science Association website, which hosts information about the network: http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/nesa
Would you like to be involved in Scarborough Engineering Week 2011?
The aim of Scarborough Engineering Week is for local engineering businesses to work together with local schools and colleges to inspire the young to consider engineering as a potential future career. In 2011 Scarborough Engineering Week will run during w/c 10th October for 5 days at the Spa complex in Scarborough. Scarborough’s first ever engineering week was run in Plaxtons showroom in May 2010. We attracted approximately 400 visitors to the event and showcased the AMRC’s technologies truck of the future MANTRA. We also had a formula one car, robot playing golf, a laser cutter and factory tours of Blue Bird Vehicles Ltd and Plaxton Ltd (all of which were donated in kind).
Our mission for Engineering Week 2011 is to make the event even bigger and better than before, we would like to show a real breadth of engineering by demonstrating a range of engineering toys which are manned to inspire the young and would like to attract more visitors from within the region than this year.
If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in the event please contact Shona Lloyd (contact details below).
We have a number of activities which schools have requested – some are summer schools and are very soon and others are for later on in the year. If you can do any of them please let me know.
When
Where
Description
Anytime next week (26th- 30th July) between 10-2pm
Excelsior AcademyDenton Road
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6AF
Summer School for year 5/6 pupils who are ‘persistent absentees’.Would like someone to deliver a practical session using Science or DT
The sessions we are running are as follows
CSI Scotswood
Science for starters(have you anything for this???)
Food Design
Poet’ tree’
Film making
Local songs
Mask Making
Jewellery Making
Lunch will be provided.
Anytime on 3rd 4rth and 5th August10.30am-2.30pm
George Stephenson Community High SchoolKillingworth
NE12 6SA
working on an electro mechanical Christmas displayfor the White Swan Centre in Killingworth
times are
10.30am-2.30pm
Can anyone help out?
From September
Sandhill View SchoolSunderland
SR3 4EN
Ambassador volunteers to mentor car project.
October 4th
Newcastle University
EES (Engineering Education Scheme)LaunchAmbassadors needed to provide activities on project management and Communications. We are looking for them to be extremely interactive and more activity based rather than sitting through a lecture.
Ambassadors will be talking to groups of 50 (estimated).
6th October
Sunderland High SchoolSunderland
SR2 H8Y
‘Opportunities Day’This is to cover our Senior School from Years 7-13.
Ideally any activities would have an hour slot. We are aiming to develop this theme re. careers and further education, personal development, extend the curriculum for the day and develop some creative /practical ideas.
Anytime on 8th – 12th November 2010
Ryton Comprehensive SchoolRyton
NE40 3AH
Numeracy weekSessions on using maths in industry and real life situations.
Best sessions usually involve some activity/calculations for the pupils if somewhat simplified from the reality of what is used (teacher happy to discuss with ambassadors).
1 hour sessions, ideally would like them to do two sessions to different groups of children
These sessions are most appropriate for more able pupils. I usually target year 10 and 11 set 1 and 2 pupils who should achieve GCSE A* – C grade in maths. We have 2 set 1s and 2 set 2s in each year group. These sets usually have 32 pupils in them.
14th February 2011
Farringdon Community Sports CollegeSunderland
SR3 3EL
Enterprise DayEnterprise activity to reinforce Technology subjects before the options are chosen by year 9. An example of the idea the teacher is looking for is product design and designing a Birthday card as an example of Designing, Manufacture, Advertising and Distribution. However, if ambassadors can come up with their own idea related to their company that would be excellent.
2 Workshops will be required. One 2 hour session in the morning, 9.30-11.30. One 2 hour session in the afternoon, 12.45-2.45. School begins at 8.45. We would prefer all Year 9 students to be doing the same activities in both sessions. There will be 84 students taking part in the morning activity and 73 in the afternoon. Preference for ambassadors from Technology and Engineering to deliver the enterprise.
It would be brilliant if a company could deliver this for the school.
Please let me know if you are able to do any of the above or if you have any activities coming planned.
The third STEM Challenge for schools, inspired by London 2012, is well underway. This fantastic series of competitions, managed by STEMNET, has already had students up and down the country designing a national handball arena and coming up with creative solutions for a canoeing, sailing or rowing glove.
The current challenge asks pupils to prove to GlaxoSmithKline and King’s College London that they have the skills to perform certain anti-doping laboratory techniques. From laboratory accreditation and quantitative analysis to security and ensuring the chain of custody of samples, this challenge really does give pupils an insight into what an anti-doping laboratory does.
Due to the popularity of the STEM Challenges, we are looking for more volunteers to help with the judging on 6th July. Judging will take place in schools and is done by STEM Ambassadors. It will involve meeting a team in a school, listening to their presentation, asking questions and then reporting back to STEMNET on the outcomes. Full written guidance will be provided to enable you to make informed decisions about the team(s) you visit.
This is a perfect opportunity to get involved in a project that has been inspired by London 2012. Several judges have told us that they’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet enthusiastic teams and creative individuals.
