Children throughout the North East are discovering something new, inventing amazing things, and investigating the unknown… and they want you to join them!
STEM Clubs are an opportunity for school children to learn away from the confines of the classroom and national curriculum. Students can investigate and explore the science, technology, engineering, and maths that really interests them and STEM Club sessions could cover just about any topic.
Popular STEM Clubs have covered topics including: computer coding, biology and nature, maths puzzles (code cracking), robotics (and robot wars), engineering (and sustainable energy), rocketry, chemistry (and blowing stuff up), astronomy, physics, science talks, and the incredible things being discovered today.
The clubs are often held after school (from 3.30pm) or during lunchtimes but can take place at a variety of times and dates.
Get Involved
If you are already a STEM Ambassador it’s really easy to start supporting a local STEM Club. All you need to do is contact us at ambassadors@ncl-coll.ac.uk, or on 0191 200 4453, and we’ll find you a STEM Club that needs your help.
If you’re not currently registered as a STEM Ambassador, getting started couldn’t be easier: Simply register at https://db.stemnet.org.uk/register/ambassador and our coordinators will be in touch to arrange your DBS check and induction training.
STEM Advisory Network – STEM Clubs Evening
We would like to invite you to our STEM Clubs evening on Thursday 20 June 2013. The event is aimed at STEM Ambassadors, volunteers, and teachers interested in learning more about STEM Clubs. At the event you can watch demonstrations of STEM Club activities and meet with teachers, and other people involved in clubs, to plan and support the STEM clubs programme.
Thursday 20th June 2013, 4pm – 6pm
@ New Sixth Form Building
Newcastle Sixth Form College
Westmorland Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 7SA
Sat Nav: Newcastle College, Rye Hill Campus, Scotswood Rd, NE4 7SA
Map: Google Maps Link Unfortunately google maps still thinks we are a building site but the main entrance is very obvious now on Elswick East Terrace roughly where you can see the little red crane on the google map image.
Parking is available at the main car-park off Scotswood road: Map link for parking
Agenda
3.30pm to 4.00pm Registration and refreshments
RAEng “Winning Medals” kit
- Dave Thomas, RAEng Connecting STEM Teachers. Your chance to evaluate this resource and take it away for use in your school.
3D Printing, STEM Club activity and teacher CPD opportunity
– Mark Thirlwell, 3d Futures.
STEM Clubs Network support
– David Rogers, STEM Advisory Network.
Running a STEM Club | Demo activities
– Chris Bell, Sacred Heart High School.
Stories of success
– approaches to STEM, activities and events that have made a difference.
The UK Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) is holding a conference to inspire science teachers to use space as a context to enrich the teaching of biology, chemistry and physics.
This conference aims to support secondary science teachers through keynote lectures from high profile speakers, all incorporating links to the new proposed curriculum, and a series of hands on, practical sessions designed to inform, inspire and support.
Date: 2 and 3 July 2013.
The conference commences at 10am on Tuesday with dinner in the evening, and finishes at 4.45pm on Wednesday.
Venue: National STEM Centre, University of York, York YO10 5DD
Cost: The conference is free and includes food, accommodation and a £70 travel bursary for teachers
To book a place complete the form at: http://teacher_space_conference.eventbrite.co.uk/#
This conference will be an opportunity to:
• Discover contemporary science resources and support that is available to enrich science teaching.
• Talk to teachers about their experiences of using space as a context for teaching science, including teachers in established networks such as the STFC Leading Space School Programme and the National Space Centre’s Space Academy Programme.
• Hear about the latest developments in the new draft science curriculum in England.
• Learn from organisations carrying out contemporary science within the context of the draft science curriculum.
Keynote speakers:
Professor Bob Cywinski, University of Huddersfield
Anu Ojha, National Space Centre
Professor John Zarnecki, Open University (TBC)
Laura Thomas, 2013 Institute of Physics Schools’ Lecturer
Professor John Cave, Middlesex University
Julia Willingale-Theune, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Star Track – Network Rail Design Trainee/Apprentice course
Network Rail have designed a new trainee/apprenticeship scheme, with 20 placements in various locations. It is a 2-year scheme, offered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.
“The future of Britain’s railway is looking better than ever, and your future will too with Network Rail.
With hugely ambitious engineering projects under way across the UK, we’ve created a brand new scheme to train track design engineers. This is a fantastic moment to join us if you have good technical and maths skills and a real drive to succeed.
You’ll enjoy a varied and challenging training programme which includes producing your own designs for track layouts and seeing them installed on site. There is huge variety to the role, with real scope to develop a rewarding career in the rail industry.”
A maths competition for 16+ students, run by Transversal in partnership with Olympic gold-medal-winning sailor Sarah Ayton.
Maths competition
Put your maths skills to the test and win a sailing lesson with a double-gold Olympic medal winning sailor!
If you think maths is done from behind a desk, think again! The Transversal Maths Challenge gives pupils the chance to test out their maths skills in the real world – on the high seas. Open to UK students between the ages of 16 and 18 in full-time education, the competition challenges pupils to solve a series of maths problems centred on sailing.
The prize
The six finalists will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Port Hamble, Southampton on Thursday, 4 July 2013 to take part in a sailing lesson with double-gold Olympic medal winning British sailor, Sarah Ayton, whose most recent success came when her team won the Yngling sailing class during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The following day, Friday 5 July 2013, the students will put their new skills to the test as they take part in the annual Transversal Charity Cup. This sees teams compete in a yacht race from Cowes, Isle of Wight to Port Hamble, Southampton to win money for their chosen cause.
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.
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.”
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
This guide will give you an idea of the impact STEM Clubs have on achievement, some opportunities for staff CPD, and the awards and competitions STEM Clubs can engage in.
This series of films will give you an idea of how to create your club identity, extend the impact of your club, and working with other schools and your local community.
Open Educational Resource programme ‘The Virtual School’
Virtual school would like to invite teachers to contribute short audio lessons to be turned into learning videos. The videos will be distributed free of charge on the Virtual School YouTube Channel for use by teachers and science explainers or for pupils to watch at home.
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.
The British Science Association has published a new guide for teachers about STEM project work. It’s likely to be of most interest to secondary teachers of STEM subjects who use (or would like to use) student-led project work as a way of teaching or doing extra-curricular activities. It’s been written by Linda Scott, an experienced CREST Coordinator and teacher educator at the University of Worcester, and supported by Intel.
£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.
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.
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 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.
The University of Nevada are running a challenge for which UK schools are eligible.
Full details are available at http://cadchallenge.net.
The challenge is to create a 3D design using a free browser-based CAD tool. Designs will be judged on complexity and physical fidelity.
Prizes
First place: NCLab Full Version for one year (see details), an iPad 3, and Certificate of Award.
Second place: NCLab Full Version for one year (see details) and Certificate of Award.
Third place: NCLab Extended Version for one year (see details) and Certificate of Award.
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.
An exciting new job opportunity has become available working with us at Newcastle College STEM Outreach! If you have an interest in working with schools and other organisations to increase engagement with science, technology, engineering, and maths we would love to hear from you.
STEM Outreach Coordinator / Administrator
Ref: SIX 6372
Salary: £15,720 – £16,157 per annum
Closing Date: 27 July 2012
Interview Date: 14 August 2012
This post involves arranging STEM Outreach activities across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. You will work extensively with organisations representing the whole spectrum of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), educational institutions, professional associations and STEM Ambassadors (volunteers form industry) throughout the region.
With a passion for STEM, the successful candidate will be highly self-motivated and able to work with a range of people from different backgrounds. Customer relations are extremely important in this role.
Applicants should have experience of project work and working in a busy office environment. The successful candidate will have a relevant level 3 academic/vocational qualification or higher.
Please note that this post is fixed term until 31 March 2015.
Newcastle College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Strictly no agencies or canvassing.
Job Title: STEM Outreach Administrator Reports to: STEM Outreach Lead / School Office Manager Grade: Support Grade E Pension: LGPS Teaching Role Category: Non Teaching
Key Tasks:
To contribute to the organisation for STEM Outreach activities across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. To ensure the smooth operation of STEM Outreach systems and procedures.
Summary of Responsibilities:
The following are Job Specific responsibilities for this position:
1. To liaise with STEM organisations and educational institutions to ensure events run smoothly.
2. To maintain STEMNET and STEM Outreach database systems.
3. To maintain and collate information relating to STEM Outreach activities and participants.
4. To deal with enquiries about STEM Outreach activities.
5. To attend events in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland acting as an Ambassador for the College and STEM Outreach.
6. Complete routine clerical tasks within the school office.
7. Contribute to the enhancement of systems and procedures relating to STEM Outreach activities.
8. To assist the administration of the Sixth Form College when required.
The following are standard responsibilities for all positions within the College:
1. Participate in any College staff review/performance management processes involving the identifying and meeting of training needs for self and others.
2. Take appropriate responsibility to ensure the health and safety of self and others.
3. Pursue the achievement and integration of equal opportunities throughout all College activities.
4. Undertake any other tasks and responsibilities appropriate to the level of this post.
5. Newcastle College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.
Alternatively, packs are available for collection from the Shared Services Department,
Newcastle College Sandyford Campus,
Sandyford Road,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE1 8QE
Telephone: (0191) 200 4000
Please return completed applications to the above address by Friday 27 July 2012.
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.
SCENE at Newcastle College would like to invite teachers to bring groups of 5-10 of their Year 10 students to an exciting free event at Newcastle College on Friday 29th June.
The "Rio +20 Youth Solutions Conference" will give students a chance to debate the same global issues to be discussed by world leaders at the "Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development" in June.
Young people will have the opportunity to see how these issues are affecting the North East as part of the College’s role in the UN Regional Centre for Expertise (RCE) in Education for Sustainable Development. Through this they aim to give young people a voice about sustainability issues. The solutions from the event, suggested by young people, will be discussed at the next annual meeting for the global RCE.
Debates will be facilitated by passionate Sixth Form Students from the College, industry experts and professionals, and teachers will be invited to support debates. Also during the day we hope to provide information to students about careers and training in sustainability and the environment sector.
Issues to be discussed on a local level:
• Jobs
• Energy
• Food
• Flooding and Drought
(More information about Rio+20 can be found at www.uncsd2012.org/rio20)
The event will be suitable for gifted and talented students as well as subject areas like citizenship, sciences, geography or a school eco-committee. Please register with Rachael Little via email rachael.little@ncl-coll.ac.uk or phone 0191 200 4453.
St Thomas More School, in North Tyneside, is offering a select number of schools the opportunity to be involved in a fantastic day. This is for four Year 9 students from your school that may be interested in pursuing a career in civil, mechanical, design engineering or maths industry.
Teams of four will be competing against 19 other local schools using expert advice from industry specialists. An accompanying teacher (from a Maths, Science or Technology background) is also invited to attend a STEM Club CPD session to learn about and test the type of activities you could run with a small group of students in your school. You will be involved with the Athlete or Machine training, a session informing you about free STEMNET resources that are available and you will have the opportunity to be involved with a STEM Ambassador activity.
Lunch will be provided for teachers, please ask student to bring a packed lunch. Please email Jonathan Powell (JPowell@stmschool.org.uk) with subject heading CHALLENGE DAY to book your place.
Cost: FREE with lunch and refreshments included. Places must be pre-booked through the Science Learning Centre North East. (Failure to attend without prior notice will incur a £25 administration fee.)
Everyone who teaches physics, from to PGCE students to technicians to fully seasoned teachers, are being offered a day of training sponsored by The Institute of Physics, Science Learning Centre North East and Durham University.
A range of interactive workshops will provide the opportunity to explore some of the latest development in physics and new resources for teaching physics in the classroom.
There is a choice of four workshops, of which participants will need to select two from the following: “Physics and Toys”, ”ICT in the science classroom”, “Jolting the jaded – do physics” or “Seeing inside the body: practical medical physics activities and resources”. More information can be found here.
The day is being help at the Durham University
on 21 June 2012 from 9.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Participants can book by ringing Nicola Hall on 0191 370 6200,
or by emailing n.l.hall@durham.ac.uk.
The day is an excellent opportunity and is completely FREE, with lunch and refreshments included. Places must be pre-booked through the Science Learning Centre North East. (Failure to attend without prior notice will incur a £25 administration fee.)
The Royal Academy of Engineering
Regional STEM Teacher Coordinator
The Royal Academy of Engineering is seeking to appoint an experienced and resourceful teacher of a STEM subject who can enthuse other teachers and support the development of STEM in their local schools.
The aim of the Connecting Teachers project is to create a national network of support for STEM teachers, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to engage a greater number and wider spectrum of students in STEM. The role of the Teacher Coordinator involves establishing a network of local schools and providing support, guidance and training for the teachers of STEM subjects in these schools.
The Academy already has 16 Teacher Coordinators in post across the UK and is looking to add to this number. We are particularly keen to receive applications from mathematics and ICT teachers in the following regions:
• Northern Ireland
• North East
• West Midlands
• South West
• South Wales
• South East
• London
Applications are also welcome from teachers of the science subjects, D&T and engineering.
Candidates should apply in writing to Dominic Nolan (Dominic.Nolan@raeng.org.uk) at The Royal Academy of Engineering, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DG. Please enclose a full CV and a letter outlining why you are suitable for the role and how you would set up and run a network. The CV must include the names and contact details of two referees.
Closing date: Monday 19th March (midday).
Interviews to be held on 2nd and 3rd April.
STEMNET and Cisco are challenging 11-16 year olds to use their Maths and Science skills to
plan a major sporting event in their local area. The Challenge is to plan a major sporting event that would transform your local area and showcase local and national talent. Teams of 4-6 students must choose a sport and a venue or location, and work out what resources, facilities and equipment would be
needed for the event. As with all STEM Challenges, teams will present their project at a STEM Challenge
local judging event.
Here’s a quick run-down of National Science and Engineering Week events open to the public and schools in the North East. Click on the links to view full descriptions of the events
National Science & Engineering Week: Events and activities for everyone, 9–18 March 2012
In 2012, National Science & Engineering Week explores “our world in motion.”
National Science & Engineering Week shines the spotlight each March on how science, technology, engineering and maths relate to our everyday lives and helps to inspire the next generation of scientists with fun and participative activities.
With over 4,500 events and activities attended by 1.7 million people in 2011 and generating over £1m in press coverage, this is the UK’s widest grassroots celebration of all things science and engineering. You can join the celebration by attending an event or taking part in our national activities.
Armstrong the Electrical Wizard
Date(s): 14th March 2012 (11:00) to 14th March 2012 (13:00)
Date(s): 14th March 2010 (14:00) to 14th March 2010 (16:00)
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.
Free Regional STEM Careers Guidance Event for Post 16 Students Date: Wednesday 15th March 2012, 10am – 2pm Venue: University of Sunderland, Dale Building, Sciences Complex, City Campus, Sunderland
Held within National Science and Engineering Week the STEM @ Sunderland Event is a hands on showcase event highlighting STEM careers and building the links between education and industry. Aimed at year 12 students with an interest in STEM careers and those who are considering university progression the event is open to schools and colleges from across the north east region. Delivered as a joint venture between The University of Sunderland, STEM Outreach at Newcastle College and RTC North Ltd; students will engage in employer led workshops across the four STEM disciplines. Participating companies include:
Proctor and Gamble
BT
3M
EDF energy
Thorne Lighting
NHS careers
NHS Pathology labs
SABIC
Siemans
Additional activities will be provided by ICE and Go Motorsports with a series of stimulating and exhilarating activities also offered by the University of Sunderland including Real Man Simulation (Sim Man) and Xsens MVN Biomech Suit.
Held at the Sciences Complex, City Campus, University of Sunderland; groups students will have access to regional and national employers, advice on STEM careers and university progression routes including funding advice and an insight into STEM opportunities.
Information for teachers
Open to 10 x year 12 students (per institution) interested in STEM careers and university progression
Interactive sessions delivered by companies and STEM ambassadors and supported by university students
Opportunity to meet and talk to current STEM employers encouraging education and industrial links for the school / college and employer contact, information and advice for the student
Access to University information and advice throughout the day
All students will receive 6 x 30 minutes taster workshops with sessions allocated to schools in advance
It is anticipated that 18 schools from across the region will take receive a place therefore allocation given on a first come first served basis
Unfortunately lunch is NOT provided therefore packed lunches must be brought by individuals
Registration
For further information and to register your school for this event please contact STEM Outreach at ambassadors@ncl-coll.ac.uk
The 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 Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) honours teachers for their dedication to inspiring the next generation of chemists.
Do you know someone who has made a significant contribution to teaching the chemical sciences, developed innovative materials for students or is based in industry and has played a key role in promoting the chemical sciences in education?
They have a wide range of Prizes and Awards to acknowledge those undertaking excellent work. In recognition of their achievement award winners receive up to £2,000 prize money. Visit the RSC website for further details and to make a nomination.
Reward achievement: 2012 nominations open on 1 September 2011.
To view our full list of Prizes and Awards visit the RSC website.
Closing date for nominations is 15 January 2012
One of our STEM Ambassadors – Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel from Newcastle University is delivering a workshop on energy production. Teachers are invited to attend.
Teachers’ workshop: Motivating critical thinking of young people in issues surrounding energy production and use.
Date: Thursday 24th November 2011 Time: 4:15pm to 6:30pm Venue: The Meadows. Waterville Road. North Shields. Tyne & Wear, NE29 6BA. http://www.meadowwellconnected.org.uk
Travel: Next to Meadow Well metro station (see map attached)
Price: Free
Registration Deadline 15th November Buffet and refreshments available on arrival.
Please register for this event so that we know how many people to expect: http://forms.ncl.ac.uk/view.php?id=2303
Project Background:
The ‘North East Schools: understanding Energy and Sustainability’ project aims to develop a sustainable programme in Energy Education through Newcastle University engagement with Schools, Councils and Museums in the North East.
Programme activities include: taster sessions, identification of resources (online questionnaire), development of resources (including teachers’ workshops), and delivery of activities at schools.
If you have time, please fill in the online questionnaire to ensure the event meets your needs and expectations. http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/newcastle/beaconenergyteachersq
The purpose of this workshop:
• Capture your views on energy related educational resources
• Provide training in energy management (including a tour of renewable energy facilities at the Meadows)
• Showcase some of the energy educational materials we are developing: workshops, lesson plans, pupils’ findings, outcomes. This will include a presentation of findings from the Whitley Bay High School yr9 workshop on ‘Can you help improve your school’s energy efficiency?’
