STEM SUSSEX

Carbon Detectives’ Kit

The Carbon Detectives’ Kit is an online carbon footprint calculator for schools in England.

The project was funded by the Department for Children Schools and Families and was developed by the Field Studies Council (FSC) Environmental Education Unit. The Carbon Detectives’ Kit supports schools in leading the change to a low carbon future. 

It has been designed to help pupils understand some of the key issues related to climate change. The kit enables pupils to explore what can be done at an individual and school level to prevent the predicted significant impacts of rising temperatures.

Find out more here: www.carbondetectives.org.uk

The Shape the Future Directory

Downloadable directory of engineering and technology enrichment activities for schools and colleges.

Getting pupils and students involved in engineering activities builds motivation for science, design & technology and mathematics. It can increase attainment in national tests by stretching the most able and by offering alternative learning styles for all, and it helps students consider what an engineering career might offer them.

Download: Shape_the_Future_2008.pdf

A free civil engineering construction project visit

Would you like to bring a group of your students to visit a major multi million pound?

Alfred McAlpine invites you to visit the Beddingham construction site in Lewes. Visits for groups of up to 15 interested and keen students.

Please ring to arrange a date and time with Liza Smith, ConstructionSkills who on behalf of the contractor is co-ordinating visits.

Contact Liza Smith ConstructionSkills on 07770 420171 or

Funding opportunities for schools science projects

At the ASE Annual Conferences for 2006 and 2007, the Royal Society joined together with the Institute of Physics, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC), Gatsby Technical Education Projects (GTEP), Rolls-Royce, SETNET and Wellcome Trust, to present a selection of funding schemes available to teachers to carry out science projects in schools.

To find out more about the Royal Society Partnership Grants scheme and other funding sources, download a summary of the joint workshop, ‘Money, money, money!’ which also includes information on where to look for funding for other types of project.

Please note that deadlines for funding may have lapsed since this document was created; to find out more about individual funding bodies, you should contact them directly.

Download: ’Money, money, money!’ 2008 (250k .pdf)

Resources on Mathematical Enrichment (Jan 2008)

A very useful list of Mathematical Enrichment resources and organisations put together by Vinay Kathotia of the Royal Institution.

Stories, applications, anecdotes, puzzles, interaction, games, ... to help bring alive mathematics.

Download list: MathsEnrichmentResources08 (240k .pdf)

IET Faraday

The Institution of Engineering and Technology launches the IET Faraday this month as a year-long educational initiative for pupils in key stages three and four.  The aim is to enthuse young people in the world of science, engineering and technology. 

The IET Faraday is available to all schools as a programme of specially made films, online games, challenges, live events and an interactive website.  Action packed FaraDay events are to be held during National Science and Engineering Week at incredible venues across the country.  Involvement is free of charge.

This year the theme for the IET Faraday is ‘technology for life’ and will explore the technological innovations and developments in healthcare engineering.  Our resources explore the themes of water, materials and prosthetics, telemedicine and robotics and biomedical signalling and highlight engineering’s vital contribution to society.

Vist the website: http://faraday.theiet.org

Global Educational Outreach (GEO) Website

The Global Educational Outreach (GEO) initiative uses new technology to provide outstanding Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) teaching material.

It is a highly flexible medium enabling a wide range of different educational approaches to be explored and it is particularly useful for SET teachers who will find valuable downloadable teaching resource material created by the best science and technology experts and educators.

A key aim is to catalyse the creation of a global network of participating sites catering to the local and global need for much improved SET education.

The site is free. The modules are streamed from our servers. Presentations can be provided on CD by request. Powerpoint presentations can be downloaded and used in teaching modules.

Visit: http://www.geoset.info/home.html

Construction Skills

Construction Skills work with school teachers, college lecturers and other partners to help develop and deliver resources and practical support on all areas of the construction industry.  Their aim is to provide you with the resources you need to help promote teaching and learning through construction, as well as keeping young people informed about their construction career options.

The website holds lots of information:

www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk/curriculumcareers/

Construction Skills also runs events in conjunction with SETPOINT Sussex.  See Event Calendar for more information.

The Design and Technology Association

The Design and Technology Association is the recognised professional organisation representing all those involved in D&T education and its associated subject areas

With a commitment to securing, developing and augmenting D&T in all sectors of education and society the Association aims to achieve this by:

• developing a curriculum which engages young people in designing and making in order to create quality products and prepare them for citizenship in a technological society
• engaging young people in investigating and evaluating products and their applications and through looking at the associated values
• enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in D&T
• developing positive links with other curriculum areas, especially science, mathematics and art and design
• working with industry and commerce to ensure that the benefits of such experiences permeate the curriculum at all levels
• influencing society around us and bringing increased recognition of those involved in designing and making.

The Design and Technology Association is financed through membership fees, support from charitable foundations, industrial sponsorships and income generated through project management, publications, courses, conferences and consultancy.

For more information see: www.data.org.uk

Marie-Noëlle Barton Professional Speaker

Marie-Noëlle Barton is an inspiring and motivating speaker with 18 years’ experience of addressing conferences, symposia, prize giving events and dinners in the UK and abroad.

She speaks with expertise, enthusiasm and humour on a wide range of issues.  Particularly useful may be:

• Why we need to attract more women into science and engineering
• How to encourage more women into science and engineering
• How to promote science and engineering to young people

Contact details:
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7828 2357
Website: http://www.mnbarton.co.uk