Welcome to the fortnightly STEM planner. Keep reading to find out more about exciting STEM developments across Scotland. Please feel free to share this planner with colleagues and school partners.
New Professional Learning resource: Improving diversity in STEM pathways & jobs 
- FREE resource to aid conversations with senior phase pupils about STEM course choices
- Provides a stimulus for discussion, reflection and action to encourage a greater number of learners from diverse backgrounds into STEM pathways and jobs
- See how other schools have used this resource
Access the resource and a short introduction video: Improving diversity in STEM pathways and jobs – STEM Nation
STEM National Network session for ELC and Primary 11th May
The next session of our national network is scheduled for 11th May – get it in your diary now! National STEM Network meetings are a place for practitioners to connect, share, connect and learn.
We will be joined by Iona McCroary from St Modan’s Autism Provision, who will share how they are taking STEM forward through their tiny farm and the difference this is making to learners.
We will also be joined by Laura Robinson, STEM Mentor Falkirk Council and Principal Teacher at Stenhousemuir Primary School. Laura will share how she has grown a love for STEM from her time at Larbert Village Primary School to working with practitioners across the cluster and the difference it is making to learners.
Secondary Sciences Network: BGE Meet – Tues 16 May 16:45 – 17:45 
Looking to develop your BGE? Come along to share practice, hear new ideas and collaborate.
Sign up here: Secondary Sciences Network – BGE Meet Tickets
Seisean Fiosrachaidh Prògram Duais Nàisean STEM/ STEM nation award information session for Gaelic Schools – Tues 23 May 16:00 – 17:00 
Bidh an seisean seo a’ toirt iomradh air Prògram Duais Nàisean STEM, a’ toirt a-steach buannachdan is nàdar a’ phrògraim. Bidh cothroman ann airson luchd-obrach beachdan a dheasbad ’s dùbhlannan a dh’fhaodadh a bhith ann aithneachadh. Bidh an seisean seo na ùidh do luchd-obrach ann am Foghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig.
This session will provide an introduction to the STEM Nation Award Programme, including the benefits and nature of the programme. There will be opportunities for practitioners to discuss ideas and identify potential challenges. This session will be of interest to practitioners in Gaelic Medium Education
Click here to sign up: STEM Nation Award Programme information session for Gaelic schools
Secondary Sciences Network: N1 – N3 STEM resources from Open Tay – Tues 23 May 16:00 – 17:00 
Come along to hear about Open Tay Learning – an interactive, free resource bank, for teachers and learners which aims to promote attainment and recognise the achievement of learners in STEM subjects at National 1-3 levels.
This flexible resource bank can be used by teachers and learners to support learning, either in school or at a place of their choosing
Sign up here: N1 – N3 STEM resources from Open Tay (hosted by Secondary Sciences Network)
National STEM professional learning calendar
Education Scotland STEM team, working with STEM National partners, have catalogued all professional learning for STEM being delivered across Scotland. This invaluable resource is live on the STEM Nation Online Resource Events page as a calendar, with useful links direct to the STEM Partners websites and booking information. Visit our Events page on the STEM Nation Online Resource to see the wide range of support available from Education Scotland and national partner organisations:
Events – STEM Nation (glowscotland.org.uk)
The contents of the calendar can be viewed in a monthly list view here.
Understanding what drive to net zero means for career opportunities in the construction sector – Tues 9 May 3:30pm
Target audience – DYW co-ordinators, teachers, CIAG staff
Short presentation looking at key Labour Market Intelligence, role of construction sector in the climate emergency fight and heat decarbonisation, and opportunities this will create.
To attend sign up here
RAiSE Case study
Check out this case study from STEM Dundee on engineering and tools through loose parts play. This project was for Dundee City Council Primary teachers. This case study can inspire those keen to explore the links between loose parts
and the engineering design process.
engineering-and-tools-through-loose-parts-play.pdf
UNCRC
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the base standard for children’s rights and sets out the fundamental rights of all children. The UNCRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world and sets out the specific rights that all children have to help fulfil their potential, including rights relating to health and education, leisure and play, fair and equal treatment, protection from exploitation and the right to be heard. The UK ratified the UNCRC in 1991.
All children, young people and adults need to know about the UNCRC (Article 42). As a member of the United Kingdom which has signed and approved the UNCRC, this applies to Scotland and therefore children and young people have the right to know that they have rights.
Children and young people across Scotland will be learning about the UNCRC and their rights through programmes such as the Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA).
Find out more here – Recognising and realising children’s rights: A professional learning resource to promote self-evaluation and improvement planning
UCI Cycling World Championships 2023 – Still time to get involved!
In the first event of its kind the world’s greatest bike riders will come together across Scotland in August 2023 for 13 UCI Cycling World Championships. As part of this we want young people from across Scotland to celebrate the Power of the Bike.
The Power of the Bike Challenge is a creativity and design project that looks for innovative ideas and solutions to release the power of the bike for us all. Work as a team and develop your own creative ideas and products and, most importantly, have fun! The best projects will be featured at the world championships venues during the championships. The Power of the Bike is suitable for upper primary and older.
Power of the Bike Design Challenge | 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
West Partnership STEM TeachMeet
The West Partnership will be hosting a STEM TeachMeet on Wednesday 7th June 6pm – 8.30pm.
If you would like to be part of this and share your practice or simply attend, please complete this form.
The Royal Institute – Grants for Schools
The 2023 grant scheme opens on 1st May, but expression of interest is encouraged now.
The grant allows for free full-day school visits from one of the Royal Institution’s professional presenters. The day includes curriculum-linked science shows for students, a practical science CPD session for teachers, and an after-school family show for parents, carers, and siblings.
All UK state maintained primary, secondary, and SEND schools, and alternative education providers, are eligible to apply for a fully funded Science in Schools package worth £800. Application guidance is now available here, and applications can be submitted via a web form that will be live on the grants web page from 1st May.
Dates for your diary
16 May Secondary Sciences Network – BGE Meet
15 – 19 May Scottish Computing Science Week 2023
17 May National Numeracy Day
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