inside
STEM
Summer Edition 2016
WELCOME Dear STEM Educators, Ambassadors, Enthusiasts Welcome to our Summer term edition of Inside STEM This season we have more fascinating and diverse stories about how STEM Ambassadors in the North East of Scotland are communicating their passion and knowledge of STEM topics to pupils in both secondary and primary schools across the region, supporting teachers to deliver the Curriculum for Excellence. The last few months have been extremely busy as the team drove around the North East of Scotland visiting a good many secondary schools, from Craigie High School in Dundee to Alford Academy in Aberdeenshire. We have been meeting with teachers of STEM subjects to find out how STEM Ambassadors can continue to offer their invaluable support. We’ve also successfully delivered STEM Ambassador Extension Training as well as the WISE Campaign’s “People Like Me” training for a number of STEM Ambassadors to ensure we are supporting our volunteers and equipping them with the right tools to successfully and confidently deliver engaging activities and have fun! If you’re a teacher who would like to arrange a discussion with a member of the STEM Learning Team to find out how we can support you through the Schools Advisory Network and the STEM Ambassador Programme, please get in touch. If you’re a STEM Ambassador who would like some guidance on how to get started with an activity or are wondering what local activities might suit your interests and areas of expertise then we’d love to hear from you. You might even want to find out how you can go about offering support to your former school or your child’s school – we can help! Lucy (STEM Programmes Manager), Jess (STEM Learning Officer) and Emily (STEM Learning Team Administration Assistant) can be contacted at: ambassadors@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk or by calling 01382 868610 You can also follow us on twitter @dundeestemlearn for all our latest updates! Share your STEM events and what you get up to at work – bonus points for including your STEM badge in any photos.
Encourage girls to say “STEM is for People Like Me” Earlier this year, WISE teamed up with STEMNET to deliver revolutionary “People Like Me” training for STEM Ambassadors across the UK. Here in the North East of Scotland, Dundee Science Centre delivered this training to 27 STEM Ambassadors in Aberdeen and Dundee. What is ‘People Like Me’ training? When asking young people about STEM subjects and careers, the focus tends to be on what the engineers and scientists do rather that the characteristics of the people who choose these careers, resulting in the perceived identity of the STEM professional being created entirely using verbs. The conflict between girls self-identity and the perceived STEM-identity can result in girls thinking that STEM study and careers are not for people like them.
Can a STEM Ambassador visit my class to deliver this training? 27 North East of Scotland STEM Ambassadors have now been trained to deliver this training for girls aged 11-14 years, allowing girls to participate in activities that will help them to realise their full potential in a STEM career at a crucial decision-making time in their lives, leading up to their National 4/5’s. If you would like a STEM Ambassador to visit your school and deliver the activities from People Like Me, please get in touch and we can highlight this opportunity to our enthusiastic People Like Me trainees!
The revolutionary ‘People Like Me’ training focuses on using adjectives to describe the attributes of scientists and engineers, allowing girls to recognise that these are attributes that they themselves possess. By doing this, girls have the opportunity to imagine themselves in a STEM career and learn, despite their previous thoughts, STEM subjects are for people like them.
STEM Ambassadors – we’ll keep you informed about upcoming opportunities to receive training. If you’re interested – let us know so we can give you an update in advance. http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/about-us/wise-projects/people-like-me
Bloodhound Education BBC micro: bit Model Rocket Car Competition Race for the line - Get your school ready to take part! Get your school ready to take part in the Model Rocket Car competition developed by BLOODHOUND EDUCATION for 11-16 year old secondary school children! Pre-register with your local race HUB through www.microbitmodelrocketcar.com to receive your allocation of free rocket car kits for your participating teams. Launching in April 2016 – you can learn more at: www.microbitmodelrocketcar.com
STEM Ambassador Loan Boxes We are excited to announce a brand new STEM Ambassador loan box which is arriving soon! BBC micro:bit and STEMNET have partnered together to offer this resource to STEM Ambassadors. Dundee Science Centre’s STEM team has received a kit of 20 micro:bits that are available for STEM Ambassadors to request, for use in schools and code clubs. If you’re a STEM Ambassador interested in borrowing the kit, contact the team and express your interest. If you’re a teacher looking for a STEM Ambassador to visit with the micro:bits, add your request to the STEMNET website: https://db.stemnet.org.uk/requests/add
Did you know? The Dundee Science Centre team have developed a number of loan boxes available to STEM Ambassadors across the North East of Scotland. Aimed to support Curriculum for Excellence topics, these resources are free for STEM Ambassadors to borrow and take into schools. If you’re a teacher looking for support in these topics, consider requesting a visit from a STEM Ambassador and the relevant box below. Kits are hosted at Dundee Science Centre* and Aberdeen Science Centre, so you have a choice of pickup location. For more information about the kit contents and availability, contact our team.
• Marvellous Maths
• Smart Materials
Contains some real life applications of mathematics, with kit including a Gaussian gun, solids of a constant width and some simple activities you can try out in the classroom.
Allow learners to get hands-on with some cutting-edge smart materials – materials that react and respond to the environment around them. From memory metals to expanding microspheres; “magic” waterproof sand to colour changing pigments, these materials are sure to defy anyone’s expectations as to what a seemingly simple material can do.
• Inside Cells Enable exploration of the human biology of cells - the fundamental building blocks of life, and genetics - uncovering the cryptic codes that dictate who we are, what we look like, and why? Examine microscopic cell slides, create model organisms, debate topical science issues, construct a DNA double helix, and extract your own DNA. Includes EuroStemCell kit (available from Dundee Science Centre only).
STEM Learning Officer, Jessica Forbes inducting GSK’s Montrose apprentices
New STEM Ambassadors! We’ve had another busy season travelling around the North If you’d like to encourage your employer to become involved in East of Scotland recruiting volunteers into the the STEM Ambassador programme, get in touch and we can STEM Ambassador programme including new volunteers from offer you support. GSK Montrose, Score Group Aberdeenshire, and SSE in Perth.
Teachers – request a STEM Ambassador Are you looking for the support of a local STEM Ambassador? Or perhaps you’re wondering if other teachers within your workplace are involved in the scheme – let us know and we can put you in touch! Things that might be of particular interest right now include:
• careers fairs
• technical advice or practical support to STEM projects in the classroom
• support for projects in school STEM Clubs – including coding, eco, engineering and maths clubs
• judging school STEM competitions
• contacts for work experience placements
• speed networking with pupils, parents and teachers
• devise or deliver practical STEM experiments or demonstrations
• help students with mock job interviews
• mentors for Advanced Higher Projects and Baccalaureate entries STEM Ambassadors can support in person with a visit, or remotely via email, and we currently have over 600 in the North East Scotland region, so the chances are that the expertise you are looking for is represented! Make your request via the website, or send us a quick email with the details of your activity or topic. db.stemnet.org.uk/requests/add ambassadors@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk
STEM Ambassadors – sign up to an activity Are you looking to sign up for your first STEM Ambassador activity? Had a fantastic time delivering an activity at a school recently and want to sign up for more? Simply login to your account at www.stemnet.org.uk and click on “Search STEM Ambassador activities”. If you find something suitable click on “express interest” and a member of our STEM Learning team will get in touch to provide you with further details and contact information for the school. If you would like more information about the Curriculum for Excellence or to discuss the curriculum in more detail - to find out where your area of expertise could best be utilised to support teachers - please get in touch for a chat.
Meet the
STEM
Ambassador Bill Ellis, self-employed Electronics Engineer and STEM enthusiast
Bill Ellis with team of Rampaging Chariots Perth High School Robot
What inspired you to become a STEM Ambassador? “I was fortunate to enjoy a fairly long and very enjoyable career as an engineer in the electrical and electronic fields. In fact, you could say it was a paid hobby for me. I want to try and pass some of my knowledge and experience to the next generation, in the hope they can experience a satisfying career in Science and Engineering.”
Why do you feel the STEM Ambassadors programme is important? “For nearly all of my engineering career, I have been active in the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), now the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). We recognise there is a severe shortage on school pupils opting to study STEM topics and hence I believe anything I can do to address this issue, is worthwhile.”
When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a degree/ career in STEM? “I was a reasonable footballer at school but when it was clear I was not committed enough to pursue this as a career, I started studying radio and TV engineering when I left school. I started a craft apprenticeship and soon discovered that I much preferred studying maths and engineering three evenings a week as opposed to two evenings a week football training on cold and wet winter evenings. I worked hard and was reasonably successful in my craft studies and I eventually enrolled on a full-time course leading eventually to a BSc. Degree in Electronic Engineering. I was hooked on STEM and still pursue a lifelong passion for the subject.” Do you feel anyone had a particular influence on your decision to pursue a degree/career in STEM? “I was inspired by some of my academic lecturers over the years but, largely, I drew inspiration from some of the great names in STEM topics such as Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and James Clerk Maxwell. I was also fortunate to live in the era when space exploration was beginning and this was very inspiring.” What have been your highlights so far whilst participating in the STEM Ambassadors programme? “There have been quite a few but perhaps the most memorable is completing a "Rampaging Chariot" with Perth High School Robot Club last year. This was so successful that they are in the process of building a second machine. Hopefully, this will enable them to compete in competitions between chariots and against other schools.”
Bill, self-employed Electronics Engineer and STEM enthusiast has been an incredibly active STEM Ambassador in Perth since joining the scheme in 2012 participating in over 37 activities from Rampaging Chariots, Junior Saltire Awards, IET DIY Faraday Challenge and a number of careers and subject talks.
Meet the
STEM
Ambassador Caitlin Adams is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Dundee
What inspired you to become a STEM Ambassador? “I was inspired by all the great opportunities I was given at school. Being a School Ambassador I took so much pride in the engineering department; I loved helping in classes and seeing the inspiration I was to the pupils. When I left school I knew I wanted to keep inspiring and motivating people; so here I am. When you see the motivation and determination in a pupil’s eye, when you know they are really focused and engaged, that's when I know I've done my role as a STEM Ambassador right. Having the opportunity to encourage and reward creativity is wonderful, it makes me feel great and it makes the kids feel great too. At the end of the day I go home and I feel like I've been rewarded for all my efforts, and that is what motivates me to keep being a STEM Ambassador.”
Without his constant shudders, forever intermittent lights and windows that don't roll down, I wouldn't have learnt half the things I have. Ernest has proven to me that hobbies and careers can overlap, if you really want them to. He has also taught me that nothing is meant to be easy but it is meant to be a labour of love.” What have been you highlights so far whilst participating in the STEM Ambassadors programme?
“Is all of it a good answer?! I have loved meeting new people and getting involved in some amazing projects. I've done everything from Lego robot wars with First Lego League, to factory visits – complete with Hi Vis vests and hard hats. The When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a degree/ kids I have worked with have been the biggest highlight for me. The way they get so enthusiastic about the littlest things. My career in STEM? Lego team were brilliant for that – they literally jumped for joy “I've always been the creative type. At first I thought that meant when we were announced finalists in the tournament! And their I was going to be an artist. Then in 2nd year I learnt about smiles beamed for days when we took our Lego trophy home. engineering design. I was hooked. One of my passions has That's what the STEM Ambassadors programme is all about always been boats; I pursue my degree in STEM for the chance isn't it? - showing kids the fun side to STEM subjects.” to design my own. Who knows maybe one day I'll have designed the world’s greatest submarine! It wouldn't be Why do you feel the STEM Ambassadors programme possible without STEM (and a little bit of creativity).” is important?
Do you feel anyone had a particular influence on your decision to pursue a degree/career in STEM? “My teachers, Mr Cowan and Mr Baldie, at school, were my biggest inspirations, and to this day they still are! They were always there to motivate me and I was always their first choice when it came to STEM projects. I was lucky enough to get to teach younger classes in my final year. If it hadn't been for my teachers letting me get involved with the curriculum, then I would have never known how satisfying it was when you've helped someone understand something new.” In more recent years I've had my boyfriend George to thank for keeping me inspired. We share a lot of interests and so we're always concocting crazy ambitious designs together. We enjoy tinkering a lot.
“I want every kid to feel as enthusiastic about STEM as I did. I want them to get the opportunities that I've had. The fact is there are just not enough STEM graduates any more – the STEM Ambassador programme is changing that. If each Ambassador could inspire one kid that would be nearly 30,000 new STEM careers in the making! Without this programme people like me wouldn't get the chance to inspire, and the kids wouldn't get the chance to be inspired. I have a lot to thank the STEM programme for; it's brought out a passion in me I never knew I had.”
Caitlin is currently studying towards her degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Dundee We have two classic cars on the driveway which give a practical and joined the STEM Ambassadors programme in 2014. understanding of the theory we learn at university. As well as participating in the Girls Get Set programme and First Lego League, Caitlin also supports her former Which leads me to my final inspiration, Ernest the VW Beetle. D&T Teacher, Mr Baldie at Forfar Academy.
Meet the
STEM
Ambassador John Dunn is a former Marine Scientist at Marine Scotland What inspired you to become a STEM Ambassador? “I spent 49 years being a front line Marine Scientist working at the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen, and about 22 years ago or thereby I started visiting schools as a result of requests the laboratory were receiving at the time for someone to speak to classes about the sea. I got these because I have always been keen on sharing the exciting world of the sea and everything in it, with people of all ages! I also started along with a colleague going to Techfest at Aberdeen beach ballroom.
It took the two of us a further week to answer all the questions we received, the questions and answers are all now on the net. Incidentally the winning question was" do whales have belly buttons?", and of course the answer is that they do as they are mammals! Other highs have been three of the Nuffield students I mentored winning national awards at the Big Bang Fair and Tomorrow’s Water, with one going on to represent Great Britain at the international competition in Sweden.
I quickly discovered that I really enjoyed speaking to young audiences and enlightening them about the wonders of the marine environment, so decided to try to get some formal recognition and accreditation, so that educators and others could have me in a classroom with total confidence.”
Other highs have been finding out that I have managed to inspire and motivate work placement students, who were unsure of what they wanted to do as a career, to go on and get good qualifications and follow a career in marine science.”
When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a degree/career in STEM? “When I discovered STEM I pretty much knew right away that this was the way forward, as it lent structure and order to what could so easily have dissolved into chaos. It also opened up opportunities to speak to groups in areas that we would not normally reach!” Do you feel anyone had a particular influence in your decision to partake a career/degree in STEM? “Professor Michael Heath who was my day to day boss at the Marine Laboratory was extremely supportive of my efforts to bring frontline marine science to a wider audience and encouraged me to make videos and presentations of all sorts, so I suppose he was the one person I can most easily identify!” What have been your highlights so far whilst participating in the STEM Ambassadors programme? “There have been so many it is rather difficult to choose, but taking part in a GLOW TV interactive broadcast to a significant number of schools, while Professor Colin Moffat attempted to answer questions which were coming in from the schools. These started off slowly then completely overwhelmed the system and it crashed.
Why do you feel the STEM Ambassadors programme is important? “STEM provides educators with resources , which can includeprofessional scientists like me, it is also extremely useful in training younger members of staff and others in the gentle art of getting your science message across to a wide audience.
Former Marine Scientist at Marine Scotland, John Dunn has been a STEM Ambassador since 2004 – even though John retired last December, he remains exceptionally active delivering career and subject talks to schools, judges at Go 4 Set competition days and mentors pupils undergoing school projects.
Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland Regional Celebration events Over 200 young people across the North East have enjoyed Celebration of Engineering and Science events in Dundee and Aberdeen, around British Science Week in March. The Celebration events were organised by Young Engineers and Science Clubs (YESC) - a project of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) - and partnered by Shell U.K. Limited and BP.
Queensferry Crossing, 300 schools from Shetland to Dumfries have received free kits containing lollipop sticks, cable ties and string to design and build a suspension or cable-stayed bridge. We were amazed at the creativity displayed and fantastic designs, some of which held all 50 water bottles (25kg!)
The exciting Celebration events were bustling with teachers and schools who impressed as they showcased their project work, competed for exciting prizes and took part in fun, hands-on STEM challenges set by local companies that were also at hand to explain the exciting career opportunities in their industries. Schools showcased an incredible range of innovative projects including 3D printers, electric cars and wave energy converters. The Young Engineers enjoyed the STEM challenges which included a nutrient availability game set by local STEM Ambassador, Tim Daniell, of the James Hutton Institute.
In Aberdeen, the students also enjoyed Engineering Explorer talks given by Neal Wannell, Process Engineer for BP and Stephanie Abbott, Environmental Adviser for Shell U.K. Limited.
The event also features the regional finals of the exciting new civil engineering challenge launched by YESC in partnership with Morrison Construction: Go Forth! Inspired by the
In Aberdeen, the coveted North East Club of the Year titles went to Clerkhill Primary and Alford Academy. Each received £250, awarded by Alex Baird, Northern Systems and Plants Manager, Shell U.K. Limited and Wendy Slimane, Community Affairs, Education and Events Manager, BP. The Go Forth! challenge prizes were awarded to Newtonhill Primary and Torry Academy, both winning £100. The STEM Challenge Primary winner was Tullynessle School and Portlethen Academy won the Secondary title. Both schools were also awarded £100.
The event was hosted by BP at its North Sea Headquarters. Mark Thomas, Regional President, North Sea at BP said: “Today’s event highlights not only the enormous amount of talented young engineers and scientists in the area, but the enthusiasm and excitement they have for these subjects. BP’s work in partnership with the SCDI Young Engineers and Science Clubs plays a critical role in providing resources to schools across Scotland that will ensure a new generation will continue Scotland’s legacy of innovation in science and engineering industries. Congratulations are due to everyone today for their obvious hard work on these great projects.” The Regional Club of the Year titles in Dundee went to Coaltown of Balgonie Primary (Fife) and Braeview Academy (Dundee), both winning £250. The Go Forth! challenge prizes of £100 went to Newburgh Primary and St Leonards (Fife); while the STEM Challenge winners were Dunbarney Primary and Kinross High School (Perth & Kinross) who each received £100. These were presented by Andy Turnbull, Plant Installation Manager, Fife NLG, Shell U.K. Limited.
Craigie High School (Dundee) Young Engineering & Science
For more information or to get involved, contact Rebecca MacLennan, Programme Manager: rebecca.maclennan@scdi.org.uk
Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, said: “The YESC programme is proving to have an impressive record of encouraging the pupils involved in it to choose to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies beyond school. The club members I’ve met are enthusiastic with an incredible talent for new thinking and generating ideas which they can eloquently and confidently present and demonstrate. “In schools our teachers are using the clubs to showcase how fascinating and interesting these STEM subjects are in an environment that allows experimentation and questioning to nurture their interest. The YESC programme also brings together support from industry and public sector partners with a keen interest in developing a skilled future workforce and show the huge variety of related careers - in Scotland alone the technology and engineering sector generates turnover of more than £24 billion each year and employs 155,000 people.”
The next I’m an Engineer event will run from 13 to 24 June 2016, and applications are open now! Engineers apply by Sunday 1 May at: imanengineer.org.uk/engineer-apply
Teachers register by Sunday 1 May at: imanengineer.org.uk/teachers
After registering, teachers will receive an email asking which zone they would like to take part in. Respond to this email to complete registration for the June activity.
The next I’m a Scientist event will run from 13 to 24 June 2016, and applications are open now! Scientists apply by Sunday 1 May at: imascientist.org.uk/scientist-apply
Teachers register by Sunday 1 May at: imascientist.org.uk/teachers
After registering, teachers will receive an email asking which zone they would like to take part in. Respond to this email to complete registration for the June activity.
Want to volunteer with a STEM club?
Aberdeen Science Centre will be running a STEM Club every Sunday from Sunday 24 April through to Sunday 29 May, 10-11.30am and are keen to hear from enthusiastic STEM Ambassadors who might like to support the club. Sessions aim to engage 7-11 year olds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a fun and inspiring way.
Each session will include hands-on activities themed around a STEM topic. The club is particularly interested in help from STEM Ambassadors who have knowledge of evolution and living things. However, they would be interested in help from any STEM Ambassador who would like to participate in these events and share their knowledge and passion for STEM. If you are interested in finding out more information, please contact Elaine Holland by email Elaine.holland@asc.scot or telephone 01224 640340.
Funding – to support your outreach and engagement projects Biochemical Society
Royal Society
The Biochemical Society wishes to support scientific outreach activities that communicate the excitement of molecular bioscience to young people and the community. Applications are invited for sums up to £1000 to assist with the direct costs associated with an event and expenses incurred (e.g. transport and/or teacher cover).
The Royal Society’s Partnership Grants scheme provides grants of up to £3,000 for science projects run at a school in partnership with a practising scientist or engineer.
Two rounds a year - April and September. Deadline 29 April 2016 www.biochemistry.org/Grants/ScientificOutreachGrants. aspx
British Ecological Society The British Ecological Society offers outreach grants of up to £2,000 to its members and others, including schools, to promote ecological science to a wide audience.
Awards made twice a year. The next deadline is July 2016 www.royalsociety.org/education/partnership/
Royal Society of Chemistry The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Chemistry Club grant scheme is targeted atactivities that are at schools/ colleges outside the normal science timetable.Teachers can apply for funding up to £1,000 for their Club. Awards made four times a year.
The next round will open in July 2016
http://www.rsc.org/Membership/Networking/ InterestGroups/BMCS/education-support-group/ chemistry-clubs.asp
http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/grants-awards/ outreach-grants/
Wellcome Trust People Awards
Holmes Hines Memorial Fund
The Wellcome Trust supports biomedical research that aims to improve the health of humans and animals. People Awards provides grants of up to £30,000 for innovative and creative projects that engage the public with biomedical science and/or the history of medicine.
Administered by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), the Holmes Hines Memorial Fund offers small awards to help individuals or organisations with any scientific or engineering based activities where public funds are Awards made four times a year. not available. www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/ Funding-schemes/People-Awards-and-Society-Awards/ No set application date. https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/howtoapply/routes/ pe/holmeshinesfund/applicationinformation/
The Royal College of Pathologists Public Engagement Innovation Grant Scheme.
Institute of Physics
We are looking for new projects to fund that promote pathology to audiences such as young people, health professionals and The Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Institution of local communities. If you have an innovative idea which could Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institute of Physics help pathologists communicate the role they play in healthcare run a small grants scheme designed specifically for schools then we want to hear from you. There is funding of up to £1000 and colleges. available. The scheme provides schools with grants of up to £500 for Deadline 13 June 2016. projects or events linked to the teaching or promotion of physics or engineering. More information can be found on our website: https://www.rcpath.org/discover-pathology/ Awards are made three times a year and the next deadline events-landing-page/funding-for-public-events.html is 1 June 2016 www.iop.org/about/grants/school/page_38824.html