SSTS 2015 April - June newsletter

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015 In this issue

INVOCAB PROJECT HANDOVER SCIENCE EQUIPMENT TO SCHOOLS

INVOCAB PROJECT HANDOVER The Improving Innovation Capacities in the Caribbean Project handed over various EQUIPMENT TO science equipment and teaching aids to four primary and four secondary schools in a SCHOOLS ceremony held Monday June 29,2015.

YOUNG INVENTORS WINNERS CHOOSEN PAPINE HIGH SSTS INDUCTION WOLMER’S PREP SCIENCE FAIR

ROSEWELL PRIMARY CAREER DAY

READ ACROSS JAMAICA AT BULL BAY ALL AGE ASTJ NATIONA METTING

POSTER COMPETITON SIGN UNVEILING www.facebook.com/ssts.src

@ssts_src

A student from Bullbay All Age tries out a microscope while The Honourable Julian Robinson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining(far left), Executive Director SRC, Cliff Riley, SRC Board Member, Kaysia Johnson- Vauhan and other students look on.

The schools received reagents, glassware, science kits, microscopes and other lab equipment worth over US $8,000.

The schools receiving the equipment are part of the total 16 schools being impacted by the project, the other eight being in Trinidad and Tobago.

The schools receiving equipment in Jamaica were; Bull Bay All Age, Greater Portmore High, Seaward Primary and Junior High, Whitfield All Age, Yallas High, Carron Hall High,

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION YOU MAY CONTACT THE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION UNIT: 1 ssts.src@gmail.com OR steu@src-jamaica.org Telephone: (876) 927-1771-4 Fax: (876) 927-0806 Email: Editor: Ms. Felicia Bailey

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015

Islington High and Windsor Castle All Age.

This was the second handover of equipment in Jamaica with the first being the handover of Computers to the schools.

The equipment is expected to impact the students’ performance in the sciences, through greater exposure and hands-on science.

The project will also see students from the schools benefiting from a summer camp in July 2015, workshops for teachers, participation in an innovation competition among other things.

The project is funded by the European Union and written by Staff of the Science and Technology Education Unit at the Scientific Research Council (SRC). It is executed by the SRC in Jamaica and National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) in Trinidad and Tobago.

SEAVIEW GARDENS PRIMARY AND VERE TECHNICAL EMERGED WINNERS OF THE YOUNG INVENTORS COMPETITION

Seaview Gardens Primary and Vere Technical High emerged winners of the Scientific Research Council’s (SRC) Young Inventors and Innovators Competition 2015 . The SRC’s Science and Technology Education Unit (STEU), on Thursday April 16, 2015 hosted the final and awards ceremony for the competition.

The schools came out on top after the on-the-spot judging of the invention or innovation of projects prototypes, displays, written reports and response to questions from the 5 specialist judges.

Students and teachers of Seaview Gardens Primary pose with Ms. Zelris Lawrence (first from left), Account Executive at the DBJ and Nathalie Taylor (second from left), Manager of the JPS Foundation along with Amanda McKenzie (first from right), Coordiantor of the Science and Technology Education Unit, SRC.

Students at Vere Technical pose below the newly erected sign at the school celebrating their win.

The 2014 third palce winners, Seaview Gardens Primary copped the top prize in the Primary Category by way of their entry; World of Plastic, which is a building completely made from PET bottles as well as other reusable materials. The building which was designed with homeless persons in mind is safe and durable for use during emergencies and disaster and may also be used for other purposes, for example a greenhouse.

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015

Second time winners Vere Technical’s entry saw them developing on their 2014 project the Vermicompost Teabag, the students utilized excess worms from the teabag project to create organic fish food through the use of solar energy to feed cultivated fish in an aquaponics tank .

The other Finalists were: PRIMARY Half-Way-Tree Primary

Sunderland Primary

SECONDARY Manchester High Charlemont High School Victor Dixon High Waterford High Manning's School May Day High

ENTRY Project Green: Mission 2030 Plant Genetics Blue Print The Garbage Slugger ENTRY Pumpkin Power The Smart Room Aerobic Electric Generator Carbon Dioxide Air Filter The Ferrigatory Process Jackfruit Boost

The efforts of the STEU were complemented by financial support from the Development Bank of Jamaica and the Jamaica Public Service Foundation.

Technical Information officer STEU, Felicia Bailey says, “the hardwork and dedication of students and teachers was apparent in the thought put into the prototypes.”

She says, “The competition encourages a culture of Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) in youth with the aim of aiding in the nurturing of indigenous talent for the growth and development of Jamaica through ST&I”

YIIC TESTIMONIAL

Shani Bullia- Half Way Tree Primary

As the Vice President of the team I supported the President and ensured that all the team members did their part to complete the project.

Being a part of the project and team helped me to know more about genetics and tissue culture and how they work.

Shani poses with the yiic logo along with her team-mates.

We started preparing for the competition in September and even worked over the Easter Holiday. I did research on the topics such as genetics using the internet and also did some research and experiment at the

Biotechnology Center at the University of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

The school is now aware that we entered the competition and more students will now want to take part in the science activities and participate in the competition next year.

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015

PAPINE HIGH INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS TO ITS SCIENCE CLUB

Twenty new members were inducted to the Papine High School’s Science & Technology Society on May 8, 2015. On hand to witness the induction were Ms. McKenzie and Ms. Strachan, representatives from the Science & Technology Education Unit of the Scientific Research Council.

Consistent with the theme of the Induction Ceremony “Heal the world, make it a better place”, Ms. McKenzie delivered a presentation on the importance of science and technology to the research of food and its role in helping to stem world hunger.

A new club member being pinned by Ms. Amanda McKenzie of the Science and Technology Education Unit, SRC.

Students participated in a crossword puzzle which highlighted some of the key scientific and technological products of food research and were encouraged to consider career and entrepreneurial opportunities related to the field of agriculture and food production.

WOLMER’S PREP PUTS SCIENCE ON DISPLAY

Wolmer’s Preparatory School in it thrust to develop the whole learner executed its fourth Science Fair on Thursday April 30, 2015.

In recognition of the importance of exposure to Science at an early age the school says “this type of early experience in Science enhances the development of children’s problem-solving skills and motivates them towards lifelong learning in the natural world”.

The Fair was under the theme ‘Jamaica’s Resources’ and saw each grade level presenting a project based on its curriculum. The Fair also included a Young Innovators and Inventors Competition which allowed students to display their own creations.

Exhibitions were mounted by the Scientific Research Council, the National Environment and Planning Agency and the Bureau of Standards.

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015 ROSEWELL PRIMARY CAREER DRIVEN

Rosewell Primary, located in the community of Rosewell, Clarendon on May 12 executed its Career Day. The small school of approximately 104 pupils was keen on ensuring the school population of six to twelve year olds develop an awareness of careers and in addition “explore the physical tools, technical skill and person attributes� required for specific fields.

Technical Information Officer (STEU), Felicia Bailey responds to a question from a grade two student.

Students were costumed to represent their prospective careers such as nurse, doctor, construction worker, soldier, police, lawyer, pastor and among others.

The school invited presenters from the Scientific Research Council(SRC), National Irrigation Commission and the Forestry Department to aid in the widening of students schemata through presentations on the organisations as well as careers available in their respective fields.

While the National Irrigation Commission presented to the whole school, the SRC and Forestry Department presented to gender based groups; girls and boys respectively.

According to Guidance Counsellor at the school, Ms. Ariel Bennett, the SRC was tasked with speaking to the girls because of the need identified by the Ministry of Education for girls to become more involved in the fields of Science and Technology.

The SRC was represented by Ms. Felicia Bailey and Ms. Amanda McKenzie, Technical Information Officer and Coordinator both of the Science and Technology Education Unit.Other presenters included a veterinarian and a referee from within Students raising hands in response to a question posed by National the school community.

Irrigation Commission representatives.

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015 SRC SUPPORTS READ ACROSS JAMAICA

The Scientific Research Council was one of various organisations that participated in the ‘Read Across Jamaica Initiative’ championed by the Jamaica Teachers’ Association.

A-Step 1 &2 Students listen attentively to a reading of Louise Bennett-Coverley’s ‘ When Trouble Tek Man.’

The council was represented by Felicia Bailey and Danielle Strachan who visited Bull Bay All Age in St. Thomas.

Bailey read to the students ‘When Trouble Tek Man’ one of the works of Louise Bennett- Coverly. Student engaged by answering questions and summarising the piece in standard English.

Students were also sensitized to the importance of reading to a holistic development and the importance in any choice of career.

Students committing to reading more.

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015 ASTJ HOSTS NATIONAL METTING

Science teacers converse with each other at the meeting.’

Attendees having fun with a surface tension experiment using coins and water.

On June 11 the AssocIation of Science teachers of Jamaica(ASTJ) held its first general meeting following the recently held conference in March 2015.

The meeting was held at Hotel Versaless Clarendon under the theme ‘Redefining The Teaching of Science for the 21st Century’ and attracted over one hundred science teachers from accross the island.

Teachers were exposed to science activities and also saw a presentation on CSEC moderation form the Overseas Examination Commision (CXC).

Other important business for the day included review of the ASTJ Constitution for ratification, plans

POSTER 2015 COMPETITON SIGN UNVEILING

Executive Director at the SRC, Cliff Riley, Jada and her father all look on after unveiling the sign to the school.

Students seated for Mass at Stella MARIS Prep.

Primary Schools category winning Jada Grey poses with her father under the newly errected sign of her poster

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015

POSTER 2015 COMPETITION SIGN UNVEILING

Students look on as the sign is being unveiled.

Students and teachers give a thumbs up to the sign depicting Lerone’s winning poster.

Secondary Schools Catergory winner Lerone Powell poses with his Art teacher Ms. Darnel Walker.

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015

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Volume 6, Issue 1 April - June 2015

CATCH THE BUZZ FOR THE QUARTER JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

SPECIAL ONLINE SPACES FOR SCIENCE CLUBS

Members of science clubs across the island can now upload their information to our online database.

You can win exciting prizes just by doing so!!!!!!!!!!!

Why should you sign up?

•Greater access to our programs •Be in the know about activities taking place in the Schools Science and Technology Societies across the island

The SRC website has been updated to host a special section just for Science clubs in Schools.

Through this section schools are able to post activities of the club, pictures,videos and members are able to contact other Science Clubs.

This section will also provide information on upcoming events and competitions for Science Clubs, and where possible scholarships and other opportunities for students.

What should you do?

To sign up simply click the link below and select the 'JOIN NOW’ button.

Students willl then be prompted to fill out the form onscreen.

http://src.gov.jm/information-services/science-tech-education/ssts-clubs/ We also ask for you to send us your feedback and suggestions.

ALSO LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/ssts.src 10