Welcome to what could be cautiously termed “early spring”, and too our new-look STEM Teacher
Newsletter where you will find:
Opportunities for Teachers
Opportunities for Students
STEM club ideas
Student competitions
Coming up…
We are trying a new format for our termly newsletters - simplified and hopefully even more useful.
Let us know what you think, your feedback is very valuable to us. Feel free to pass this on to other
colleagues who may be interested in STEM enrichment.
If you are interested in tackling the issue of flooding with your pupils, why not take a look at the Beat
The Flood resource from Practical Action, where pupils explore how STEM skills can be used to help
communities be better prepared for flooding. A great activity (featured in this month’s Education in
Science from the ASE) that can be used in lessons, clubs or enrichment days, and which will surely
resonate with pupils across Somerset - practicalaction.org/beattheflood
And there’s an opportunity for schools to enter a simple competition to win over £120-worth of
LEGO physics kits, thanks to the School of Physics and Astronomy at Queen Mary University of
London. To enter, take a look at ph.qmul.ac.uk/engagement/physics-kits. But be quick, the closing
date is 11th March!
If you would like to discuss anything on the newsletter or talk more broadly about STEM at your
school then drop me a line: Email me at Liz@graphicscience.co.uk or phone 01275 474948.
Happy STEMming!
Opportunities for Teachers:
STEM Planning Session in your school
This is a free service we provide all secondary schools in our region, where you can sit down with us
and your STEM colleagues to plan the implementation of your STEM enrichment ideas for the next
term, or even the next year. We look at all sorts of STEM enrichment opportunities suitable for a
range of ages across all STEM subjects (including careers), and look for opportunities to bring in
STEM Ambassadors – volunteers from business and academia with expertise and experience in
STEM. Drop me a line at liz@graphicscience.co.uk to arrange a date.
Teachmeet - Spring into Science
Monday 10th March 2014, 18.30, Badminton School, Bristol
Come along to this informal gathering for anyone enthusiastic about science teaching and wanting
to share ideas (run by the Association for Science Education), including opportunities to share your
experiences in short presentations. For more information and to sign-up visit
springintoscience2014.eventbrite.co.uk
Free one-day Primary Teacher CPD session (also useful for transition / Yr7)
Friday 7th March 2014, University of the West of England
Science Oxford have developed 10 practical design challenges that enable pupils to apply their
scientific skills and knowledge. Topics include gliders, mini-vacuum cleaners and floating platforms.
Course includes £100 box of equipment for your school, transport reimbursed and lunch. For more
information on the project visit www.scienceoxford.com/engineer or to book a place on the course,
contact Penelope.Harnett@uwe.ac.uk
Learn Chemistry Partnership (Royal Society of Chemistry)
This is a free programme that connects you and your school with the world’s leading chemistry
community. You will be the first to know about new resources and developments and also receive
free RSC membership completely free of charge and a periodic table wall chart for your classroom.
To find out more visit www.rsc.org/Education/learn-chemistry-partnership/
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Opportunities for Students:
Your Green Future
1st & 2nd April 2014, University of the West of England
Students (age 13-19) have the opportunity to work with over 30 businesses, exploring career
opportunities in a low carbon, resilient future. Interactive activities are suitable for all curriculum
subjects and designed to build personal, social and life skills. There are just 30 places left on each
day. Places are free, find out more and book at www.yourgreenfuture.org.uk or email
Cecily@swea.co.uk
Nuffield Research Placements
Year 12 students can apply for 4-6 week research placements over the summer, where they have the
opportunity to work with scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians to conduct their
own research-based project. Students who have been in receipt of Free School Meals may be eligible
for a bursary. Closing date for applications is April 25th 2014. For more information contact
liz@graphicscience.co.uk
The Big Bang South West
26th June 2014, University of Exeter
This regional Big Bang Fair is a regional version of the national event (for ages 11-19); including an
interactive exhibition area, science shows and opportunities to view STEM projects entered into the
National Science & Engineering Competition. Find out more at www.ebp-sw.org/stem/big-bangsouth-west-3
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STEM Club ideas:
MARS Balloon
A free project for students to design experiments to be sent in capsules in a high-altitude balloon to
test technologies for future Mars missions. Get in touch for STEM Ambassador support. For more
information and to register go to marsballoon.com
Virtually visit the South China Seas
April / May 2014
Join Lesley Allen, a UK science and primary teacher, on board the seagoing research vessel The
JOIDES Resolution as it investigates the rock cycle, fossils, climate change and marine biology in the
South China Seas. Groups get a real-time tour of the ship via Skype or Zoom and can talk to the
scientists, engineers and crew on board. Sign up for an online session at tinyurl.com/JOIDESsignup
Chemistry Clubs
Royal Society of Chemistry
Awards of up to £1000 for new or existing clubs to generate an interest in Chemistry and stretch and
challenge pupils. Applications should be made by teachers and the next deadline is the 5th May. For
more information go to: www.rsc.org/Membership/Networking/InterestGroups/BMCS/educationsupport-group/chemistry-clubs.asp
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Student Competitions:
Biology Challenge (Society of Biology)
The deadline for applications for the Biology Challenge has been extended to Friday 21st March. This
is an online competition for Year 9 and Year 10 where students can demonstrate their knowledge
and enthusiasm for biology beyond the curriculum. For more information and to register go to
www.societyofbiology.org/get-involved/awards-and-competitions/biology-challenge
Competition: Cracking Ideas Competition
(Deadline 30th April)
Design an innovative food-related gadget as part of the Cracking Ideas Competition, developed in
partnership with Aardman Animations. There are also plenty of online resources and games at
www.crackingideas.com
Competition: Bill Bryson Prize 2014
(Deadline 31st March)
The Bill Bryson Prize is designed to recognise and encourage excellent science communication in
schools by encouraging students to think creatively about science. It is open to students aged 5-18
with entries in any format as long as they accurately communicate science. Recent entries have
included videos, podcasts, posters, cartoons, songs and poems. www.rsc.org/Education/events-andcompetitions/bill-bryson-prize/index.asp
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Coming Up...
National Women in Engineering Day
23rd June 2014
If you are interested in organising an event or activity for National Women in Engineering Day then
we can support you. Get in touch - ellie@graphicscience.co.uk
Biochemistry Schools Week, University of Bristol
23rd-26th June 2014
Students and staff are invited to learn traditional and modern biochemical diagnostic techniques,
based around the topic of insulin. The one day course will include both talks and practicals. For
further information or to book places contact Hannah.King@bristol.ac.uk
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