Placement Provider: Durham University
John Girkin, Nazim Bharmal
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.
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.
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.
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.
Excite… Inspire… Celebrate! The Big Bang North East
Wednesday 3 July 2013 at Newcastle University
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/
Once the exams are over summer term is all about trips. If you haven’t booked yours yet, then you’re in luck! You can have a fun, free day out at the Big Bang North East.
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
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.
Excite… Inspire… Celebrate!
Newcastle University, 4th July 2012
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:
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)
Here is a fun video about preparing for, conducting and presenting a science project at a science fair by Kevin Temmer.
It might be a useful resource for those thinking of presenting their projects at The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair. The deadline for entries for this years fair has passed, but it is never too early to start preparing for next year!
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.
Congratulations are in order for 10 projects from schools in the North East who competed in the regional Big Bang fair in July. They are going forward to compete in the National Science and Engineering competition at the Big Bang fair held at London’s ExceL on 10th – 12th March 2011. Shows including ‘Brainiac Live’, ‘Bang Goes the Theory’ and activities like ‘Amoeba to Zebra’, ‘The Ever Wondered Why Roadshow’, ‘Grow Your Own Body Parts’ and ‘Hydraulics for Frolics’ will be taking place at the event.
For more information on The Big Bang fair, to register your attendance and book tickets please visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk.
Congratulations and the best of luck to the following schools and their projects:
School
Project
Central Newcastle High School
EES Project
Emmanuel College
Automatic Curtain
Emmanuel College
The Nyctolight
Emmanuel College
Frequetherapy
Emmanuel College
Electronic Musical Keyboard
Emmanuel College
Electronic Safety Device for Bike Users to Wear
Newminster Middle School
Which Tattoos Last the Longest
Queen Elizabeth High School
Gun Barrel Movement on a Challenger Tank
Sacred Heart High School
Liver Disease
St Bede’s RC School
Safety First Warning Lights
STEM Outreach would also like to congratulate and wish the best of luck to Corylus Learning’s Colin Wilkinson and Sarah McLusky at Sparks Education who will be co-ordinating the Big Bang North East at New College Durham on 12th July 2011. For more information on next year’s regional Big Bang fair feel free to contact Colin at colin@coryluslearning.com or Sarah at sarah@sparkseducation.co.uk or visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/northeast/
• CREST is Britain’s largest national award scheme for project work in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). It gives young people aged 11-19 opportunities to explore real world projects in an exciting way. CREST links closely to the curriculum and is a great way to make STEM creative and engaging – both in and out of the class.
• CREST was established over 23 years ago. Since then, over 300,000 young people have achieved CREST Awards. In the last year alone over 25,000 CREST Awards have been undertaken.
• For students, CREST Awards are a tangible recognition of success. They can be included in personal records of achievement – and used to enhance applications to universities, colleges and potential employers.
• CREST Awards are extremely flexible – they can link into work experience placements, after-schools clubs or several linked schemes. Some projects might be done in one day – others over several months. Students can investigate or design and make, research a subject, or design a science communication project.
CREST awards are available at three levels:
Bronze
• 10 hours of project work
• Typically completed by 11-14 year olds
• £4 per student
Silver
• 30 hours of project work
• Typically completed by 14-16 year olds
• £8 per student
Gold
• 100 hours of project work
• Typically completed by 16+ year olds
• £15 per student
The levels are progressive but can be awarded separately at any stage. The differentiated levels enable youngsters of all abilities to experience positive achievement in Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths (STEM) and cover many of the required key skills in the process.
Essentials at any level
1. A CREST activity must offer students the opportunity to:
• practise existing scientific and technological skills and experience and develop new ones
• follow a science/technological process
• demonstrate individualised and independent learning
• apply their work to a ‘real world’ context
• research and make use of material and human resource
• demonstrate some creativity or innovation in their work
• communicate their work to audiences, both expert and non expert
• consider the broader implications of the work of scientists and technologists
2. All students monitor their progress with the aid of a Profile Form. Profile forms are available at each level for science and technology projects.
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:
