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.
5 to 11 AUGUST 2013
5 to 8 you will be allocated and attend a local centre
9 to 11 will be held in Birmingham overnight
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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/
£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.
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
Each March thousands of secondary schools take part in National Science & Engineering Week to stimulate pupils’ interest in STEM subjects, encourage them to consider STEM careers and to raise the profile of their school. The free downloadable resources below make taking part easy and can also provide an engaging way for you to work with scientists and engineers. To access these and more register here.
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.
Newcastle Friday 8 March 2013, 1pm. Venue: Theatre Royal. Suitable for: Year 11 and Sixth Form Students Price: £7
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.
Maker Faire is the world’s largest ‘show and tell’ with hundreds of engineers, artists, DIY-ers and inventors presenting their intriguing projects to thousands of visitors.
The weekend is a celebration of making and also features installations, live performances and drop-in workshops with visitors having the chance to make their own inspired creations to take home.
Watch a short video from last year’s festival here >
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?’
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.
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”.
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.
Eligible schools can apply for £200 funding to run activities for (National Science and Engineering Week) NSEW 2013. Free resources and support are available to help make your school’s activities straight forward and spectacular.
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.
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.
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
The Big Bang Fair 2013
London’s ExCeL Centre
14-17th March 2013.
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.
Institute of Physics’ Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2013 – Round 1
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.
We are delighted to open the nominations for The STEMNET Awards 2012! These are online at www.stemnet.org.uk/awards
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 "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.
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 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.
Summer Residential Course Opportunities for students with an interest or natural ability in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths!
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.
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.
Science made simple, an award winning science communication company, is delighted to announce a tour week of heavily subsidised engineering show days in your area thanks to funding from the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology).
They will be visiting schools in North East England from 30th April to 4th May. The shows available to schools in the area will be A Rough Guide to Engineering (KS3).
A show day can comprise of up to three performances in total. This whole day of shows is available to schools for just £75+VAT. The shows are performed in the school hall and can be presented to as many pupils as you choose to bring to the venue.
The Royal Academy of Engineering coordinates ‘Connecting Teachers’, an education project which aims to establish a network of STEM teachers across the UK. The network will provide opportunities to engage in peer support and allow teachers across STEM subject areas to offer solutions on how to widen participation in STEM at KS3 and beyond.
A number of Teacher Coordinators (TCs) will be employed on a consultancy basis around the UK with the task of building up a local network of schools and teachers and linking in with other similar active STEM teacher networks e.g. Physics Teacher Network. The TCs will work with teachers to provide them with the tools to help illustrate to students the role of engineering in society and how engineers help shape our world and improve our lives.
The Academy are looking for teachers from across the UK who have a strong D&T, engineering or ICT background and would like to get involved in this role.
The TCs will not be expected to leave their current teaching role, the TC role would typically be ½ day a week in addition to their current teaching role.
For more information on the post and to download an application form, click here
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
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.
A celebration of the innovative science happening in our region
Venue: Scotswood Suite, Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne Date: 17 May 2011 Time: 12noon – 5pm
Newcastle is a proud city of science. Driving forward the development of electric vehicles, playing a leading role in identifying causes and prevention of Alzheimer’s and pioneering cutting-edge stem cell research into the diagnosis and treatment of cancer – just some of the innovative science activities that are happening right here in Newcastle.
To showcase these activities Newcastle Science City are bringing the city’s science excellence to life under one roof, at the International Centre for Life on 17 May between 12noon and 5pm. The venue will come alive with a vibrant exhibition of the work happening across our region giving schoolchildren and the local community the chance to meet with scientists and get behind their discoveries through models, films, presentations, even taking part in a real-life experiment!
On the day we’ll be joined by special guest Steve Mould, Blue Peter’s resident scientist, who will be bringing science to life using his unique, engaging style that has won the hearts of children and adults alike.
This event is a must for anyone studying science at school, thinking of a career in a scientific area or those who simply enjoy seeing science in action!
If your school would like to attend please provide; your school name, how many children you will be bringing and your estimated time of arrival at the event via email tohelen.mcloughlin@newcastlesciencecity.com
(Please note it is anticipated that each school will need 1.5 hours to see the exhibition in full)
£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:
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.
The School of Life Sciences at Northumbria University is pleased to be hosting one of the headline Newcastle Science Festival events at it’s flagship new £30 million sport facility – Sport Central – in the heart of Newcastle city centre.
The free event Body in Action – Where’s the Science in Sport Science? will explore how Sport Scientists unlock the potential in athletes to perform to the limits of their physical ability. There’ll be demos of cutting edge equipment and an opportunity to test your own limits with strength, speed and power tests at interactive stations. You’ll also be able to speak to the experts and take a look around Sport Central.
The Open Air Laboratories network (OPAL) is launching a new Climate Survey this March, and as part of the launch OPAL North East will be hosting the OPAL Climate Roadshow for one week only.
The Roadshow will be a great opportunity to learn more about our changing climate and weather systems, through exciting hands-on experiments and activities. With the help of professional meteorologists, visitors will explore the science behind the weather, and gain a better understanding of the impact that a changing climate may have on our everyday lives.
For those who already work in relevant areas, the Roadshow can help to inspire new ways of communicating important climate issues to the wider public, and will be an excellent opportunity to discuss your thoughts and have your questions answered by our meteorologists.
The Roadshow will run from Monday 14th until Friday 18th March at the Claremont Quad, Claremont Road. Monday and Friday are open to all to drop-in and take part in the Roadshow Activities, any time from 10am-5pm.
There are also have a limited number of private sessions available for booking by groups (max. 35). Each session runs for 90 minutes and will be led by the meteorologists and OPAL NE Education officers. Slots available are:
On the 22nd March, all over the world, people will be celebrating World Water Day. Newcastle College, Kenton School and the Climate Change Schools Project would like to invite your school to be involved in an event to raise awareness of water issues around the world.
Your KS2 students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops led by sixth form students about different water issues including flooding, climate change adaptation, water scarcity and clean water. We recommend that you bring between 5 and 10 students to the event who can then go back to your school and share what they have learnt.
The event is half a day and is free to attend.
There is the opportunity to register for either the morning session or the afternoon session:
Morning: 9.30 am – 11.30am
Afternoon: 12.30pm – 2.30pm
In each session students will get to participate in two interactive workshops.
A number of sample teaching resources will be available for teachers to look at from a number of organisations including WaterAid, Oxfam and Northumbria Water.
Where:
Kenton School
Drayton Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3RU
The event is going to be really fantastic and an excellent opportunity for your students.
To register to attend or for more information contact SCENE at:
Take 12 students from Thornhill School (STEM Club members) add one STEM Ambassador as an expert (Dave Burton from Siemens) and give them a full day to face the Wetsuit Challenge. The outcome? A completely new wetsuit design for a paratriathlete Jimmy Goddard!
STEM Challenges (www.stemchallenges.net) are series of competitions that have been inspired by London 2012. Each Challenge will focus on a different aspect of the preparations or the event itself. The Challenge number 5 was to design a new wetsuit for Jimmy, a British paratriathlete who is paralysed from the chest down. He can’t move his legs, but still swims and takes part in triathlon!
Year 9 students from Thornhill started their work one week before the final took place. They met with their teacher Daniel Abraham every day after school to discuss the Challenge and even used own initiative to phone companies and got some samples of materials!
The real Challenge started on Monday 7th February at 9am. After few brainstorms and online research they came out with some brilliant ideas! Students had to finish their work and came up with the final design by 2pm when a judging session with 3 STEM Ambassadors began.