Identify educational resources associated with our core expertise in energy research at Newcastle University
This workshop has been developed in collaboration with North Tyneside Council, and supported by Whitley Bay High School and The Meadows.
If you would like more information about the project, please contact:
Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel , Research Associate in Energy Biosciences at Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability (elisa.lopez-capel@ncl.ac.uk) http://www.beaconnortheast.org.uk/projects/18/ne-schools-understanding-energy-and-sustainability-project
If you would like more information about The Encompass tool and Energy management, please contact: Mike Keenlyside, Environmental Sustainability Officer at North Tyneside Council.
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.
The ICT for Education national conference programme reaches Newcastle on Friday 23 September, 7:45am to 2:15pm, and attendance is FREE for all delegates.
Drawing on both regional and national ICT expertise, the conference schedule has been designed to meet the issues of both teachers and schools, and includes a vendor exhibition showcasing solutions to meet your ICT needs. The line-up of speakers is headlined by learning consultant Tim Rylands who will deliver two presentations. The first will start at 8:15am and give you innovative ideas on how to model teaching that includes ICT and focuses on quality learning, while the second will start at 1:00pm and will include whirlwind tour of over 60 web tools, mostly free, in just 60 minutes!
Free STEM Activity days in your school or college
– apply now to host an IET Faraday Challenge Day
The Faraday Challenge Days are one day activities, designed for six teams of six students aged 12-13 years, delivered in your school by the IET.
They give students the opportunity to research, design and build prototype solutions to genuinely tough engineering problems.
There will be 45 Challenge Days this season, starting in September 2011, with the winners
of each event winning prizes for themselves and their school. The top three teams from across the UK get an all expenses paid trip to the National Final in London in June 2012 to compete for a cash prize of up to £1000 for their school.
Two ways to take part
Each host school needs a school hall or large classroom for the day, and six teams of six students to take part (36 students in total).
Schools can either apply to:
enter all six teams from their own school, or
enter one team from their own school, and invite five teams from local schools to join them.
Completely FREE
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is one of the world’s leading professional societies for the engineering and technology community. It is through its charitable arm that
we are able to provide the IET Faraday Challenge Days at no charge to UK schools.
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:
As you know, water is a basic requirement for all life, yet water resources are facing increasing demands and competition from users. The UN General Assembly assigned 22 March of each year as the World Day for Water after the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. Since 1995 World Water Day has been celebrated across the world, raising the issues related to water. In 2011 there were over 600 World Water Day events being held around the world, one of which was at Kenton School.
Water for the World
Over 100 people from 12 primary schools across Tyne and Wear turned up to support World Water Day and to gain a greater awareness of water scarcity issues. A range of entertaining workshops were on display to get stuck in to; from scientific experiments to mapping water scarcity on Google Maps to throwing cups of water at sixth formers – the latter being very popular! Many thanks are in order for the workshop deliverers including: the Environment Agency, Newcastle University, TDR, Kenton School, Sir Charles Parsons Primary School, WaterAid as well as SCENE Ambassadors from Newcastle College Sixth Form.
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.
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:
Can you help explain the concepts that students find hardest to learn?
“Often, the best teaching goes unnoticed and unrewarded. Britain’s Dream Teachers, created by Jamie Oliver and YouTube, aims to identify and celebrate inspiring teaching and help students get to grips with the toughest topics.”
YouTube has asked more than a thousand students and teachers as well as subject experts at Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body, to come up with what they consider to be the toughest topics at GCSE and Standard Grade in Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography and History.
The identified topics in Biology are: What is the role of DNA in cloning and evolution?; How does nerve transmission work?; Which enzymes catalyse what substrates and how do I remember them all?
In Chemistry: How are polymers structured?; How do I test for ions in a compound?; How do you balance a chemical equation?
In Physics: How is radioactivity used in everyday life?; What is electromagnetic induction and how does it work?; How do I calculate forces and momentum and what equations do I need?
Now the question is have you got the answers?
If you’ve got an effective way of teaching one of the toughest topics make a short video of your idea and post it up on YouTube so other teachers and students can learn from your approach. You could also win a £10,000 prize split between you and your school, and the winning teachers with a group of students will be invited to an award ceremony at Google’s UK headquarters.
Upload your video by midnight on 5th April when all entries will be judged by a panel of subject specialists including previous Teaching Award winners. The results will be announced on 13th April.
The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) launched “theWeather Club” in September 2010. theWeather Club is the public outreach arm of RMetS, where general public members can become part of a community in which the weather is something to be celebrated, enjoyed and talked about. To enthuse people with a passing interest in the weather with stories about exciting, often dramatic, occasionally sublime weather from around the world. A recent survey in the UK revealed that the average Briton spends an astonishing six months out of their lives talking about the weather so this club is appealing to an eager audience.
Membership includes a free Galileo thermometer, a quarterly magazine called “theWeather,” full access to website content, weather forums and a great range of discounts on weather related products, weather postcards, a collectable A-Z of weather and a membership card,.
The launch of theWeather Club was marked by a project called “The Great British Weather Experiment,” during September and October to help study the arrival of autumn. The study is the largest of its kind in UK with hundreds of people taking thousands of observations of weather, temperature and rainfall. The results can be found on theWeather Club website. The launch also included a tour of Britain in a VW campervan called Daphne, visiting 16 cities in 8 days and encouraging schools and individuals to participate in the experiment.
Dr Liz Bentley, founder theWeather Club, said: “theWeather Club is for all those who appreciate the weather for all its wonders. Its beauty, its power, its fragility, its occasional absurdity, and deep fundamental influence it has upon us all. It will allow us to come together and share our obsession with the weather.” To find out more about theWeather Club visit www.theWeatherClub.org.uk
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:
Event for STEM Ambassadors and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics school / college teachers
STEM Advisory Forum and STEMNET are pleased to invite you to the
STEM Forum Event
The Royal Society,
6-9 Carlton House Terrace,
London,
SW1Y 5AG
Tuesday 22 March 2011
4:30pm to 7:00pm
This event brings together school and college teachers with people who use Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in industry and business. There will be presentations on the school curriculum and on STEM in the economy. The main purpose of the event is to enable a sharing of information and views between education and the workplace.
STEM Ambassadors will have the opportunity to talk directly to those involved in STEM teaching at school/college and will be able to share examples of how they use STEM in their work.
Teachers will have the opportunity to share with those in industry and business the factors that influence what happens in lessons. Teachers will be able to use the examples of STEM in the workplace in their lessons.
A light buffet will be provided at 6.30pm.
To book your place at this exciting event, please click on the event registration link below:
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!
This three-day residential course for practising physics teachers will be based at the university’s physics department. The course will include: a demonstration lecture on magnetic liquids; talks on the physics of computer games, teaching electricity, nuclear astrophysics and, fusion; a night visit to the university observatory; and, practical workshops on medical physics activities, context-led teaching and how to encourage more girls to engage with physics.
Organised by the Institute of Physics and co-subsidised by SEPnet and the Armourers & Brasiers Company, Physics Updates are great value course with plenty of opportunities to share ideas and experiences with fellow physics specialists. The lecture component of the programme is devised to update participants on the latest innovations in physics as well as curriculum matters. “Hands-on” workshops afford teachers opportunities to try new equipment, develop new experimental techniques, try out novel investigations and engage with alternative teaching and learning strategies.
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.
We need to encourage more young women into science/engineering/technology based careers, so Headstart are extending their course opportunities to year eleven girls.
There is a brand new course for year 11/S4 girls:
Newcastle University:
11th – 13th July 2011
Hosted by the School of Marine Science & Technology, students will design, build and test a design which will increase the efficiency of the shipping industry and therefore use less fuel, cost less to run and hopefully be kinder to our environment. Underpinning the course will be skill development sessions comprising project management, confidence building, team-working, study skills and presentation skills.
The course will be a valuable preparation for STEM A-levels and we’d be grateful if you could let your female students know about this great opportunity.
Places are limited so completed applications need to be returned to us as soon as possible.
The Promoting STEM careers in your classroom course is on 17-18th March 2011 at the National science learning Centre in York. The course is designed for teachers of STEM subjects from Key Stage three to Post- 16, careers education and information, advice and guidance practitioners. It will provide opportunities for STEM staff to extend and enhance the work they do already. Tap into a wealth of new resources and support networks to raise awareness about the exciting STEM related careers available to young people. Hear from schools who have successfully integrated STEM careers awareness into their curriculum. Network with experts from industry, engineering, higher education and the Department of Education’s STEM cohesion team and other STEM professionals.
This conference carries an ENTHUSE Award of £751, an easy to apply for bursary available to all teachers, tutors and lecturers from maintained schools or colleges to help cover costs plus a small amount of money to help implement ideas once back in the classroom. For further information about the ENTHUSE Award, please visit www.slcs.ac.uk/enthuseaward
Promoting STEM Careers in your Classroom
Date: 17 – 18 March 2011
Course Cost: £351 +VAT
ENTHUSE Award: £751.00
To book your place on this exciting conference, please phone 01904 328 300 and quote nac10114p or visit www.slcs.ac.uk/national/nac10114p
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
Invitation to Northern Architecture’s New Education Programme Launch January & February 2011
Teachers and Educators are invited to the launch of Northern Architecture’s new Education Programme at three exemplar educational venues across the region:
Darlington Education Village,
Salters Lane South,
Darlington,
DL1 2AN
4.30-6pm Thursday 27 January
Cramlington Educational Village,
Highburn,
Northumberland,
NE23 6BN
4.30-6pm Monday 31 January
Cardinal Hume School,
Old Durham Road,
Gateshead,
NE9 6RZ
4.30-6pm Wednesday 2 February 2011
The events are an opportunity to:
Meet Northern Architecture’s Education team
Learn what we can offer teachers and pupils
Talk to teachers already using our workshops their schools.
Take part in a short hands-on taster from one of the workshops
Take away a copy of our new Educational Programme Brochure.
Northern Architecture believes that encouraging children and young people to look at, question and think creatively about their built environment has valuable educational benefits. We offer innovative programmes that enable participants to develop the ability to understand and explore architecture. We believe that encouraging children and young people to look at, question and think creatively about their built environment has valuable educational benefits. We work in both formal and informal learning settings to raise aspirations with pupils and teachers, addressing the National Curriculum through local, regional and national initiatives.
Events are free, but please reserve your place online. For more information and to reserve places see www.northernarchitecture.com
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/
The National Science & Engineering Competition is proud to announce The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust Teachers Award is taking nominations for the 2011 prize.
This prize is open to any UK teacher (full-time/part-time, specialist advisor, AST etc) who teaches or supports Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) lessons in and out of school/college from primary to top end secondary.
The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust Teachers Award is looking for a teacher who shows enthusiasm, passion and energy for their work, commitment and dedication and good subject knowledge / expertise, all of which have been used to enthuse the students they work with.
If you think you are this person, or if you know a teacher who deserves to have their hard work in STEM acknowledged, then please contact Ellie Chambers at Ellie.Chambers@britishscienceassociation.org or on 020 7019 4945 so you can be sent either a self nomination or nomination by another person form. Please take the time to fill either of them out and put your nomination forward (do make sure you let the nominee know first though!) You can return the form electronically, in the post or by fax on 020 7581 6587.
The winner will receive £500 and a certificate as well as being invited on an experience trip and many other benefits and perks for the coming year.
Teachers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another person.
From the pool of entries, five teachers will be shortlisted and have their travel costs covered to attend The Big Bang where they will be interviewed by a judging panel to select the award winner. The recipient will be announced at the National Award Ceremony on the same day in the evening of Friday the 11th March.
Dunelm Road, Elm Tree Farm, Stockton on Tees, TS19 0TS
Presenter:Michele Smale, Advisory Teacher, Children Challenging Industry in Yorkshire, CIEC, Department of Chemistry, University of York
Target Audience: Primary School Teachers
Synopsis:This practical workshop is aimed at teachers of upper KS2 looking for an innovative approach to scientific enquiry of green plants and their technological applications in a changing environment. Set in the real life context of industry’s need to look for renewable fuels and energy sources, children explore sunflowers and other oil rich seed plants to understand their potential in this cutting edge field of science.
Participants will have the opportunity to try out a sequence of practical explorations and investigations that follow the story of the sunflower from seed to oil, fuel and lubricants. There are opportunities to see how these activities link closely to assessment using APP, participants will see how this resource supports the AF2, understanding the applications and implications of science, strand.
Booking is not essential but it would be very helpful if you could let the Field Officer know if you (and any colleagues) are attending. Contact Lyn Bossons at lynbossons@ase.org.uk or on 0191 3737753.
This meeting is free and open to non-members.
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available from 4pm onwards.
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
Pearson Publishing is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting resource that promotes STEM in schools.
The ‘F1 in Schools Curriculum Resource’ enables students to follow the steps that a professional team would take in preparing to race a car.
It prepares students for the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge, a multi-disciplinary contest in which teams of students use computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM) software to design, analyse, manufacture, test and then race miniature balsa wood racing cars powered by compressed gas.
Intended to develop students’ interest in, and knowledge of, engineering and design, the ‘F1 in Schools Curriculum Resource’ enables schools to run a cross-curricular project. It is an excellent way to move STEM work from after-school clubs to timetabled classroom activities, and thereby give STEM more prominence in school life.
The resource is provided online, and an annual subscription costs just £295+VAT per school. Discounts are available if several schools purchase together; please contact us for further details. You can also encourage schools in your area to subscribe by sending them the following link to an information site, which is at: http://www.parsonpublishing.co.uk/fscr/
To view a brief demonstration of the ‘F1 in Schools Curriculum Resource’ (Bloodhound SSC), enter the user name ‘demo’ and the password ‘password’ at: http://fscr.pearson.co.uk
This edition of the ‘F1 in Schools Curriculum Resource’ is for the 9-14 age group and Bloodhound SSC level of the challenge; subsequent editions for the F1 Class level will be available shortly.
To express your interest in editions for the 11-14 or 15-19 age group at the F1 Class level of the challenge, or for any other queries about the ‘F1 in Schools Curriculum Resource’, please email fscr@pearson.co.uk or call 01223 350555.
Lindisfarne Room, Main Campus, Newcastle University
You and your students (Year 10 – 13) ar invited to the Oceans of Opportunity Careers fair on Wednesday, 1st December 2010 at the Lindisfarne Room, Newcastle University.
The event is an opportunity for pupils to participate in a suite of stimulating interactive activities that bring science and technology learning to life. A wide range of high profile STEM companies and employers will be represented at the event with many challenging and exciting careers showcased. While all careers represented are in science and engineering, many also have a focus on the marine sector, a field that a lot of young people will have not considered.
Schools can book a choice of two free activities from a choice of 4, participate in an engaging debate, have the opportunity to win prizes and resources, and find out more about the fantastic careers and courses on offer.
There are a number of different options available to your school/college:
The options are:
Attend the morning session (10am-1pm) : participate in two hands-on activities, speak to organisations and companies at the Careers Exhibition, and be involved in the debate.
Attend the afternoon session (12-3pm): participate in two hands-on activities, speak to organisations and companies at the Careers Exhibition, and be involved in the debate.
Participate in Careers Exhibition only – from 10.00am-12noon
Participate in Careers Exhibition only – from 1.00pm-3.00pm
The Oceans of Opportunity event is being held on Wednesday 1st December 2010 at Newcastle University. It will be attended by an estimated 600-700 pupils aged 15-18yrs, from schools and colleges around the NE region and further afield.
Schools can sign up to a range of stimulating, interactive activities that bring science learning to life, participate in an engaging debate, and find out more about the fantastic careers and courses on offer. A wide range of high profile companies and employers will be represented at the event with many challenging and exciting careers showcased.
There are a number of different options available to your school/college, as there are different elements that make up the event.
The options are:
Attend the morning session (10am-1pm) which will include chance to participate in two hands-on activities, the opportunity to speak to organisations and companies offering courses or careers in marine, maritime and science based fields at the Careers Exhibition, and the chance to be involved in the debate.
Attend the afternoon session (12-3pm), and participating in the activities described above.
Participate in the Careers Exhibition only – from 10am-12pm
Participate in the Careers Exhibition only – from 1-3pm
As part of your session, students will get the opportunity to participate in two activities out of a choice of four.
Activity
Show off or blend in: What is the best strategy? The role of colour, light and shape in adaptations to the challenges of the marine environment.
Environmentally Friendly Oil Slick The oil disaster challenge!
Sink or Swim? Ship design and PropulsionGet stuck into marine technology in the laboratory.
Marine Biology in Action!An introduction to life in our seas.
To ensure your school/college’s participation in the Oceans of Opportunity event, please complete the form below by 4pm on the Tuesday, 2nd November 2010 and return it to Annie Cunningham at annie.cunningham@ncl.ac.uk or post to Annie Cunningham, Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PZ.
Please complete the following details to register:
School Name:
Contact name:
Telephone:
Fax:
Best time to phone:
Email:
No. of places required in total:
No. of KS4 pupils:
No. of Post-16 pupils:
Please number the options below in order of preference, put a cross against any options you cannot attend.
Session
1- 4 or X
Morning full session 10am-1pm
Afternoon full session 12-3pm
Morning Careers Exhibition 10am-12pm
Afternoon Careers Exhibition 1-3pm
If you are attending a full morning or afternoon session, please specify your activity preferences below and we will do our best to accommodate your top choices.
Activity
1- 4
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Activity 4
If you have any questions or queries please contact Annie Cunningham on the above email address.
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.
Be a part of the first ever engineering mathematics network
A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for engineering mathematics practitioners to join a new networking group. The group will support those who are teaching mathematics in the engineering diploma (whether mathematics teachers or engineering teachers) by providing opportunities to meet together and share what they are doing, as well as to try out the resources available. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at Engineering Mathematics Level 3 practitioners, and anyone teaching mathematics within other engineering courses, who wants to seize a valuable opportunity to investigate a variety of teaching approaches, network and learn from others and explore and develop resources. Venues are likely to include Manchester, London and Bristol and will take place between 22 November and 3 December 2010. To express an interest in attending or for more information contact Melanie Harradine
Embedding Excellence in Mathematics Leadership conference
This free one-day NCETM conference will assist with the professional development of newly-appointed mathematics subject leaders in the primary, secondary and further education sectors. It will allow participants access to experienced, practising teachers identified as excellent subject leaders in their sectors. Delegates will also become part of a support network. The conference, on 13 November, 09:30 am to 5:30 pm at City Inn, Brindley Place, Birmingham, will be launched with a keynote speech from HMI Jane Jones. To apply, complete the online application form by 20 October 2010.
Last chance to join secondary subject leaders’ seminar
The second NCETM national online seminar for secondary mathematics subject leaders will address some of the big issues secondary subject leaders face, suggest resources that can support you in the role, give you the chance to hear from other subject leaders and share your experiences and challenges, and offer the opportunity to join a continuing secondary subject leaders’ network. The meeting, on Wednesday 20 October from 8:00 to 9:00 pm, will use Elluminate Live! but no particular equipment or software is required, nor is expertise or experience of online meetings. If you are interested in joining the meeting and/or would like to know more, contact Phillipa Marshall.
If you would like more information on NCETM please contact them at info@ncetm.org.uk
The Make a Mint Challenge is a stimulating, two stage competition open to young people aged 14 – 19 from across Newcastle. The competition encourages young people to develop key business skills, gain an innovative approach to problem solving and generate real business solutions for a future world. Each Challenge invites young people to consider the next generation of innovative products and how they meet the needs of a future marketplace.
The Challenge is in 2 stages:
Gateway Stage 22nd September – 20th October 2010
Individuals are challenged to generate ideas, designs and applications for new products meeting the brief provided. Ideas must be exciting, innovative and eye-catching. Entrants work individually and submit entries online.
Challenge Final 16th November 2010
A design and build teamwork stage held at the Spark in the Park Festival at St James Park on 16th November 2010. The Challenge Final includes business rigour, planning, teamwork and budgeting. The overall winner will be the team that best meets the Final Challenge brief in an innovative and practical way.
To enter the Make a Mint Challenge, students must register their details and complete the online Gateway Challenge no later than Wednesday 20th October 2010.
The Challenge is run in conjunction with Newcastle City Council and the Make your Mark campaign and offers the opportunity to take part in a business ideas competition that celebrates and stimulates enterprise skills and talents. The challenge is free to enter and offers the opportunity for individuals to win prizes for themselves and recognition for their schools /youth groups.
Please click on the link below to find out more about the challenge or alternatively download a information pack.
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.
County Durham based multimedia specialists Lush Places Media have created a unique and interactive TV workshop using cutting edge technology.
A portable television studio with the latest ‘virtual’ computer generated set gives groups a rare opportunity to experience life in the high pressure world of broadcast news.
The course, flexible enough to appeal to primary school children through to college students and corporate team building teams, gives an insight into the decisions that need to be taken to ensure a programme gets ‘on air’ to deadline.
Groups will have to use teamwork, leadership and decision making skills to choose the content and write scripts. Everyone will then audition in front of the camera and autocue before final roles are allocated as the clock counts down towards transmission.
The final programme will be recorded ‘as live’ and made available to the client. Everyone involved will leave with a laminated certificate to prove they have taken part in Lush Places Media’s Lights! Camera! Action! experience.
Lights! Camera! Action! feeds into the curriculum with elements of IT, English, communications, arithmetic, media literacy and raising self-esteem.
For schools and colleges no worrying about transport costs and form filling. Lights! Camera! Action! comes to them, providing value for money and flexibility.
The sessions will be led by award winning journalist, broadcaster, presenter and multimedia trainer Andrew Glover, Director of Lush Places Media.
The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Maths (NCETM) is committed to the idea of collaborative teacher enquiry as part of the landscape of professional development. To this end they fund Teacher Enquiry Funded Projects (TEFP) (up to £5 000) and Mathematics Knowledge Networks (MKN) (£2 000) every year.
From September, the National Centre is looking to support a number of small, short term projects. They believe this experience will lead to participants wishing to take teacher enquiry further in the future. The NCETM Regional Teams will work with you to define a project and budget. They can offer small amounts of funding (no more than £1 000) together with some online coaching from a member of your NCETM regional coordination team to start you off and keep you going on some element of teacher enquiry.
NCETM is supporting an exciting range of Regional Projects here in the North East in all phases. Topics include: use of rich tasks; active ways of teaching various topics; using Maths300 in your classroom; developing discussion in mathematics in your classroom and at home; using Maths in Work video in the classroom; progression to mathematics A-level. They can offer funding and support for further small-scale, classroom-based projects involving a group of colleagues working together to develop some aspect of their mathematics teaching and then sharing the experience with others.
Contact Steve Humble or Viv Brown if you would like help with your bids and ideas or for more information on any of the services NCETM have to offer.
Alternatively, for more information on what NCETM has going on and for news updates please visit www.ncetm.org.uk/
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.
STEM Ambassadors and STEM teachers came together to share ideas and experiences at an event on 27th September 2010 at the National Space Centre.
We invite you to join a follow-on discussion based around the following questions.
For those working in or with STEM:
Is there anything you wish you had learnt, been told at school or college which would have helped prepare you better for your chosen career, study or work environment?
What do you think are the key messages about studying or working with STEM that we should be telling young people today?
For those teaching and working with young people in education:
Is there anything you wish you could tell your students about working in or with STEM that you think could help prepare them better for study and/or work?
What are the areas for which you would like particular support from those working in or with STEM subjects e.g. careers, curriculum, work experience, extracurricular activities etc?
What are the best ways in which those working in or with STEM can help you and your students? In your experience, what works well?
For those in other roles:
What are your views on the links between the world of work and STEM Education?
Part of the Official London 2012 Education Programme
STEM Challenges are a series of competitions which link the curriculum to the inspiring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Each challenge incorporates a range of activities for schools and once in a lifetime prizes can be won!
“The STEM Challenge students feel privileged to be a part of the competition. This is the best extra-curricular activity I’ve ever been involved with!” ~ Pam Large, Sacred Heart High School.
The STEM Challenges are ten activities designed for KS3 (or equivalent) students and inspired by London 2012. Each Challenge is a competition focusing on a different aspect of either the preparations for London 2012, or the event itself. The Challenges provide a cross-curricular approach to the STEM subjects, which benefits students in their academic work, whilst allowing them to develop skills and values that are essential outside the classroom. The activities have been designed for use in a club environment (e.g. a STEM Club) or during lessons.
The STEM Challenges are managed by STEMNET (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network) in association with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), and are funded by the Department for Education.
New Challenges are introduced each term and last approximately 6 to 8 weeks. They provide an opportunity for students aged 11-14 to explore, experiment and innovate! Each team is set a task related to London 2010, which gives students the chance to experience a combination of hands-on testing and research.
STEM Ambassadors are a free resource available to support your students and clubs in the Challenges. STEM Ambassadors volunteer their time to help excite young people about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. They have proven to be a vital resource for schools and colleges:
“The pupils valued the comments they received from STEM Ambassadors. It was great for them to have experts who really knew what they were talking about. Pupils were encouraged to discuss their ideas more as they were keen to improve their designs and complete the task to the best of their abilities.” ~ Lucy Rowe, St Mary’s Middle School, Puddletown, Dorset.
“STEMNET, you have solved my problem! We have no budget to pay Science speakers for our school and I’m so pleased to have made contact with you.” ~ Mrs Gaur, Shirley High School, Croydon, London.
STEM Challenges aim to support children and young people across the UK in the development of their leadership, personal, thinking and life skills. In each Challenge, a team of students work together to develop and achieve the seven core values of the Olympic and Paralympic games, these are: excellence, friendship, respect, courage, determination, inspiration and equality. Team work and enthusiasm are essential!
How to get involved in the STEM Challenges
It’s easy to get involved- simply register on the website www.stemchallenges.net The sign-up process is quick and simple- and you can go back to enter as many teams as you like from your school. What’s more, if your school is part of the STEM Clubs Network and you are a club leader- then it’s even easier. Just select your name from the list and you’re done!
We will send you a newsletter with regular updates on the Challenges, including information on forthcoming Challenge launch-dates and deadlines.
“Thank you so much for all your help! I have been really impressed by STEMNET’s advice and your organisation of our Scientists who were first rate and ideal for our purposes.” ~ Rebecca Jones, Science Co-ordinator, The Pointer School, London.
STEM Challenge 1
Challenge: Design an Eco-friendly National Handball Centre.
Winners: Appleton Academy from Wyke, West Yorkshire.
Prize: Trip to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The first STEM Challenge required students to design a National Handball Arena for the 2012 Olympics. The STEM Club at Appleton Academy began the Challenge by testing out different surfaces for the floor of the Handball court. In groups, the members of the STEM Club completed experiments on types of laminate flooring they had constructed and analysed how recorded balls behaved on different surfaces around school.
The successful team, from year nine, then designed a stadium based on a segmented orange. They worked with STEM Ambassador Phil Spencer, a building surveyor and the technology department to prepare scale diagrams and models to show the layout of the main arena.
The winning features of the design include the segmental structure of the sphere-shaped dome, which would allow natural light and ventilation into the arena. The team incorporated the use of eco friendly solar panels to achieve the environmental objective of the challenge. At the presentation event, the judges commended the team for their work and leadership skills.
“Winning the STEM Challenge, a national competition, is the result of a great deal of hard work and commitment by our students, and their excitement and enjoyment of science created by their teachers and the STEM Club.” ~ Dwayne Saxton, Academy Principal.
“It is fantastic that the hard work and skills of our pupils has been recognized nationally. This project has been completed in our after-school club – the pupils’ enthusiasm and willingness to invest their own time reflects the interest they have developed in their lessons.” ~ Barbara Hey, Advanced Specialist Teacher in Science at the Academy and STEM club co-coordinator.
STEM Challenge 2
Challenge: adidas asked students to design a new glove for Olympic and Paralympic Canoeing, Rowing or Sailing.
Winners: Heolddu Comprehensive School, Bargoed.
Prizes: £3,000 worth of STEM Club equipment and the latest in adidas sports clothing.
The second STEM Challenge required students to design a new glove for adidas (Official Sportswear Partner to London 2012) to be used by top Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Canoeing, Rowing or Sailing events. The Challenge was launched by double Olympic Gold medalist James Cracknell.
Students at Heolddu Comprehensive School decided to design a new glove for rowers, who don’t tend to wear gloves as they can cause their hands to sweat, impeding the action of rowing. The pupils relished the opportunity to produce a specially designed glove, which, made with the right materials could allow breathability and make a major contribution to the sport.
Once the team had decided on the most important properties to include in the design of their glove, they used a range of tests, activities and factsheets provided by STEMNET in order to research their design.
Heolddu beat stiff competition from seven other teams from around the country that made it through to the final, where they faced a Dragon’s Den style interview and grilling from the judges, including Olympic gold medallist rower, Tom James.
The students’ design is so inventive it is now being commercially developed by adidas. According to the company, the design was so innovative that it could give our Olympians the winning edge!
“We were thrilled and honoured to win such a prestigious competition!” ~ Owen Griffiths, Science Teacher, Heolddu Comprehensive School.
STEMNET and the STEM Advisory Forum are pleased to invite you to the STEM Forum Event National Space Centre, Leicester, LE4 5NS Monday 27 September 2010 4:30 pm to 7.00pm
This event brings together school and college teachers with people who use Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in industry, research and business. The main purpose of the event is to share information and views between education and the workplace so that links between them can be strengthened. The focus will be on generating practical actions of benefit to all participants. There will also be short and informative presentations on the school curriculum and on STEM in the economy.
STEM Ambassadors will have the opportunity to talk directly to those involved in STEM teaching at school/college and will be able to explore how the use of STEM in their work can be translated into educational environments.
Teachers will have the opportunity to share with those in industry and business the factors that influence what happens in lessons and how they would like to be able to use the examples of STEM in the workplace in their lessons.
A light buffet will be provided at 6.30pm.
To book your place at this exciting event, please click on the event registration link: Register
Things are really hotting up for Big Bang North East! Blue Peter science presenter Steve Mould will be presenting the awards ceremony, featuring regional finalists of the Young Engineer for Britain Competition and CREST Awards. Steve will also be performing some of his favourite experiments in front of a live audience of school pupils from the North East.
See Blue Peter science presenter Steve Mould on YouTube:
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.