All about the STEM Ambassador Programme and what a STEM Ambassador could do for your school How to become a STEM Ambassador Requests for STEM Ambassadors to help at Schools and other events and activities STEM Ambassador Activity Recording Comprehensive list of events and activities information for teachers STEM Ambassador Case Studies STEM Ambassador Newsletter, also contains information of interest to teachers List of resources Science Connects can lend to schools Links to useful websites Contact details for STEM Scotland and the four area contract holders

Information for Teachers

Scroll down for information on activities, events, and competitions for schools, or use the drop down menu if you want to search for a particular item or category.

Click on the item you want information about then click the "GO" button

Request a STEM Ambassador

If you would like to request a STEM Ambassador to support your school and help with careers, STEM activities, challenges, and clubs to enthuse your pupils in the STEM subjects, please complete a STEM Ambassador Request Form and fax or post back to our STEM Ambassador Co-ordinator.

Or you can request an Ambassador online using STEMNetworking.

What could a STEM Ambassador
do for your school?

STEM Ambassadors bring enthusiasm and support to classroom projects. Teachers and schools benefit from access to quality-assured volunteers who can help in a variety of ways. Via STEM Ambassadors, teachers can not only get support for enriching and enhancing the curriculum through activities or events, but can also increase their own understanding of the career paths to which STEM subjects can lead. Schools can benefit from enhanced links with local business or individual volunteers with valuable skills.

For more information please visit the About STEM Ambassadors page.


Science Connects
Winter 2011 Electronic News Bulletin

The latest pdf version of the Electronic News Bulletin from Science Connects is now available.

The Electronic Bulletin, first released on 8th December 2011, is packed with useful and varied information on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Enhancement & Enrichment activities and resources for schools.

To be placed on the mailing list for further issues please contact: Alan Kerr at alan.kerr@glasgow.ac.uk

Science Connects provides free, impartial advice to schools on a wide range of STEM programmes provided by external organisations.

STEMNetworking

Find out what STEMNetworking can do for you:

  • Request STEM Ambassadors to come and visit your school using an online form

  • Find out more about what STEM Ambassadors can offer you by viewing the latest online STEM Ambassador requests

  • Register your school with STEMNetworking and start sharing your STEM Enhancement and Enrichments experiences

  • View what other schools in your local area have been doing in STEM Enrichment and Enhancement

    If you are a teacher and you would like to register to have a profile with STEMNetworking, you can register here.

    Visit STEMNetworking at: http://networking.stemnet.org.uk

    STEM Clubs

    If you are running an after-school or lunchtime club related to any sort of STEM activity, eg Young Engineers and Science Club, Astronomy Club, Maths Club, Food Technology Club, Camera Club etc you will be interested to know that STEMNET has set up a STEM Clubs to network and share information.

    The STEM Clubs offer a wealth of information to teachers who are involved in Clubs and gives you guides on starting and running a club, ideas, resources information, challenge information etc online. There is no cost involved, all you have to do is register the club on the Stem Club website.

    STEMNET wants to enable every school or college in the country to have a STEM Club and is hence providing a sharing of information platform to every club in the country, regardless of where it originates from or is organised by.

    More information about STEM Clubs can be found on the website at www.stemclubs.net

    STEM Challenge 9

    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. They will also need to provide enough evidence to convince the judges that their invention will work which could include working models of part, or all of the device, diagrams, calculations and results from experiments.

    The competition of this STEM Challenge has now closed, but the resources are still available for you to use and take part in the activities. You can download all of the materials to carry out all the Challenges 1-9 in your class or club.

    For more information go to the website .

    James Watt College

    The Science of Titanic

    The event is a practical workshop for primary schools pupils from the Inverclyde area entitled "The Science of Titanic".

    The 1 hour workshops are being delivered on March 9th (at various times throughout the day) and are suitable for P5 and above.

    For more information please contact Sandra Spence email: sspence@jameswatt.ac.uk

    Healthcare Science Week

    45 extraordinary careers in science in the NHS

    Are you up for the challenge?

    Read about the wide range of opportunities for a career in healthcare science in the NHS for those who are passionate about science or technology, and helping others.

    What's healthcare science all about?

    A career in the NHS as a healthcare scientist not only brings great rewards and personal satisfaction, it gives you the chance to work with a whole range of amazing people dedicated to caring for patients of all ages.

    For more information please see the attached pdf flyer pdf flyer.

    Visit www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk and register for more information on chosen careers.

    Schools Aerospace Challenge



















    A challenge for all 16-18 year old students who would like to discover the world of aerospace engineering.

    Teams submit their ideas on the training of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) operators and could win a free, five night residential course at the School of Engineering, Cranfield University (starting on 22 July 2012).

    Three teams will share a £5000 prize fund at an award ceremony and reception to be held in London at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in November 2012.

    For full details please visit the website at: www.aerospacechallenge.org

    GE Caledonian Ltd - School site visits

    GE Caledonian are part of GE Aviation, they build fantastic machines using leading edge technology combined with innovative techniques to manufacture products such as the new GENX engine pictured.

    GE Caledonian will be the first facility in the world capable of overhauling the new GENX Engines.

    GE Caledonian can offer schools a tailored experience for pupils of all ages.

    The general format for a visit to the site would include:

  • Introduction to GE Caledonian
  • Shop Tour
  • Technical presentation to suit current curriculum & age group
  • Selected activities such as NDT techniques
  • Final presentation

    For more information please see the attached pdf flyer.

    GE Caledonian Ltd are based at Monument Crescent, Shawfarm Industrial Estate Prestwick, Ayrshire, KA9 2RX

    Contact: Jason O'Neill by email jason.o'neill@ge.com or phone 01292 673 043

    SAC - Science for Schools Event
    Global food production for the 21st Century

    SAC is pleased to announce its third annual Science for Schools Event on Tuesday 20th March 2012 at the Roslin Institute, Easter Bush, Midlothian.

    SAC, Scotland's land-based Higher Education Institution, invites fifth year science students and accompanying teachers to a day of presentations and demonstrations from leading researchers and practitioners, and scientific debate on issues and conflicts surrounding global food production for the 21st Century.

    The morning will provide the opportunity for students to engage with researchers and scientists at this world class research centre through a range of demonstrations and presentations. There will then be a plenary session with three speakers followed by an audience-led participative debate - providing a forum for topical, stimulating, intellectual and critical discussion.

    For more information about the programme please see the attached leaflet.

    To book a place please complete the registration document.

    Scientists in Sport Anti-Doping Challenge

    Five new performance-enhancing drugs have been added to the banned substance list - and it's up to you to develop a portable kit to test whether or not an athlete has taken one of them. We'd like teams of 11-14 year olds to design and make a portable drug testing kit.

    There are some fantastic prizes on offer - including up to £1000 worth of equipment for your school, official London 2012 merchandise, a tour of the anti-doping laboratory, gift vouchers for pupils - and more! Entrants will also be able to submit their work for a CREST Award.

    For further details please read the attached document or visit the Scientists in Sport website at www.scientistsinsport.com

    Deadline for entry is the end of March 2012

    ASE Scotland - Annual Conference

    Celebrating Excellence in Science

    Crieff Hydro Hotel

    2nd - 3rd March 2012

    For details please refer to the ASE programme

    To book a place please see the ASE booking form

    Speak up Scotland!





    Website now live find all their debating and science resources at http://speakupscotland.org.uk .

    An exciting new science debating programme from the ESU for S1 - S3 pupils. Complements Curriculum for Excellence.

    Over 200 teachers have taken part in science debating workshops and are now starting to introduce their classes to debating. It's not too late to join this exciting new programme.

    Get pupils talking and arguing about science, and explore the impact of science on their everyday lives with an innovative new project to help pupils explore the ethical and moral implications of the latest scientific advances. As well as equipping young people with debating and research skills, they want to help them understand how to question and weigh up evidence, build coherent arguments, and make informed choices. The whole class participates in the activity - encouraging both independent and collaborative learning.

    Speak Up Scotland will provide free debating workshops for science teachers - enhancing their own professional development; pupil and teacher resources - including suggested debates motions and science fact sheets, as well as questions to ask and where to get more information.

    Pupils will have an opportunity to question scientists from university and industry on topics ranging from climate change, stem cell research, to virtual reality and nanotechnology.

    You will be able to choose a motion and hold your own debates in school and take part in regional debates competitions and, ultimately, the national final, in Spring 2012.

    To get involved please email: science@esuscotland.org.uk

    IET Education Fund

    The IET Education Fund provides support for local education projects which are endorsed by IET Local Networks.

    The IET is committed to encouraging students toward studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and considering engineering and technology based courses and careers.

    Any organisation capable of developing and delivering UK-based projects which promote STEM subjects to school children can apply for funding, including schools, IET Local Networks and IET TPNs. Awards of up to £5000 can be offered.

    Applications for funding must be endorsed by the IET Local Network in which the project will be carried out, and applicants require a referee who can confirm their ability to deliver the project.

    2012 funding round

    Bids for funding will be accepted from 1 January 2012 to 9 March 2012 for projects taking place 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2013. Bids submitted after 9 March cannot be considered.

    A formal judging process will take place, with judges' decisions expected 25 April 2012.

    For application criteria please visit the website .

    e-Bug

    A website to play games and learn about microbes
    Split into Junior, Senior and Teacher sections.

    e-Bug is a free educational resource for classroom and home use and makes learning about micro-organisms, the spread, prevention and treatment of infection fun and accessible for all students.

    Throughout the teacher sections you will find:

  • detailed lesson plans
  • fun student worksheets
  • extension activities
  • animations
  • Activity demonstrations
  • MS PowerPoint presentations to assist with the more difficult aspects of microbiology.

    All activities and plans have been designed to complement the National Curriculum. The student pages complement the teacher resources by providing online games, revision pages and lots more to continue the learning experience at home.

    European Antibiotic Awareness Day Competition 2011!!

    To celebrate EAAD 2011 e-Bug are launching their new exciting SENIOR SCHOOLS COMPETITION to design a short film idea around antibiotic resistance!

    The winning film idea will be professionally developed for the e-Bug website, plus a visit to the winning school from the e-Bug science roadshow team and a goody bag of prizes.

    For more information on the competition download the Competition Pack.

    For further information on e-Bugs vist the website at http://www.e-bug.eu .

    LEGO®

    Are you LEGO® smart?

    LEGO® Education offers unique solutions to day care professionals and teachers who want to bring more innovation and creativity to their classroom practice.

    Using LEGO® tools and hands-on teaching methods your children will be better able to learn by experiences, collaborate with their classmates and think creatively to come up with unique solutions. That's LEGO® smart.

    With LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education students can build robots and use software to plan, test and modify sequences of instructions from a variety of robotic behaviours. They gather, analyse data from sensors using data logging functionalities such as graph view. Robotics is an exciting way to bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to a classroom.

    For more information please see attached Lego Education leaflet and visit the website at http://educationuk.lego.com .

    Spectroscopy in a Suitcase

    The Royal Society of Chemistry's Spectroscopy in a Suitcase scheme is an outreach activity which gives school students the chance to learn about spectroscopy through hands-on experience. As well as covering the principles of spectroscopic techniques, the activities use real-life contexts to demonstrate the applications of the Spectroscopy in a Suitcase Scotland.

    Delivered by university students, the events have a strong emphasis on encouraging school pupils to consider studying chemistry and the career opportunities available. The equipment may also be available on a short-term loan basis.

    To enquire about booking a session for your local school, please contact: N.G.A.Bell@sms.ed.ac.uk

    For more information about the scheme, please visit the website.

    Westpoint Bridge Design Contest 2012

    The full information pack is prepared for this year's contest and is available for download on the ICE website www.ice.org.uk/westpoint the contest starts on the 20th January 2012.

    The West Point Bridge Contest allows S1-3 students to become engineers, using a free software package to design and load-test a bridge.

    Entry to the contest is open to S1-3 pupils from anywhere in Scotland, working in teams of two. Pupils who take part in the competition will gain experience of engineering design principles, material properties and team working, meaning that this competition is ideal for use by science and engineering clubs or part of lessons.

    The contest can be started by a visit from an engineer to a School, or teachers can apply for an information pack which provides all the information needed to start the activity independently.

    Further information is available by contacting John McPartlin email: john.mcpartlin@virginmedia.com

    National Science and 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 the sciences and engineering 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, this is the UK's widest grassroots celebration of all things science and engineering. You can join the celebration in 2012 and either plan your own event or ask a local organisation you know to take part.

    For more information please visit the website .

    National Science and Engineering Week

    Event Awards

    If you have a quirky, original or innovative event planned for NSEW then you can nominate yourself for an NSEW Event Award! NSEW Event Awards aim to reward the passion of event and activity organisers and showcase the very best in public engagement during NSEW.

    Any organisation can nominate for an award, whether you are a school running a day of activities or a theatre launching a new production - as long as it takes place during NSEW: 9-18 March 2012.

    Prizes
    £600 cash prize to the winner in each category.
    £200 cash prize to one runner-up in each category.

    Categories

  • Best Primary School Event: for events or activities organised by primary schools.
  • Best Secondary School Event: for events or activities organised by secondary schools.
  • Best STEM Institution Event: For events by those organisations (non schools) participating in STEM engagement on a regular basis.
  • Best Community Event: For events and activities that include the local community and/or family audiences.
  • Best Engineering-themed Event: For events and activities that are predominantly engineering themed.

    For further details please visit the website .

    National Science and Engineering Week

    School Prize Draw

    Schools that organise an event or activity and register it online by February 10th 2012 will be automatically entered into a prize draw - Over 180 schools will win prizes!

    The British Science Association would like to hear about everything that's happening in your Science & Engineering Week in March, so whether your activities are for the whole community or a science-themed afternoon for one group of pupils, please visit the website to complete an on-line form.

    British Biology Olympiad

    Open to all post-16 students in the UK.

    Challenging the most talented young biologists.

    Selecting students to represent the UK in Singapore July 2012.

    Format

    Round 1 - multiple choice paper taken in schools in February

    Round 2 - written paper taken in schools in February

    Finals - practical assessments and an additional written paper taken at the University of Birmingham in April

    Aims

    The British Biology Olympiad challenges and stimulates gifted students with an interest in Biology to expand and extend their talents. In offering a wider syllabus than A-level, it allows gifted students to demonstrate their knowledge and to be suitably rewarded and publicly recognised by the award of medals, certificates and other prizes. It is hoped that competing in the Olympiad will encourage students already interested in this valuable, wide-ranging and rewarding subject to continue their study beyond A-level.

    In addition to encouraging and rewarding pupils in their studies the BBO provides a means of selecting a team to represent the UK at the International Biology Olympiad. The IBO, underwritten by UNESCO, seeks to challenge by both theory and practical tests some of the top pre-university biology students in the world, with 60 countries taking part. The UK teams have had considerable success at IBO and we are very grateful to BBSRC for its continued support of the UK team's participation.

    For details please visit the website at:
    http://www.biology-olympiad.org.uk/british-biology-olympiad .







    Biology Challenge

    Biology Challenge
    Encouraging an interest in biology beyond the school curriculum.
    Stimulating curiosity about the natural world.

    Biology Challenge is open to pupils in S2/S3 in Scotland.

    Aims

    1. To encourage an interest in biology beyond the school curriculum and stimulate curiosity in the natural world.
    2. To involve as many pupils as possible in a challenging and interesting biology competition.
    3. To act as a junior version of the British Biology Olympiad, raising its profile and encouraging participation.

    Format

    Biology Challenge is on online competition which takes place in schools. Questions will be set on the school curriculum but the Biology Challenge will also reward those students whose knowledge of the subject has been increased by reading books and magazines, watching natural history programmes and taking notice of the news media for items of biological interest, students who are generally aware of our natural flora and fauna.

    The Challenge consists of two 30 minute papers to maximise participation and provide flexibility. The two papers can be taken together or separately, whichever is more convenient to a school. Pupils do not even have to take both papers, a school may want to use the more demanding second paper for the pupils who achieved the highest scores from the first.

    Schools will be able to conduct the Challenge in whatever way best suits their pupils, ensuring that they enjoy participating and have a reasonable expectation of recognition for their achievements. As well as being able to submit their pupils' scores to the national competition schools will be encouraged to award their own prizes and to make use of certificates provided for them.

    For more information please visit the website:
    http://www.biology-olympiad.org.uk/biology-challenge .







    National HE STEM Programme

    Part of the National HE STEM Programme
    Widening Participation - Good Practice Guide

    The Good Practice Guide pools together examples of STEM activities from across the region and nationwide, which you can search through in the following categories:

  • Uni Outreach = Activities conducted by universities in local communities or on-campus
  • Curriculum & Support = Activities enhancing school or undergraduate curricula and / or enhancing student support
  • Diversity = Examples of inclusive outreach activities
  • National Best Practice = Activities drawn from the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Mathematics and its Application and the Royal Academy of Engineering
  • External = Activities run by non-HEI organisations

    These can be found by visiting the website.

    Also listed are links to an extensive range of top tips and resources in relation to various STEM activity issues with regards: starting STEM activities; tackling common challenges; enhancing sustainability of activities and useful resources.

    Video Resources

    The project has developed a total of 32 video clips, a mixture of short (no more than a couple of minutes) and longer (up to 10 minutes) productions. The videos include both staff and student perspectives and have two broad uses:

  • Videos for use in outreach
  • Videos for use in staff development

    The videos are for generic use; they are not University of Exeter-branded. Please feel free to incorporate them however you deem fit into your outreach or staff development activities. You can search, view and download the videos through the categories below:

    1. Outreach - Making Choices: Why Choose STEM Subjects?
    2. Outreach - Stepping Up: Studying STEM Subjects at University
    3. Outreach - Why choose Maths?
    4. Outreach - Why choose Physical Sciences?
    5. Outreach - Why choose Engineering?
    6. Outreach - Research in STEM Subjects
    7. Staff Development - Active Learning
    8. Staff Development - Research-led Teaching

    To view the videos please go to the website.

    Junior Saltire Prize Awards 2012









    We are delighted to let you know that the briefs for the Junior Saltire Prize Awards 2012 have just been launched.

    The Scottish Government has set up The Saltire Prize, Scotland's £10 million challenge to accelerate the commercial development of marine energy. Scotland is particularly well-placed to do this given its history of technological innovation and its vast reserves of renewables potential. Scotland boasts 25 per cent of Europe's tidal power and 10 per cent of Europe's wave power.

    To help raise the profile and awareness of this prize and the opportunities that Scotland has to exploit its marine renewables potential, the Scottish Government is again funding Junior Saltire Prize Awards for primary and secondary school pupils. The award is being managed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) in partnership with the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).

    The competition is open to all schools in Scotland in three age categories:
    P5-P7 Brief
    S1-3 Brief
    S4-6 Brief

    Young Engineers and Science Clubs excelled in the inaugural awards last year, with Braeview Academy, Dundee, winning the secondary competition (£750 plus Saltire medal) and Moorfoot Primary, Inverclyde, winning the primary category (£500 plus Saltire medal). So we are hoping many clubs will rise to the challenge again!

    Key dates are given in the brief, but please note that teams should register at jsaward@sds.co.uk by Friday 31 January 2012.

    If you have any questions about the competition please email jane.martin@scdi.org.uk

    BT's on-line mentoring scheme

    BT's on-line mentoring scheme, which can be accessed by schools/colleges entirely free of charge, offers safe and secure curriculum related on-line mentoring for young people, supporting students in ICT, Computing and Business Studies. Launched in September 2010, they now have several hundred young people working with their on-line mentors and would be pleased to welcome further students onto the programme.

    In addition to supporting young people, they are able to provide teachers/lecturers with a straightforward way of making contact with BT people - either to seek assistance with development of curriculum related resources or simply to answer a few technology or business related questions. For more information, please email Pat Hughes via it.ambassadors@bt.com

    Developed in conjunction with the National Science Technology Engineering and Maths Network (STEMNET) and Educational Charity BrightsideUNIAID, the IT ambassadors scheme gives your students the opportunity to interact with and be supported by professionals working in BT. Although you may not know it, telephony and broadband are only a small part of their business - as a global communications company, they serve customers in more than 170 countries and have an IP network that connects over 1,270 cities around the world - they provide networked IT services to many of the world's most respected brands, such as Unilever, Thomson Reuters, Microsoft, Pepsico, Fiat, Novartis, AstraZeneca, BASF and Deutsche Post DHL - and their ambassadors are keen to share their knowledge and experience of business and working in the technology sector with students and teachers across the UK.

    Aimed primarily at the 14-19 age group, the scheme is underpinned by a fully moderated, web based platform operated by the education charity BrightsideUNIAID: www.itambassadors.org.uk. The platform allows students to exchange messages with their mentor within a properly safeguarded environment (see document attached) and gives them access to an extensive and varied on-line 'Knowledge base'. All ambassadors acting as on-line mentors hold a recent, enhanced CRB check, independently verified by STEMNET. As the scheme is entirely electronic, location is not an issue; they have volunteer ambassadors from the length and breadth of the UK working with both city schools and schools in very rural locations.

    The Big Science Challenge

    Launched by the British Council and Rolls-Royce in collaboration with the Institute of Physics, The Big Science Challenge offers secondary students from the UK and Middle East the opportunity to put their Science and Engineering skills into action!

    It's simple - teams of 11-16 year old will work together to:

  • identify local, national or global issues concerning water.
  • design an innovative solution to one of these problems.

    The winning teams will be brought together in London to meet their international counterparts and present their work. In addition, one UK team will visit Dubai for an exciting programme of educational and recreational activities.

    Through this competition, the British Council and Rolls-Royce aim to inspire young people and develop their skills in Science and Engineering in an international context. The initiative will also give students the opportunity to work with peers in the UK and Middle East and develop intercultural understanding and global citizenship.

    For more information, visit The Big Science Challenge website.




    For details of the Salters' Institute activities for 2012
    please see the E-newsletter.

    Salters' - Festivals of Chemistry

    A big reminder to all teachers that entries to the Salters' Festivals of Chemistry 2012 open on Monday 28 November 2011. Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis so please enter as early as possible to ensure that your school is not disappointed!

    Schools are able to enter one team of four students from Years 7 and/or 8 (or equivalent) for these very popular events. Participants can enjoy:-

  • Hands-on practical Chemistry challenges in University labs
  • Exciting chemical demonstrations
  • Prize giving ceremony with prizes for winning schools
  • Fun prizes and certificates for all participants

    These events are completely free (not including travel expenses) with no advance preparation required.

    For further information about the 2012 Salters' Festivals of Chemistry please visit the website: www.salters.co.uk/festivals/index.html

    Or contact the Festivals Administrator on:
    Tel: 020 7628 5962 ext. 224 or Email: festivals@salters.co.uk

    Salters' - Chemistry Camps

    Application forms for the Salters' Chemistry Camps 2012 can be downloaded from the website from Monday 28 November 2011. Applications will be considered in the order in which they are received you are therefore advised to apply as early as possible for students to secure a place at the Camp of their choice.

    A school may nominate up to four students from Year 10 (or equivalent).

    Students can experience:-

  • Hands-on practical Chemistry in University labs
  • A taste of life in University Halls of Residence
  • Lively chemical demonstrations
  • A variety of evening social activities

    For further information about the 2012 Salters' Chemistry Camps please visit the website www.salters.co.uk/camps/index.htm

    Or contact the Camps Administrator on:
    Tel: 020 7628 5962 ext. 213 or Email: camps@salters.co.uk

    Salters' National Awards for Science Technicians 2012

    Nominate your technician to win a Salters' National Award for Science Technicians in 2012. The Awards are open to science technicians with five or more years experience working in schools or colleges and who currently work in schools and colleges for students up to 18 years old.

    One nomination per school can be made by the Headteacher or the Head of Science

    Visit the website for a list of the selection criteria .

    Closing date for nominations is Thursday 1st March 2012

    For further information about the 2012 Salters' National Awards for Science Technicians and to download a nomination form please visit the website .

    Or contact the Publicity Co-ordinator on:
    Tel: 020 7628 5962 ext. 260 or Email: publicity@salters.co.uk

    My World of Work

    My World of Work is a new website launched in August 2011 by Skills Development Scotland, it's graphical interfaces make it very user friendly and allows the user to easily link to a wealth of information.

  • My World of Work can help you to get a job and develop your career.

  • Read feature articles on a wide range of topics including choosing a career, learning and training, applying for jobs and making a career change.

  • The My World of Work toolkit can assist you with every step of your career journey from researching careers to building your first CV.

  • My Strengths can help you to discover your strengths and how they fit in with your career goals.

  • Search for learning and training opportunities with Course Choices.

  • Find job vacancies online using Job Search.

    To get the most out of My World of Work, create an account today, you can access the website by going to http://myworldofwork.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

    My World of Work is brought to you by Skills Development Scotland - Scotland's national skills body.

    The Oil and Gas Industry
    Discover the right career for you

    The new Oil and Gas 4 U website at www.oilandgas4u.com helps you learn more about a vibrant and dynamic global industry. If you're looking for an exciting career path and long term future with excellent rewards and benefits, the oil and gas industry could be the place for you.

    Oil and Gas 4 U offers the latest information, free skills testing with direct links to companies recruiting right now, a graduate degree matcher and a range of case studies of people working in the oil and gas industry.

    For more details please see the attached pdf leaflet .

    Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Technician Training Scheme 2011 Recruitment Campaign is now open Open

    The Upstream Oil and Gas Industry helps sustain its work force by operating a Modern Apprenticeship scheme. The scheme is managed by OPITO & ECITB and is fully funded and supported by the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry.

    The four year training programme is comprised of two stages:
    Two years during which trainees attend an industry appointed college
    Two years on-the-job training with a sponsoring company, being mentored and working alongside experienced staff to gain job specific skills

    For more information or to apply please click here or call 01224 787810, or visit www.ecitb.org.uk or call 01224 289734

    Generation Science

    Edinburgh International Science Festival's schools touring programme for 2012.

    Science Shows and Workshops - helping you deliver the Curriculum for Excellence.

    This year, they're celebrating 21 years of touring Generation Science shows all over Scotland. Over the years, they've engaged more than a million pupils with their educational and entertaining performances, and hands-on activities.

    This year, from January to May, their team of skilled science communicators will be heading out across the country to bring science to life with a range of shows and workshops delivered in the classroom. They constantly develop the shows to meet the needs of teachers in line with the Curriculum for Excellence and last year received great reports from the 55,000 pupils and teachers they visited.

    So, why should you book?

  • They make learning and teaching science simpler
  • They help deliver the Curriculum for Excellence
  • They constantly update and improve the programme to ensure every school enjoys an experience of the highest quality
  • They come to you, making your life easier
  • They make science fun

    They can work together with you on science weeks, transition projects or individual science days in this, the year of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

    More information is contained in the attached pdf flyer .

    For further details visit the website at www.generationscience.co.uk

    Working in the Energy Sector
    A guide for teachers and those who provide careers advice

    Education Scotland has produced the Working in the Energy Sector leaflet.

    The leaflet contains lots of information about the Energy Sector

  • What the energy sector is.
  • What skills will be in demand?
  • The many diverse roles involved.
  • Facts about the energy sector in Scotland.
  • Information and resources.

    To request printed copies of the leaflet please email: globalcitizens@educationscotland.gov.uk or Tel. 0141 282 5000.

    You can find out more information from Education Scotland's website.

    Deep Space Online

    The Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre has created a new online version of its "Deep Space" resources which support work by secondary schools on Galaxies and Exoplanets.

    Developed with the Institute of Physics Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, the resources are based on real research data and support active learning by students. They also support the Centre's wider "Big Telescopes" theme - galaxies and exoplanets are major research topics for most large telescopes. The Centre works with SSERC to run teacher CPD sessions based on the Deep Space resources.

    The Deep Space activities have been devised with the Institute of Physics Scotland, to inspire secondary science classes. They are mainly used by S1 or S2 classes (Key Stage 3). They are, however, very versatile and can be used from upper primary to upper secondary.

    For futher information please visit the website.



    Practical Action
    Global CREST Challenges







    Looking for a challenging STEM project for your students?

    Want to encourage your students to achieve a CREST award and maybe go on to take part in national competitions such as the Big Bang Fair?

    Then Practical Action's Global CREST challenges are perfect for you. Challenges are based on real problems faced in developing countries. They are divided into five themes - water, food, energy, shelter and transport. The resources give students starting point ideas for projects and to help them we link to technical briefs which are used by real engineers in the field.

    Working on these projects provides students with a great opportunity to gain a real understanding of how science and engineering can be used to the benefit of people in the developing world.

    All details are contained in the website.

    Practical Action
    100 Small things to make a difference

    100 Small things is a poster designed to get students to think about what they can do to make a difference to their environment, community and people in the developing world.

    There are 90 things on the poster and space left for students to add 10 of their own.

    Divided into the 6Rs of Reduce, Refuse, Recycle, Rethink, Repair, Reuse this FREE large A1 poster which can be used as a starting point for a lesson and will brighten up the classroom.

    To download your copy of the poster please go to the website.

    4X4 Schools Technology Challenge

    What is the 4x4 in Schools Technology Challenge?

    The challenge is aimed at young people aged 11-19 years old, and involves 3 to 6 team members working together to design and build a radio controlled 4-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicle to set specifications, that can successfully negotiate a specially designed test track that emulates that of real life and what a full scale 4x4 vehicle can do.

    Teams entering the challenge will spend a number of weeks designing, researching, building and project managing their 4x4 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 4x4 in school Technology Challenge UK National Champions.

    Registration for the 4x4 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 4x4 in Schools website.

    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.

    For more information please see the Introdution flyer

    Information about materials for the challenge is contained in the Materials flyer

    British Science Association
    25th Anniversary of CREST Awards

    The CREST Awards is turning 25!
    They're getting a bit sentimental about the thousands of students who've received a CREST Award over the years. In fact, they're trying to find award winners from every year of CREST's existence to help celebrate its birthday.

    If you have a CREST Award, join the CREST Alumni Network and connect with your CREST roots, hear inspirational stories from students attending National and International events - and from Alumni who have since gone on to have outstanding careers. They will also let you know of other competitions, funding sources and opportunities available through the British Science Association and other partners that may be of interest. Even better, your stories could help inspire a new generation of CREST students!

    It's FREE to join the CREST Alumni Network (and quick and simple).
    Visit the website to sign up.

    The Royal Meteorological Society's -
    "theWeather Club"

    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.

    Dr Liz Bentley, founder of 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

    Engineering
    Engagement
    Project

    The Engineering Engagement Project (EEnP) aims to widen participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by supporting teaching and learning in these key areas for 11-14 year olds.

    Involvement in EEnP helps teachers illustrate the role of engineering in society and enables students to learn about the roles of engineers, what they create and how their ideas and expertise shape our world and improve our lives.

    Would you like to:

  • Trial a new STEM resource in your classroom
  • Get inspiration for a STEM Club?
  • Teach Tomorrow's Designers and Technologists Today
  • Have an engineering road-show at your school?

    For further information visit the website at: www.raeng.org.uk/eenp

    Scalextric4Schools

    PTC in partnership with Scalextric are pleased to continue their commitment to this exciting curriculum project which allows students to design, make and race their very own Scalextric car.

    With two new categories there are plenty of engineering challenges this year.

    Design: using PTC Creo Elements / Pro (Formerly Pro|ENGINEER) 3D parametric modelling software. Free single seat license available through the web site and school licenses free to schools through the D&TA managed Digital Design & Technology initiative.

    Make: integrating genuine Scalextric components made available at a discount to education through our parts section.

    Race: against other schools informally and then in the national final.

    Everything you need to get started can be found on the website at: www.scalextric4schools.org





    Physics activity pack for STEM clubs

    The Institute of Physics produces an activity pack containing physics-based ideas, resources and activities for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) clubs.

    To download your free pack visit the website.

    Microbiology Online

    Microbiologyonline has been devised by the Society for General Microbiology, the leading UK professional body for scientists who work in all areas of microbiology. This inspirational online resource supports the teaching and learning of microbiology in the classroom across the key stages. It explores how microbes can be friend and foe and most importantly, why we need these invisible organisms to live. Microbiologyonline is authoritative and up to date.

    Information and advice on all aspects of microbiology teaching - both theory and practice

    For more details visit the website at www.microbiologyonline.org.uk/home

    LabSkills

    LabSkills is an interactive e-learning tool which enables chemistry teachers and students to carry-out pre-work ahead of practical classes. The tool complements and enhances, but does not replace, practicals and will help develop excellence in experimental skills.

    Practical Chemistry LabSkills is a set of FREE engaging ICT resources designed to help students and teachers get the most out of practical chemistry lessons.

    Now all UK state and independently funded secondary schools and FE colleges can receive a FREE copy of the basic package.

    The Royal Society of Chemistry leads the Discover LabSkills initiative to provide every UK school with access to LabSkills.

    More details are available at www.discoverlabskills.org

    Maths on Track

    Supporting numeracy and the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence



    For school or home use
    Access to the "Wee Red Box" flash cards
    Downloadable vidoes of numeracy lessons
    Downloadable practice sheets
    Inexpensive from as little as £10

  • You register at www.mathsontrack.com and get a password and 30 free credits.

  • Use your password and go to the "Learning Centre" and click on Curriculum for Excellence level 1 (mainly for P2-P4), or level 2 (mainly for P5-P7), or levels 3 or 4 (mainly for secondary).

  • Then click on Wee Red Box and choose a set of flash cards to do that level.

    You can also use PayPal to purchase more credits, for as little as £10 for 100 credits (enough for up to 10 hours of Wee Red Box time) - this website offers low cost / highly effective numeracy support.

    The website also offers a large number of downloadable practice sheets and videos as the need arises (like this week for instance, when children cannot get to school).

    Royal Society of Chemistry
    Online Chemistry Resources

    A variety of innovative and engaging online resources for use in the classroom or at home.

    The Resources cover many areas of chemistry and can be used in whole or in part.

    To view visit the website.

    Create Sport Challenge

  • 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

    This is an opportunity for students to enter the Create Sport Challenge - 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.

    Please see the attached pdf flyer for more information or email challenge@createsport.org.uk

    To enter see the Create Sport Challenge website at www.createsport.org.uk

    The Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland (IESIS)

    A multidisciplinary professional engineering body

    The IESIS website at www.profeng.org promotes the principle that there are excellent career opportunities for high achievers.

    The profeng website
    The Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland launched it's website www.profeng.org in 2009 to provide information on the benefits and rewards of Professional Engineering as a career option for young people.
    The information that can be accessed via the website will help aspiring professional engineers to learn about the various types of fulfilling careers available. Information about and how to acquire the appropriate university and professional training required to achieve Chartered Engineer status.(The UK's highest engineering qualification) is also provided.

    Aspire to be 1 in a Quarter of a Million!

    Numbers of professional engineers
    Did you know that there are approximately 180,000 Professional (i.e. Chartered and Incorporated) Engineers registered with the Engineering Council and employed in the UK economy?

    It is estimated that within the next 10 years the UK will require to train a further 250,000 Chartered Engineers of various disciplines to replace those retiring and to support the country's research, design services capability and the updating of it's manufacturing industries.

    Part of the need for this growth is because the UK, while maintaining its manufacturing base, is forecast to move towards providing higher value more sophisticated services to the world. The UK will increasingly become a "Knowledge Economy"

    It is predicted that the UK workforce will require to move from 32% of employees at the professional level in 1987 to 47% by 2017.

    Size of the UK engineering industry
    The UK engineering footprint generates 20% of the UK's Gross Domestic Product; three times that of the finance sector, and employs 4.5 million people. In 2008 engineering enterprises had a total turnover of nearly £800 billion.

    What can professional engineers earn?
    The website also facilitates access to the current salary survey databases of some of the leading Engineering Institutions which illustrate how rewarding and well remunerated Professional Engineering careers are in the 21st century.
    Did you know that figures published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) in May 2010 confirm that five of the top ten graduate average salaries in the UK are in professional engineering based employment?
    These range from £28,415 for graduate Chemical Engineers (secondary only to Dentistry and Medicine) to £24,446 for Mechanical Engineers.
    Peak graduate salaries can be £35,000 depending on discipline and industry sector.
    The HESA report also confirms "general engineering" average graduate salaries have been found to be higher than typically Veterinary Medicine, Opthalmics and Teaching and many more.
    For more information on salaries see page 163 of the Engineering UK 2009/10 publication.

    Professional Engineering - Creativity Rewarded!

    EDVOTEK

    Biotechnology
    Education
    Company

    A number of DNA and Biotech experiments and a list of Edvotek kits and equipment.

    For further information please visit the website at http://edvotek.co.uk

    Email dominic@edvotek.com to receive your free colourful DNA fingerprinting poster.



    F1 in Schools

    Curriculum Resources

    All initiatives are fully mapped to the National Curriculum and examination qualifications. Resources enable any school to deliver the initiatives as a full part of the "normal" curriculum between the ages of 9 to 19. The resources include flexible structures from STEM club to full cross curriculum project, session plans, clear learning objectives and the resources you need to run the project as well as support and guidance on how the resource can enrich your school.

    F1 in Schools is a multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature gas powered balsa wood F1 cars.

    F1 in Schools

    The Formula One Class is open to both the 11-14 and 14-19 age groups. The processes are the same as a Formula One Team would follow to get their car on the grid. Working in teams of between 3 and 6, students are encouraged to collaborate with industry and forge business links. The specification the teams work to presents different design and engineering challenges.
    Full details can be found on the website www.f1inschools.co.uk

    Bloodhound SSC Class

    The BLOODHOUND SSC Class is a new concept built around speed and aerodynamics with just one key design rule stating that the vehicle must have a minimum of four wheels. This class is open to the 9-14 age group.
    Full details can be found on the website www.f1inschools.co.uk





    Glasgow Science Centre

    For information on the events/activities/workshops that are available please contact Glasgow Science Centre.
    Visit their website at: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

    The James Dyson Foundation

    The James Dyson Foundation encourages young people to think differently, make mistakes and invent, their aim is to excite young people about design and engineering, demystify the design process, and encourage creativity.

    The website contains lots of helpful information for teachers and students, including engineering challenges, education boxes, case studies and product analysis.

    A number of resources can be downloaded from the website others can be in the form of a physical loan to schools.

    New Roadshows

    The freelance author, broadcaster, and academic, Mark Brake and science rapper Jon Chase are currently taking a number of science shows out into the schools of the UK.

    The shows are suitable for S 2/3, and are primed with science and culture appropriate to that level, the shows include:

  • Space Hoppers Live!
    Based on the BBC book and CBBC series this show has already played as a major part of The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging children to take more of an interest in reading, and science.

  • The Science and Magic of Harry Potter
    Pottermania, mind-boggling demos and details of the phenomena behind the fiction. Surely a must for Halloween?!

  • Space and Dinosaurs!
    A whodunnit detective story on the trail of whatever, or whoever, did for the dinosaurs!

  • Space, Time, Machine, and Monster
    Why we live in a science fiction world! The facts and fiction of the future, through science and rap!

  • The Alien Hunters Handbook
    The definitive Key Stage 2 guide to finding life beyond the Earth. Do aliens wear underpants, and do they play rugby?!

  • Really Really Big Questions about Space and Time
    Everything an S2 pupil would want to know about space and time: "Is the Universe Getting Fatter?" "Was Neil Armstrong a Modern Columbus?" "Who Owns Space?" "How Can Our Sun be a Dwarf?" "How To Build a Time Machine" and "Is Space Smelly?".

    Each show costs £200 plus travel, and can be tailored further to meet client needs.

    For more details visit the website at: www.markbrake.com/roadshows

    Funmaths Roadshow

    The Funmaths Roadshow is a collection of 350 interactive mathematical puzzles for use with school children, students and university undergraduates between the ages of 10 and 20. The resource has been developed by the Liverpool Mathematical Society.

    It is a valuable interactive classroom resource that improves problem solving skills and most importantly it changes attitudes towards mathematics. The emphasis is on enjoyment, challenge and relevance to the real world enabling youngsters to become highly motivated successful learners underpinning the design for the Curriculum for Excellence.

    The resource is available for

  • Staff development / training days.
  • Funmaths Roadshow sessions for particular year groups.

    For further information contact Pat Lyden:
    Mobile: 077816 160 946
    Tel: 01436 679 582
    Email: Pat_Lyden@BTinternet.com

    Primary Secondary and Advanced Leaders Awards for STEM

    The Primary, Secondary and Advanced Leaders Award for STEM is a FREE award open to students aged 5-19 years. It is designed to give students the opportunity to gather personalised career awareness. Students research, meet and interview professionals from a range of backgrounds by asking questions that are important to them.

    The project has two parts - firstly the students write a formal letter of application to become a Leader for STEM for their school or science club. They should write about how they help others with their STEM activities and to list the STEM activities that they are currently engaged in, enjoy and would like to do next! Students are then asked to interview a person who works in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics. Science Connects can help to locate a STEM Ambassador for this interview. On submission of the report on this interview, students are awarded a certificate. Pupils under the age of 9 can submit a video or podcast interview.

    Entries for 2011 Awards are open and there are Special Awards available with prizes and experiences from organisations such as Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Institution of Chemical Engineers, Practical Action and Bloodhound SSC, each has its own particular focus and rewards.

    For more information visit the website at: www.leadersaward.com

    NanoYou

    Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, where properties differ significantly from those at a larger scale. The nanoscale ranges from 100 nanometres down to the atomic level, where a nanometre is a millionth part of a millimetre.

    This is the website to visit if you want to know more about nanoscience www.nanoyou.eu

  • Nano Lab - Virtual Experiments and Hands on Activities
  • Nano Dialogue - Workshops, Virtual Dialogue, Cards and Role play
  • Play Nano - Jigsaw Puzzle, Memory Game, Other Games and NT Time Machine
  • Nano Educators - Take Part, Training Kits, School Programmes, Teachers' Blog, Pilot Schools and Nanoexhibition

    Now looking for next generation of NANOYOU pilot schools!

    During the 2009-2010 academic year 24 pilot schools across Europe (including one from Glasgow) were teaching NT in their classrooms with a wide range of materials, including videos, online animations, games, workshops, virtual dialogues, and virtual experiments based on current research.

    The second call for pilot schools will be open in October 2010. If you are interested in your school taking part, or for more information on Nanoscience: visit the website at www.nanoyou.eu

    Scottish Food and Drink Federation

    A Future in Food

    Bringing Scotland's schools and food and drink manufacturers together.

    A Future in Food is an innovative national programme, established and rolled out by the Scottish Food and Drink Federation. It helps teachers, pupils and parents better understand the food and drink manufacturing sector in Scotland, highlights the wide variety of careers on offer and explores the routes to access them.

    A Future in Food is a collective approach that contributes to the future of Scotland's young people, the food and drink industry and the wider economy.

    Working with schools and food manufacturers, the programme facilitates the creation and development of valuable educational partnerships that support A Curriculum for Excellence. Pupils will not only gain a better understanding of the production and processing of food but, crucially, will gain practical skills via real life experiences and active engagement with industry.

    Due to the diverse nature of the food and drink industry, there are opportunities for engagement with many subjects including maths, sciences, IT, technology and Home Economics. There are also exciting possibilities for cross curricular activities. SFDF will support schools and industry to develop effective and lasting partnerships that provide pupils with real life experience in the food and drink industry that also deliver experiences and outcomes that support Curriculum for Excellence.

    SFDF want to encourage science, maths and technology departments in schools to get involved in their programme as the food and drink industry offers many exciting and diverse experiences for teachers to deliver learning outcomes that support a Curriculum for Excellence. They can also help to link schools with industry partners to deliver this activity more effectively.

    For further information contact Moira Stalker
    Email: moira.stalker@sfdf.org.uk
    Tel: 0141 636 5498.

    To view the careers video "A World of Opportunities" please visit the website www.sfdf.org.uk and follow the link.

    Rapid Response
    Engineering Challenge

    The Rapid Response Engineering Challenge (RREC) demonstrates a new method of communicating engineering principles to S1 school children, based on re-building a devastated country hit by a hurricane. All pupils are introduced to a scenario where they have to imagine they are engineers going to help people who have very little infrastructure left after the storm.

    An inspirational introduction is given through an interactive presentation by a civil engineer. At the end of the presentation pupils are told that school will be "cancelled" for the following one or two weeks while they are trained to be Rapid Response Engineers providing the basics of water, shelter, food, transportation and communication.

    During the training time, subject departments work across the school curriculum on materials, developed by staff, which is linked to the hurricane theme. The S1 year group is divided into teams of six who work together in the subject areas with the lessons taking place during the normal school timetable. At the end of this time period, the pupils, still in their teams, work through four different bases during the activity day.

    Activity Day
    At two bases, pupils work together to make a shelter and transport water. The two other bases require the teams to identify who has the best skills to complete tasks in building weather instruments, orienteering in Spanish, building a water filtration system, creating healthy food and making a presentation to the World Health Organisation. Pupils, in their group, then raise funds for a charity that helps children in the developing world.

    For more information please visit the website.

    If you are interested in participating in the Rapid Response Engineering Challenge, please contact the ICE Scotland office, scotland@ice.org.uk and you will be put in touch with your local co-ordinator

    People's Trust for Endangered Species

    Stag beetle education pack now availabe

    The long awaited stag beetle education pack is now ready to download.

    This fabulous resource from PTES and Royal Holloway, University of London, contains 20 different curriculum linked activities all about our largest terrestrial beetle and it's habitat.

    Please see the attached flyer for more details.

    Visit www.ptes.org/education and register to access this free resource.

    If you require further information please email: emily@ptes.org

    Go4SET

    A new EDT initiative involving students, engineers and companies in exciting projects to stimulate the interest of young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

    Go4SET links teams of six S2 pupils with companies and universities to offer a 10 week science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experience.

    For more information visit the Go4SET website at www.go4set.org.uk

    For background information visit the BBC Learning Scotland Website and read an article on "Inspiring Future Engineers and Scientists" which covers EDT and the Go4SET project.

    The
    Smallpeice
    Trust

    The Smallpeice Trust is an educational charity which promotes engineering, design and technology to young people. This year, the Smallpeice Trust will reach out to over 16,000 young people through residential courses and in-school Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Days.

    Residential Courses
    Based at the country's leading universities and other secure venues these 4-day courses provide Year 9-12 students with the opportunity to find out more about engineering. From Marine Technology to Low Carbon Energy Challenge, these courses all offer young people the opportunity to change theory into reality whilst connecting with industry professionals and technical specialists.

    In-school STEM Days
    STEM days are for students in Years 6-11 and are especially popular in Year 8 and 9. Groups of 50 students work together in small teams on "design and make" projects to improve their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The activities are varied and range from designing, testing, and refining motorcars powered by super-capacitors to propelled gliders, wind turbines, and bridges.


    Becoming a Smallpeice Supervisor on residential courses
    The Smallpeice Trust is always on the lookout for enthusiastic teachers to become residential supervisors to support students on the course. The work is particularly suited to those with some knowledge of education, design technology or engineering. Main duties include working with a team of students throughout the course, supporting learning, monitoring progress, and encouraging full participation.

    Benefits

  • £240 worth of gift vouchers to use in high street stores
  • Full board accommodation at the course venue provided and travel expenses reimbursed
  • Expand your CV with experience of working with young people in an extra-curricular setting, residential supervision and working with adults and students from a range of backgrounds
  • Network with professionals and academics

    For more information visit the website at www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk

    The Commonwealth Orchard

    The Commonwealth Orchard is working with schools, community groups and a wide range of landowners, businesses and local authorities to develop a Scotland wide legacy orchard. In response to demand from schools, they are developing a Fruitful Schools pack which will be available to download.

    Volunteers are needed to help in researching and putting together interesting facts and material relating to schools in terms of planting, picking, storing and eating the fruit. They work from schools - from pre-school, primary schools, special needs schools and secondary schools - and material needs to be tailored to the needs of the particular group. They will request help from teachers who have taken part - to form case studies.

    For more details visit the website at www.commonwealthorchard.com
    or contact John Hancox, 0778 606 3918. email: john@commonwealthorchard.com

    Computing Science For Fun

    The fun side of computer science! Explore how computer science is also about people, solving puzzles, creativity, changing the future and, most of all, having fun.

    Use "Last One In" to find what's new. Browse the website or wander aimlessly in the maze. Links from the magazine try "Magazine+" Thinking of doing CS, but not sure what it's all about? No problem - try the interactive guide.

    Searching for answers or more to do. Why not build your own Noughts and Crosses Artificial Intelligence or discover the computer science behind our magic show?

    Visit the website at www.cs4fn.org

    The Royal Meteorological Society

    The Royal Meteorological Society is the Learned and Professional Society for anyone whose profession or interests are connected with weather. MetLink is the flagship dedicated educational website of the Society with weather and climate resources aimed at primary and secondary school teachers, students, teenagers, children and the general public.