2 teams with 6 students each presented final outcomes in front of the judging panel and answered questions related to their projects. The judges were impressed with “incredible clear & well-rehearsed presentations” and the fact that both teams “knew exactly what they were talking about” plus had “great use of ICT”. The final scores for the teams were very high: first – 114 and second – 127 (out of 150 points). The judges said at the end: “All members were enthusiastic, worked really well as a team and seemed to respect each other. Well done!”
Students also entered Bronze CREST Award with their Wetsuit project. They finished the day at 3.30pm and everyone (students and judges) went home happy!
Inventing The Future: CAS Northumbria University Sixth Form Conference
A one day taster session giving an insight into the fascinating innovations in Computer Science for Sixth Form and FE students and Maths and IT/Computing teachers.
Northumbria University,
Rutherford Hall,
Ellison Building,
City Campus,
Newcastle
Friday 18th March 2011
10am – 3pm
Northumbria University School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences (CEIS) and Computing At School (CAS) bring you an exciting day, which showcases future and emerging computing technology. Activities will include:
“Being Human in the Digital Age” – Abi Sellen, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research
Northumbria University School of CEIS – why apply here?
Showcasing cutting-edge computer technology research
Industry speaker – computing in the real world
Information Security – Siraj Shaikh, Coventry University
Although the day is aimed at students, teachers can benefit from the presentations as CPD.
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
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
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/
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
Can your students work as a team, design a community sports venue and overcome engineering problems?
Want them to have fun putting science, engineering, maths and technology to the test? Then it’s time to take on the Create Sport Challenge
What is it?
The Create Sport Challenge is a FREE national competition. It allows 12/13 year old students to work in teams with a built environment professional to complete a challenging project that introduces real-world problems to the classroom.
Why take part?
Your students will:
Get active input and guidance from a working professional
Use their creativity and curriculum knowledge to overcome a range of engineering problems
Become more aware of the world around them and understand the things engineers do every day to solve worldwide and local issues
Develop skills in project management, design & technology, communication, presentation and organisation
What will your students do?
Work together as a team (20 to 30 hours for CREST awards)
Create a design for a community sports venue
Build a model of the venue
Write a detailed report of the different project stages and the problems encountered
Use the competition website and social networking tools to help with the project
What’s the prize?
Teams will be judged regionally and the best will be invited to present their work at a grand final in June 2011 at the Institution of Civil Engineers in London. The prize for 1st place will be £1,000 for the school of the winning team. Prizes for other places include a school visit by an athlete and a trip to a major sporting venue.
As part of BBC Radio Three’s Free Thinking Festival (try saying that quickly), Cafe culture Newcastle are organising a Theory Slam event.
This is your chance to expound on those little mad, exotic, insightful ideas that for years have been whirling around in your head and may in fact be absolute truth. You will have three whole minutes to convince an audience that your theory, which can be on any subject- science, philosophy, conspiracy, cookery…- is valid and robust. There are even prizes on offer.
The Theory Slam is likley to appear on radio three at some point over the next 12 months, so this is your chance for three of your fifteen minutes of fame!
The event takes place at SAGE Gateshead on November 6th, but please submit the title of your theories beforehand to info@cafeculturenortheast.org.uk
More information can be found at cafeculturenortheast.org.uk, and about the whole festival (including free tickets) at www.bbc.co.uk/freethinking
Do you teach some young scientists or engineers who deserve recognition? If they are 11-18 with a great project or invention…enter the National Science & Engineering Competition today. There is over £50,000 of prizes, including cash awards and trips abroad – plus the prestige of winning a high profile competition for your school or college and the teachers involved.
The lucky finalists will be invited to showcase their work to around 24,000 students, teachers, journalists and VIPs visiting The Big Bang: UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair in London in March 2011. Here your students can mix and compete with the country’s best – and gather tips and advice from working scientists and engineers from all fields in business and research. With plenty of individual and team prizes up for grabs, there are lots of opportunities for all students, and the two winning individuals in the senior category will be crowned the UK Young Scientist of the Year and UK Young Engineer of the Year.
The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) run a number of schemes across the UK to encourage young people to consider courses and careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). They have developed their widening participation programme where they have set up activity days to encourage pupils who are under-represented in STEM (girls, ethnic minorities and those that would be first in their family to consider higher education) to consider courses and careers in these areas and are working with a number of schools and universities in delivering these days.
First Edition is one of EDT’s widening participation programmes that aims to encourage pupils from under represented groups with a current focus on those who will be first in family to consider higher education. The days are designed to encourage creativity and innovation through hands on practical activities focused on team working and problem solving and it is intended to be the first step to a range of STEM-related educational options.
EDT also run the following schemes:
Go4Set links Year 8/9 and S2 pupils to local companies and universities through a 10 week STEM project
Engineering Education Scheme provides Year 12 and S5 students with a real scientific, engineering and technological challenge to solve over a 6 month period
Headstart offers science, technology and engineering experience courses at university for Year 12 and S5
The Year in Industry provides career development work placements for Pre-University and Undergraduate students.
To find out more about EDT, please visit EDT’s website at www.etrust.org.uk
A First Edition event will be taking place at Northumbria University on the 17th November from 10:00 to 15:00 for Year 10. If you are interested in along please contact EDT by email or call 01707 871 504
For more information about EDT schemes, please visit:
The National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), Bobby Gilbert & Associates (BG&A) and Northumbria University’s Centre for Design Research are releasing a new free schools software package, Carbon Mixer for Schools, to teach school students about renewable energy. Narec will be delivering free training, starting with a launch event at Seaton Burn College on the 23rd September. This will compliment the already existing Explore Renewables project run by Narec. The project has been financially supported by the north east England regional development agency One North East (ONE).
Teachers from Seaton Burn College in North Tyneside have worked closely with the project, to ensure it fits correctly into the curriculum. The software is aimed at Year 9-10 / Key Stage 3-4 pupils with particular relevance to Core Physics GCSE module P1a, and incorporates task differentiation for students of all ability levels. The software comes with full lesson plans.
The software draws from the existing Carbon Mixer commercial tool developed by BG&A and used by architects, developers and planners. Carbon Mixer for schools creates a simulated workplace experience for students, who are invited to take on the role of ‘Carbon Consultant’ to a range of demanding clients. As students experiment with renewable and fossil-fuel energy sources to find the perfect balance between energy demand, output, payback and carbon emissions, their clients challenge their choices and provide ongoing feedback via a simulated chat engine.
The official launch of the software will be at Seaton Burn College at 4:30pm to 6pm on Thursday the 23rd September. As places are limited, If you would like to attend the event, please email explore.renewables@narec.co.uk to register.
The address of the venue is Seaton Burn College, Dudley Lane, Seaton Burn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 6EJ
Information about the Carbon Mixer for Schools, and free downloads, will be available on the Explore Renewables website (http://www.explorerenewables.co.uk) from the 23rd September onwards. If you require any further information please contact explore.renewables@narec.co.uk
Tom Bradley
Project Engineer – Distributed Energy Narec
On behalf of the oil and gas industry OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy would like to invite senior school pupils from your school to take part in Energise Your Future to be held at Royal Marines Commando, RMR Tyne, Anzio House, Quayside, Newcastle, NE6 1BU on Thursday 30th September or Friday 1st October 2010. Session times are 09.45 – 12.00 or 12.30 – 14.45.
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this engaging and highly interactive FREE event where oil, gas and energy companies will showcase the exciting and vibrant sectors that offer real career opportunities to people now and into the future.
The industry is not just about engineering and geology – career opportunities exist for those with other talents in a variety of other disciplines including marketing, accounting, law, Human Resources, Public Relations, Drilling and Design – there’s a career to suit everyone in the Energy Industry, no matter what their skills this event will give pupils the opportunity to seek the answers they are looking for.
To allow as many schools as possible to attend places may be limited, so to secure your schools attendance at EYF Newcastle ’10 please complete the booking form or for further information please contact:
