Date: 27 to 28 June 2013 Venue: National Science Learning Centre, York Audience: post-16 teachers, science coordinators/leaders, secondary teachers and others
There have been significant changes in the careers education, information, advice and guidance landscape. Young people are facing increasing labour market uncertainty, a complex choice of routes and the need for greater career resilience.
This conference will provide a wealth of resources and information to raise awareness about the exciting STEM related careers available to young people.
Generous ENTHUSE Award bursaries are available for teachers and lecturers from state funded schools, academies or colleges.
This guide shows you how to go about the important issue of funding, how to run a STEM Clubs with next to nothing, and the possible sources of finance for your STEM Club
The Biochemical Society has announced that grants of up to £1,000 are available to support scientific outreach events that communicate the excitement of molecular bioscience to young people and the community. Applications for funding are invited to assist with the direct costs associated with an event and expenses incurred (e.g. transport and/or teacher cover). The Biochemical Society must be acknowledged at the event and in the resources produced. Copies of all materials generated should be submitted to the Society to disseminate to others where appropriate. A short report of the activity and list of attendees is a condition of the grant. There are two round of applications per year, in September and April.
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.
The IET Education Fund provides support for local education projects which are endorsed by IET Local Networks.
Any organisation capable of developing and delivering UK-based projects which promote STEM subjects to school children can apply for funding, including schools, IET Local Networks and IET TPNs. Awards of up to £5000 can be offered.
Applications for funding must be endorsed by the IET Local Network in which the project will be carried out, and applicants require a referee who can confirm their ability to deliver the project.
2013 funding round
Bids for funding will be accepted from 1 January 2013 to 18 March 2013 for projects taking place 1 May 2013 to 30 April 2014. Bids submitted after 18 March cannot be considered.
A formal judging process will take place, with judges’ decisions expected 26 April 2013.
To apply for funding you must:
read the criteria and guidelines
develop your application in collaboration with your IET Local Network
submit your application electronically to the regional liaison officer
All successful applicants are required to submit a report on completion of the funded project. Applicants who have not submitted a report for a previously funded project will not be considered for further funding until the outstanding report has been submitted and acknowledged.
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.
The STEM Directories Grant scheme is now open for applications from teachers (deadline 3pm on Tuesday 30 October). You can promote yourself to teachers, and you’re eligible for the grant scheme if you get yourself on there.
A bit more information about the grants
Grants of up to £500 for you to have a STEM enrichment activity take place at schools in England before March 2013, to be chosen from those listed in the online STEM Directories (www.stemdirectories.org.uk).
The aim of STEM Directories Grants Scheme is to foster the use of the STEM Directories, enable wider access to activities listed and support STEM teachers. The scheme is designed to not only raise awareness of enrichment activities but to support teachers’ professional development and enhance the experience in school by helping integrate enrichment activities in curricular practice. Grants are open to all state-funded schools in England. Applications are particularly welcome from both schools in underprivileged areas and high achieving schools.
Some activities may be free, in which case funds can be used to help integrate these in classroom practice (e.g. for materials and/or CPD). Grant funds will be transferred once the activity has been delivered (usually directly to the activity provider). Please remember the maximum grant is £500 and any further cost is the responsibility of the school.
Providers, if you’re not listed on the site, you won’t be eligible for teachers to apply for a grant to access your scheme. They also provide money to the school even if your scheme is free, so everyone wins!
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.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is committed to promoting enthusiasm and understanding of STEM subjects in young people and, as part of this commitment, offers funding to support local education projects.
The IET Education Fund is an annual fund, and will be accepting bids for funding from 1 January 2012 to 9 March 2012 for projects taking place 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2013. Awards of up to £5000 can be offered. Eligible projects must help to engage UK-based students aged 5-19 with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects, and projects must involve more than one educational establishment. For more information and an application pack, please go to http://www.theiet.org/fund
After some fantastic placements last summer we are now looking for project hosts for Summer 2012. Could you host one of the region’s bright, enthusiastic and capable young scientists and engineers?
Nuffield Bursaries offer aspiring young scientists the opportunity to explore their chosen field of science, technology, engineering or maths during a 4 to 6 week summer placement. North East placements are offered by leading local and national businesses, scientific industrial research institutes and all of our excellent local universities.
Background
Newcastle is fast becoming an internationally recognised centre of excellence for the development of research and entrepreneurship in the field of sustainability and green energy, as well as being recognised as the most sustainable city in the UK.
Newcastle Science City is leading the way in supporting the development of business and innovation in this field, and through the Community Science Team at Centre West, is working to bring the city’s world class scientific and technological achievements into the lives of the people who live here.
Newcastle Science City has joined with Newcastle City Council’s Arts Development Team to create a collaborative project on the theme of ‘sustainability’.
The project will pair up two artists with two scientists who will then work with two community groups from Newcastle to create artworks and to educate about sustainability.
It aims to bring this vital area of scientific research to life for the people and communities of Newcastle by enabling them to access and engage with it in a practical, exciting and hands on manner.
Timetable
The project will start in the Autumn of 2011 and conclude by 31 March 2012
Proposals
We are looking for a science partner who would be interested in collaborating with an artist to work with a community group on an experimental and innovative project that inspires, educates and raises the profile of creativity and sustainability.
Proposals should include:
· Your CV
· Information about your science background / speciality / interest
· Why you are interested in the project
· Your experience of working with hard to reach communities
Please note: Successful applications will be subject to an enhanced CRB check and reference check before appointment
Budget
The overall budget for this project is £10 000 and we anticipate that it will be split equally between the science and art aspects of the project (£5 000 per area). The budget will cover all staff costs, materials, events, promotional materials etc.
Deadline for proposals: 30 September 2011 Interviews will be held on 12 October 2011
Please send proposals to:
Rhianne Dixon
Centre West
Community Science Team
28 Hawthorn Terrace
Newcastle
NE4 6RJ rhianne.dixon@centre-west.com
The Partnership Grants scheme offers grants of up to £3,000 for science projects run at a primary or secondary school or college in partnership with a professional scientist or engineer. In order to apply for this grant teachers must team up with a practising scientist or engineer and STEM Ambassadors are more then welcome to help!!!
Examples of our local North East past projects include:
The Royal Academy of Engineering offers support to new STEM Clubs. They have £200 grant and free engineering based CPD to the club leader to support them setting up and running their STEM club. On their website they also offer some free resources to download. Check the link:
Education Endowment Foundation grants – open for applications
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is an independent charity dedicated to raising the educational attainment of disadvantaged pupils in Primary and Secondary schools in England, and is funded by a £125m grant from the Department for Education. The EEF’s vision is to break the link between family background and educational achievement, ensuring that pupils from all backgrounds have the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations and make the most of their talents.
Grants start from £50,000 and should reach at least 100 students, in one or multiple schools. The support offered by the EEF will depend on assessment of the needs of the host organisation and the scale and nature of the project. As well as a financial grant, an organisation might also be offered capacity-building support and other advice and expertise – for example, around targeting or scale-up.
Deadlines for applications are:
- 03 October 2011
- 2 December 2011
- 30 March 2012
£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:
Do you have a fantastic idea for making physics accessible? Do you want to reach a wider audience? Do you need some support to make your outreach activity happen?
The second round of the 2011 Public Engagement Grant Scheme from the Institute of Physics is now open for applications. The grants are worth up to £1000 and aim to support physics-based outreach activities in the UK and Ireland throughout 2011. Activities should provide engaging experiences of physics for public audiences.
Do you have a question or issue you would like to explore in your own teaching? Are you interested in applying for some funding to support you in some aspect of teacher enquiry / action research?
The NCETM Regional Project Programme has proved very successful over the last two years in helping people to get started on such projects and supporting them through the process of application, development and final report writing.
See the portal for details of current and previous projects such as the Throckley Primary Lesson Study, Stockton Riverside College Collaborative Mathematics, Garforth Community College Dialogic Teaching or the Durham LA Developing Pedagogy network.
Your regional STEM Champion is looking for case studies and inviting you to apply for Action Research fundingNCETM are looking for case studies to promote effective practice in the region across the STEM subjects (Science, Engineering and Mathematics). Each successful project will qualify for a £500 grant from the regional STEM priority fund.
Your regional STEM Champion is also inviting bids for £1000 from your organisation to support Action Research Projects. Application is through the LSIS funding portal via the LSIS Excellence Gateway.
Other LSIS funding is also available to apply for during October /November. STEM Cascade training – £1000 to create more teaching and learning change agents within the STEM subjects, with a minimum of 10 new change agents being trained. STEM CPD – £1000 to explore one or two STEM subject areas – aimed at those starting to explore improved teaching and learning in STEM. Step Up in STEM – £5000 to explore two or more STEM subject areas e.g. through CPD, curriculum development, action based research – aimed at those with experience of the STEM and / or Teaching and Learning Programme.
Calling all maths subject leaders in the post-16 sector
A final reminder about the first NCETM national online seminar for mathematics subject leaders in the post-16 sector. In the seminar we will: address some of the big issues that post-16 subject leaders face; suggest resources that can support you in the role; give you the chance to hear from other subject leaders and share your experiences and challenges; offer you the opportunity to join a continuing post-16 subject leaders’ network.
Aspiring subject leaders are also very welcome.
All in the comfort of your own home … and with no travelling and no cover costs. Pour yourself a cuppa, pull up a chair, and join in.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 3 November from 8.00 to 9.00pm. If you are interested in joining one of these meetings and/or would like to know more, please contact Phillipa Marshall. There is a limit of around 20 places and they are going fast, so you are advised to apply early.
The Royal Society’s Partnership Grants scheme is now open. You can apply for up to £3000 to work with scientists and engineers on creative investigations that inspire students with the excitement and wonder of cutting-edge science or engineering research.
Funds are available for projects working with students aged between 5-19, as long as the project involves a UK school or college, and a practising scientist or engineer. The next round for applications closes on 5 November 2010. For more details about eligibility criteria and to find out how to apply, go to http://royalsociety.org/partnership.
UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL RESEARCH AND THE NATIONAL SCIENCE LEARNING CENTRE
Understanding Animal Research and the National Science Learning Centre are offering 12 grants of £400 each for teachers to participate in residential summer CPD workshop to develop key stage 3 and 4 teaching modules on the science of animal research.
The workshop will take place from 3 – 5 August 2010 at the National Science Learning Centre in York. Delegates should be practising teachers of science at key stages 3 and 4 in England and Wales.
If you are interested in taking part, please send a CV and a brief statement of interest (no more than 250 words) to John Meredith at jmeredith@uar.org.uk or email for more information.
All applications must be submitted by COB Wednesday 30th June 2010.
STEM Cascade training – £1000 to create more teaching and learning change agents within the STEM subjects, with a minimum of 10 new change agents being trained.