    On the site you will find a whole range of materials including informative powerpoint presentations looking at cloud types, weather hazards and phobias, lesson plans for all key stages, an indicative guide of where meteorology can link with the curriculum for different key stages, how you can book a Meteorology Ambassador to come to your school, information regarding meteorology careers, courses, qualifications and employers, colouring sheets, puzzles, topical weather articles and more! A whole host of over 150 meteorology education and careers related links can also be found on the site.

    Visit the website at www.metlink.org





    STEM Directories

    The STEM Directories aim to provide enough information for teachers to pinpoint quickly which activities and events provided by organisations across the UK will enhance and enrich their school curriculum. The Directories are delivered in three distinct volumes: Science, Engineering and Technology, and Maths.

    You can download the STEM Directories by going to the STEM Directory website. www.stemdirectories.org.uk

    View an online copy of the directories with particular relevance to Scotland.

    Do something creative
    Do science

    Ever considered a career in science? The options open to you may be surprising and more exciting than you think

    Science has a reputation for being all about boffins in white coats. To most of us that's pretty dull, right?

    It's easy to forget that science is everywhere - think about the stuff in your everyday life. If it hasn't at least been touched by science, it has come about as a direct result of it. Just about everything, from the computer that you're using right now, to the stuff you put on your hair - everything involves science somehow.

    For more information visit the website at www.infoscotland.com/science

    Young Engineers & Science Clubs

    The purpose of the Clubs is to engage young people in practical hands-on science and engineering activities and to enthuse them to pursue a career in science, engineering and technology.

    To find out details of what the Clubs are all about and what they can do for you - whether you're a young person thinking about a career in science, engineering and technology, or a teacher looking for resources to promote science engineering and technology.

    Visit the website at www.yecscotland.co.uk

    BodyWorks on Tour - Glasgow Science Centre

    BodyWorks on Tour is an outreach programme about our amazing bodies. These engaging science shows, interactive workshops and amazing exhibits are the perfect complement to the Curriculum for Excellence science and health & wellbeing outcomes. There is an experience available for all ages.

    For full details see
    attached pdf file

    Lab in a Lorry - in Scotland
    register your interest now

    Do your students have enquiring minds? Are you keen for them to get more experience with hands-on experiments? Would they benefit from interacting with practising scientists? Then you need Lab in a Lorry.

    What is Lab in a Lorry?
    Lab in a Lorry is an interactive mobile science laboratory which gives young people (11-14 year olds) the opportunity to explore science through open ended experiments. Guided by volunteers who are practising scientists and engineers from industry and academia, the students relish the opportunity to work with "real" scientists. And it's not just the students who benefit. Volunteers gain communication skills and a real sense of achievement from sharing their knowledge with the students.

    The Lab is fitted with three distinct lab areas where groups of up to six young people can take part in each of the fun and informative experiments. With at least one volunteer to every six students, everyone gets to try their hand at experimental science and think about the surprises and questions that arise. We fit in with your school timetable accommodating 18 students per period and can visit your school for as many days as you like. Best of all, the Lab is free to host at your school.

    What does Lab in a Lorry need?
    We are currently putting together tours for 2010 academic year and would like to hear from any schools that are interested in hosting the Lab. For a Lab in a Lorry visit we need:

  • somewhere to park (a large flat surface with access to power)
  • groups of young people (11-14 year olds [KS3] to inspire and engage)
  • volunteers (at least three to lead the experiments)
  • lunch for the volunteers and staff (usually 4 people)

    We invite physicists and engineers to staff Lab in a Lorry, but you can recruit friends, parents, and colleagues to volunteer. By recruiting scientists from your local area, you improve the probability that Lab in a Lorry will visit your community. If you cannot recruit any scientists from your area, then we will try to organise a team for you.

    We try to accommodate all requests we receive, but we have to take into account numbers and availability of volunteers, as well as time and the distance to travel.

    More information?
    If this sounds like something that your school would benefit from, please get in touch now.

    To find out more about the programme and what's involved in hosting Lab in a Lorry or to register your interest see www.labinalorry.org.uk
    Alternatively you can contact James Bamford: by email or phone: 07920 118 673

    Computing Science Inside

    An online resource to bring Computing Science alive in the classroom.

    A series of workshops is available that focus on the ideas in modern technology and demonstrate to students how these applications and devices work using fundamental Computing Science Techniques.

    As well as running the workshops themselves in the classroom, teachers can request a visit from the CS Inside team.

    For more information visit http://csi.dcs.gla.ac.uk

    Think Darwin, Think Evolution, Think Now

    Think Darwin, Think Evolution, Think Now has been produced by SIBE (Scottish Initiative for Biotechnology Education) at The University of Edinburgh to celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin.

    The 96 page booklet has been designed for Scottish Higher and Advanced Higher students of biology. The booklet links in with attainment targets on the Higher and Advanced Higher syllabuses and these links are shown in the teaching notes.

    The booklet is to provide support in the teaching of evolutionary theory and its many connections throughout the field of biology.

    To view an online copy of publication

    Hard copies of the publication can be obtained by contacting K.Pullen

    Bowland Maths

    Bowland Maths makes maths fun and absorbing for pupils aged 11-14.

    The aim is to help change pupils' views of maths by increasing their motivation and enjoyment, which should help increase their confidence and their competence. A second aim is to help teach maths in a different way.

    The Bowland Maths materials look very different from most maths teaching materials. They consist of innovative case study problems, each taking 3-5 lessons, designed to develop thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills. Each case study is different, but all provide pupils and teachers with problems that are fun and engaging, while also being a rich maths experience. The case studies are not remotely like answering questions from a book.

    Bowland Maths also includes Professional Development materials to help teachers develop the skills needed for the case studies and for the new Programme of Study. There are five modules which cover the main pedagogical challenges for this type of investigative problem solving. Each module is activity based; it is built around problems similar to the case studies, but short enough to fit into a single lesson.

    All these materials are available on the Bowland Player, which is free to UK schools from the website at www.bowlandmaths.org.uk

    Survival Rivals
    Experiments for schools inspired by Darwin

    Hands-on experiments, inspired by Darwin and free of charge to UK state secondary schools. Plus free online resources for all schools.

    There are three kits in the series:

  • I'm a Worm, Get Me Out of Here (exploring natural selection)
  • Brine Date (looking at sexual selection)
  • The X-Bacteria (investigating antibiotic resistance in bacteria)

    Each kit contains everything teachers and students need to carry out the experiments in school. All the experiments are designed to help young people see for themselves how Darwin's ideas link to modern evolutionary principles and contemporary biomedicine.

    For further details visit the website at www.survivalrivals.org

    Bridges to Schools
    Initiative

    Bridges to Schools is an initiative, promoted by the Institution of Civil Engineers which takes a 12m long model of a cable-stayed bridge into Primary Schools. Pupils are able to build, walk across and deconstruct the bridge, learning about bridges, teamwork and civil engineering.



    The Bridge model is available for visits of 2-4 days. It is aimed at children in P6 and P7. Schools often group together and arrange for one school to host the Bridge while pupils from other local schools come to the host school for the experience.

    To host the Bridge you need to have a gym or hall with a clear length of 15m. It is very important that this space is available, otherwise the bridge will not fit.

    Usually four one-hour sessions fit into the school day.

    Any School interested in this initiative should contact: John McPartlin email: john.mcpartlin@ice.org.uk

    More information on the website

    Clyde Waterfront Education

    A river of learning, a stream of ideas

    This is a valuable new educational resource to support teachers in the Clyde Waterfront area and to connect local young people with all the exciting developments happening along the river.

    Clyde related lesson plans

    200 new lesson plans have been added to the site to provide a rich source of local material. The site is ideal for teachers looking for material to use with pupils from Primary 6 to Secondary 3.

    For further details please visit the website at www.clydewaterfronteducation.com

    SNAP





    The Scottish Network for Able Pupils (SNAP) runs courses and workshops for teachers and able pupils.

    SNAP is working across the UK with schools and education authorities. They also run workshops for young people and provide advice for parents.

    For further information go to www.ablepupils.com

    Earthwatch Educator Expeditions

    Funded environmental research expeditions with Earthwatch for secondary school teachers.

    This is a fully funded CPD opportunity for teachers of Science, Geography and Citizenship to join a conservation research expedition and to use this experience to integrate environmental themes into their teaching.

    Participants are also able to apply for a grant from Earthwatch to 'kick start' an environmental initiative in their school or community.

    For more information visit www.earthwatch.org

    Scottish Power Renewables

    A new renewable energy education pack created by Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) is now available.

    Designed in conjunction with teachers, the unique pack has been nearly two years in the making and offers a genuine insight into renewable energy.

    Split into two discs, the resource has an interactive DVD detailing how renewable energy works, the process of building a windfarm, electrical safety and energy conservation.

    The second disc provides teachers with lesson plans, practical exercises and fun informative games, all designed to highlight the growing role that renewables has to play in all our energy needs now and in the future.

    For detailed information and to download the education pack worksheeets and teacher support pack visit the website visit the website

    MadLab

    MadLab is a unique, hands-on electronics workshop for children and adults. In the workshop participants solder electronic components onto specially-designed circuit boards. There are currently over forty MadLab kits which people can make - the simplest being Flashing Lights, the most complicated a programmable robot which is able to find its way around a maze. The excitement of MadLab is learning how to use a soldering iron, and actually being able to make and take home a working electronic circuit.

    For more details visit the website at www.madlab.org

    International Space School Educational Trust









    ISSET has the aim of utilising space and space exploration to increase student and teacher motivation and to increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning. This has been achieved through a range of programmes:

  • Student projects and competitions on space related topics that utilise ICT in the form of web-site design, e-mail attachments and CDROM development.
  • UK student and teacher science, technology and space experiences
  • Teacher research based training at master's degree level that includes working weekends, developing teaching and learning programmes, training at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Johnson Space Center in Texas, evaluation and report writing.
  • Astronaut and Space Scientist visits to schools, colleges, universities and communities in the UK. Videoconferences with astronauts and space scientists
  • Relating aspects of space and space exploration directly to the curriculum on our web site
  • ISSET also conducts numerous INSET courses throughout the UK aimed at not only improving teaching and learning in science areas but also more generic professional development for both primary and secondary sectors.

    Visit the website at www.isset.org

    Institution of Civil Engineers

    What do Civil Engineers do ?

    Civil Engineers design and build all the static structures in the world around us.

    TRANSPORT

    Roads, railways, airports, docks, bridges, tunnels
    - to help us travel and move goods around

    ENERGY

    Power stations, hydroelectric schemes, offshore platforms & pipelines, wind & wave power
    - to give us power for heating & lighting

    WATER

    Dams, water supply pipelines, water treatment, drainage, sewage treatment
    - to give us clean water & keep us healthy

    STRUCTURES

    Housing, office buildings, sports stadiums
    - to give us shelter to live work and play and other facilities that up the built environment.

    If you would like to know more about Civil Engineering or how to become an engineer visit the website at www.ice.org.uk

    Bumblebee Conservation Trust

    Billions of the UK's bees are dying from unknown causes.

    Bumblebees are beautiful, hard working and incredibly important pollinators. In the last 70 years two species have become nationally extinct, and others are seriously threatened.

    Bees are responsible for pollinating one-third of all the foods we eat! To halt the dramatic decline we urgently need to improve habitats, everyone can play their part.

    You can help our Bumblebees by registering your interest on the Bumblebee Conservation Trust website www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk The website is packed with useful information, and includes pages to help you identify bumblebees, advice on how to garden in a sensitive way, and surveys which you can take part in.

    Discover Engineering

    Discover Engineering provides a gateway to numerous websites for young engineers. Here you'll find everything you need to know about how to become an engineer.

    Categories covered include:-

  • The world of engineering
  • Careers and pathways
  • Which engineering sector
  • Apprenticeships and training
  • Considering college or university
  • Resources for teachers or advisors

    Visit the website at www.discoverengineering.co.uk

    Real Science

    Real science is a fascinating, absorbing, endlessly varied and exciting subject. But school science can seem dull, dusty and irrelevant to some young students.

    The news stories and science teaching resources on this website should ensure that the kids you teach are not among them.

    For breaking science news online visit www.realscience.org.uk

    UK School Seismology Project

    The sheer destructive power of earthquakes has always held a fascination for children. This project capitalises on this natural interest by making use of earthquakes and seismology as a unifying theme to teach a range of basic science concepts.

    Science is not a set of abstract ideas; it explains how the real world works.

    For more information email schoolseismology@bgs.ac.uk

    or visit the website at www.bgs.ac.uk/schoolseismology

    Engeneration
    Institution of Mechanical Engineers

    Engeneration is a free-to-join membership scheme for all 13 - 19 year old students of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, including the Engineering Diploma and other qualifications that can lead to a career in Engineering.

    The scheme is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and offers you exclusive access to:

    Careers advice and profiles of real engineers

    Get support in your work with Insight learning materials

    Exciting trips and events

    Further details at www.engeneration.imeche.org

    Engineering the Future

    Engineering the Future (EtF) is an EPSRC funded project based in the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow. EtF is helping schools raise awareness of the nature of engineering and the diverse career paths it offers.

    EtF is working on several fronts:

  • Building university-schools partnerships in electronic and electrical engineering.
  • Creating engineering careers materials
  • Developing an on-line interactive game
  • Addressing school university transition
  • Maintaining dialogue on how engineering can be embedded in the school curriculum.

    A number of school enginering units have beed developed. These cover years S1 through to S6 and topics ranging from tracking bats, controlling a Mars exploration vehicle, building alarm systems and wind powered generators.

    For information visit the website at: www.engineeringthefuture.info
    or email: e.ekevall@educ.gla.ac.uk
    or g.macbride@educ.gla.ac.uk

    Rolls Royce
    Resources for Schools

    On this webiste you can find and download resources Rolls Royce have created for schools.

    Read about how a gas turbine works, find out how the modules fit together or play one of the interactive games based on a variety of engineering concepts.

    Imagineering

    IMAGINEERING, introducing 8-16 year olds to the fascinating world of engineering, originated and run by the IMAGINEERING FOUNDATION an education charity which is staffed by committed volunteers with engineering knowledge. It provides fun, hands-on activities, lets children find out how things work and how they are made, and allows them to meet real engineers and find out what they do.

    The Foundation works hand-in-hand with professional organisations and companies, and Imagineering dovetails neatly with educational initiatives promoting engineering skills.

    Details can be found at www.imagineeringweb.co.uk

    Planet Science

    A web site run by the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA) packed full of resources and ideas for all children who study science and the teachers and other adults who support them.

    The Planet Science Website aims to

  • Inspire teachers by example to have great creative ideas about how they teach science
  • Inspire children and young people to think of science as a fascinating and creative endeavour, and a good potential career choice
  • Inspire parents to think of science as an engaging and rewarding subject for their children, and themselves

    For more details visit: www.planet-science.com

    NRICH

    The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

    On the website you will find thousands of free mathematics enrichment materials (problems, articles and games) for teachers and learners from ages 5 to 19 years. All the resources are designed to develop subject knowledge, problem-solving and mathematical thinking skills. The website is updated with new material on the first day of every month.

    Visit the website at http://nrich.maths.org

    Physics & Ethics Education Project

    An interactive website and virtual learning environment for secondary school science teachers and their students. It is a teaching resource developed to highlight the moral, ethical, social, economic, environmental and technological implications and applications of physics.

    More information at www.peep.ac.uk

    ScienceProjectIdeas

    ScienceProjectIdeas is the ideal place for parents and teachers wanting to explore science with children. It is a regularly reviewed and updated collection of articles full of ideas for science projects in biology, chemistry, physics, maths, and environment & meteorology.

    The articles include background information on the subject, suggestions for simple hands on experiments with easily available ingredients, and clear explanations on the science that is going on.

    More information at www.scienceprojectideas.co.uk

    AAA Maths

    AAA Math features a comprehensive set of interactive arithmetic lessons. Unlimited practice is available on each topic which allows thorough mastery of the concepts. A wide range of lessons enables learning or review to occur at each individual's current level.

    Visit the website at www.aaaknow.com

    Robokid

    Robokid is a technology project based on the theme of Robotics. from Heriot-Watt University.

    The Robokid project aims to provide a technology project for the P6/P7 stage of the Scottish primary curriculum.

    Pupils work on a series of different activities using a specially design robot vehicle based on cutting edge electronic technology.

    The design was developed in the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at Heriot-Watt University.

    The web site at www.robokid.org.uk gives you access to all project documentation and support services




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