If you are interested and would like to be considered for judging on 6th July, then please reply no later than Wednesday 16th June. The actual judging takes about 30 minutes per team and we will make every effort to minimise the distance that you have to travel.
Hookergate School, Rowland’s Gill, Tyne and Wear, NE39 2BX
Mentoring
Engineer ambassador who could help design and build a hover craft at STEM club
‘Our stem club runs on a Thursday between 3.15 and 4.15pm we have don various projects including making a wind tunnel but unfortunately lack the engineering knowledge with the collection of staff that run it. I have just bought some hovercraft kits to start the ideas. It would just be nice to get someone external to come in and help for a few weeks and give us some advice and maybe judge the competition at the end.’
23rd June
Hill Top School (special school)
STEM day
The structure of the day could be five 45mins sessions and was hoping to include all the students, considering we are a Special school the abilities range from P levels to level 4 (The P levels are working at primary school level as many of our students struggle with Literacy and Numeracy, though often are very creative and practical.) and hoping to mix the groups.
The type of students we have include autistic, behavioural and general leaning difficulties. Each group would have a teacher plus support assistant to support the ambassadors and the size of each group would be around 15 to 20 students.
They would like activities to be as hands on and practical as possible.
2nd July
The Big Bang North East Fair, Discovery Museum
The Big Bang North East
An event which gives students from schools across the North East the opportunity to show off their projects and hard work in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), compete for prizes, the opportunity to compete to go to the national event and be crowned Young Scientist or Young Engineer of the year, meet professionals from STEM, see displays from organisations and attend entertaining STEM workshops.
We still need judges for this- please contact adam.oneill@ncl-coll.ac.uk if you are interested or would like more information.
7th July
Dryden Centre, Gateshead
-All schools in Gateshead.
Connexions Science and Engineering Careers
10-15 students in each group- total of 180 students. 9 secondary schools and one special school. At the Dryden Centre, Gateshead. 3 or 4 stands. Workshop/practical- talk and activity. Money will be available to do workshops.
7th July
Walker Technology College, NE6 4BY
industry/careers day
industry/careers day for Year 10 students on 7th July 2010 and the focus will be on STEM for the majority of the year group.
Aims are to increase student awareness/knowledge of the range/variety of STEM careers open to them in general and to introduce students to a number of different employers who will give an insight into new and cutting edge technology. To raise motivation, aspiration and achievement but in particular to emphasise the importance of Maths/English/Science. I would also like to encourage more girls to consider STEM careers.
Ideally would like students to be inspired by practical, hands on/ or interactive activities relating to engineering, technology etc.
Would like several workshops to be running at the same time so that students have a menu from which to choose. I’m thinking about 3 choices at the moment. Due to lesson assessments about 35 students will be unable to attend so I think the STEM aspect of the day will cater for about 150.
I envisage the event starting at 9.10am. Lessons last 50 minutes and there are 5 lesson periods. Lunch will be provided for ambassadors/exhibitors.
Our college day finishes at 2.45pm.
15th July
Ryton Comprehensive School, Ryton, NE40 3AH
STEM session
2 physics based and 2 biology based ambassadors to attend 1.00 – 2.00pm on 15th July. Come to school say for 12.30/12.45 to set up if need be ready to start for 1.00.
21st July
St Thomas More High School in North Shields
STEM Themed Mornings
For year 7 students. The idea is organise about 10 activities that can be one in the main hall of the school and for pupils to rotate around the different activities, spending about half an hour at each one for the duration of the morning, about 3 hours. I was wondering whether there might be some STEM ambassadors available to run a few activities.
22nd of July
St Thomas More High School in North Shields
STEM Themed Mornings
For year 7 students. The idea is organise about 10 activities that can be one in the main hall of the school and for pupils to rotate around the different activities, spending about half an hour at each one for the duration of the morning, about 3 hours. I was wondering whether there might be some STEM ambassadors available to run a few activities.
As always please let me know if you are involved in any STEM activities with school children so we know for our records and so that you are covered by our insurance. If you have any questions or would like any more information about STEM Outreach please feel free to get in touch.
‘Are you an experienced medical or science professional who is passionate about your job? Do you have the communication skills and energy to bring this enthusiasm to the screen? Channel 4 and Diverse Production are looking for the next generation of science presenting talent for a new series about the human body. In particular we would like to hear from professionals in the fields of physiology, anatomy, neurology, biology and sports science.’
For more information please send a brief CV, including photo and contact details to harri.watson@diverse.tv.
All applications must be submitted by COB on Tuesday 18th May 2010.
If you have any questions, please contact Harri Watson directly either by email or by telephone on 020 3189 3248.
Things are really hotting up for Big Bang North East! Blue Peter science presenter Steve Mould will be presenting the awards ceremony, featuring regional finalists of the Young Engineer for Britain Competition and CREST Awards. Steve will also be performing some of his favourite experiments in front of a live audience of school pupils from the North East.
See Blue Peter science presenter Steve Mould on YouTube:
