STEM Planner 30/08/24

August 30, 2024 by C. Gillespie | 0 comments

Welcome to the 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.

STEM Nation Award – go for it in session 24/25

The STEM Nation Award has been developed by Education Scotland to celebrate, promote and build on effective practice in STEM education within and across sectors. All early learning and childcare (ELC) settings, primary schools, secondary schools and providers of community learning and development (CLD) are eligible to apply for the STEM Nation Award. Settings may apply for an individual element or any combination of elements. Settings which achieve all five elements within a three-year period will be eligible for the full STEM Nation Award after successfully completing a validation conversation.

Teachers, ELC practitioners and CLD providers from across Scotland worked with Education Scotland during the pilot phase and as part of a CLD working group to shape the award criteria and application process. The programme is designed to be flexible and supportive in response to the varying needs of different sectors and specific local contexts.

STEM Nation Award drop-in sessions are open to practitioners from ELC settings, schools and CLD settings who are interested in learning more about the STEM Nation Award programme. These sessions also provide an opportunity for STEM Nation Award applicants to ask questions or seek support with their application from the Education Scotland STEM team.

STEM Nation Online resource

The STEM Nation Online resource was created as part of Scotland’s STEM Education and Training Strategy.

On the online resource you will find a range of resources to support, inspire and connect such as:

The latest developments in STEM
Interesting practice examples to inspire and make connections
Resources for teaching STEM
Links to our national networks
Information on the STEM awards programmes including STEM Nation Award
Young STEM Leaders Programme (SSERC)
STEM careers support
Support to deepen your professional learning

And much more for ELC, primary, secondary, ASN, CLD and school based technical staff.

RAiSE – new resource – STEM Context Planners

RAiSE have developed a new resource – STEM Context planners. Created by teachers for teachers, these planners provide potential STEM learning activities for contexts across Early, First and Second Levels. Linked to Experiences and Outcomes and Sustainable Development Goals and Meta-Skills, these planners provide examples and suggestions for learning, ready for you to adapt and mould to each learning context.

Access and download all planners here: STEM Context Planners

Click here for more exciting RAiSE resources.

STEM Leader Level 7 opportunity

Gain a fully funded SCQF Level 7 Award to fit around your existing studies!

The Education Academy Scotland has announced its latest opportunity for school, college or university students in Scotland, a fully funded SCQF Level 7 Award in STEM Leadership.

SL7 asks learners to devise a STEM-related project question, then answer the question via research, seeking the support of individuals, groups or organisations who may inform, advise, or contribute to their project.

STEM Leaders then share their findings with two summer showcases planned at Glasgow and Edinburgh University for 2025.

The Young STEM Leader Programme is part of the Scottish Government’s STEM Strategy and The Education Academy is joining the first group of centres in Scotland to offer this highest level of the programme.

See here for more information

Young STEM Leader Programme

The Young STEM Leader Programme (YSLP) aims to inspire more young people to develop an interest in STEM and pursue the study of STEM subjects and relevant future pathways. Find out more on the Young STEM Leader website.

Young STEM Leader Programme

STEM Funding and Festivals Update

STEM Grants and Funding (August 2024)

Highlights:

RSC Scotland Committee – Inspiring Young Chemists’ Fund
The RSC Scotland Committee has £200 awards and £500 awards available for exciting chemistry activities to Inspire Young Chemists, in primary schools and/or secondary schools. Applications open until Friday 5 Oct 2024.

Armourers & Brasiers’ Company – Grants for School Science
Schools use the Grants for School Science to purchase equipment so students can enjoy practical science, to run science enrichment projects in schools, or to enable students to participate in science events and competitions.
The grants are £600 for primary schools, £1,000 for secondary schools.
Deadline 30 September 2024

List of Science STEM Festivals (Updated August 2024)

Highlights:

Orkney International Science Festival 5 – 11 September

Stirling Science Festival 17 -19 October