October 3, 2019
by I. Menzies
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Help shape the future of STEM professional learning

The Annual STEM Professional Learning Practitioner Survey 2019 is now live: https://educationscotland.formic.com/i/STEMPractitioner2019

Early learning and childcare, primary, ASN and secondary practitioners and school/centre leaders are being invited to complete our 10 minute online survey by Monday 16 December 2019.

Education Scotland has provided almost £2 million in grant funding this financial year to enhance the professional learning offer in sciences, technologies, engineering and also in mathematics and numeracy. The funding issued in our latest round of grants will directly benefit over 700 establishments and nearly 14,000 practitioners. The direction of this grants programme has been shaped by the practitioners and school and centre leaders who completed our Annual STEM Practitioner Surveys in 2017 and in 2018. These survey findings have helped us identify the challenges that practitioners face in accessing high-quality professional learning and have also given us a clear idea of your priorities.

Education Scotland and the Scottish Government are inviting practitioners to complete our Annual STEM Professional Learning Practitioner Survey for 2019. The information you provide will help us improve the access that practitioners in relevant sectors, and in various geographical locations, have to high-quality professional learning that meets their needs. It will also help us to track improvements in the provision of professional learning over the lifetime of the STEM Strategy (2017-2022) and will enable us to identify where further support may be required.

Your individual response will not be shared with other organisations. However, the anonymised analysis from the survey will be shared widely to help STEM partner organisations align their programmes to your priorities.

Who should complete this survey?

Practitioners and school/centre leaders in the following sectors are being invited to complete the survey:

early learning and childcare
primary
additional support needs
secondary (all subject areas including those not normally associated with STEM).

Please note: community learning and development practitioners and school-based technical support staff should not complete the survey at this stage. Education Scotland will issue separate surveys by November for these sectors.

We would be very grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete our online survey to help us get the STEM professional learning offer right for you and your setting: https://educationscotland.formic.com/i/STEMPractitioner2019

May 30, 2019
by I. Menzies
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FREE tickets for TEDxGlasgow! How will you spread the ideas?

Update!

The winners of our TEdxGlasgow competition were Rosshall High, Douglas Academy, Drumchapen High and Renfrew High School. Congratulations to all involved who won a total of 150 FREE tickets for their schools!

If you still want to be part of the TEDxGlasgow event then remember you watch the livestream on the TEDxGlasgow YouTube Channel on Friday 14th June! at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4R8DWoMoI7CAwX8_LjQHig

Download the Livestream Help Guide below:

TEDxGlasgow-2019-Livestream-Toolkit

Competition – Now closed!

The very kind people at TEDxGlasgow have given Education Scotland FREE tickets to give away for their major event at the SEC in Glasgow on 14 June 2019. The event will feature a range of top speakers, including Annie Lennox, as well as stimulating workshops and exhibitions. Over 12 million viewers have engaged with TEDxGlasgow’s talks to date.

TEDxGlasgow is all about ideas worth sharing.

If you would like to win the FREE tickets for your class or youth/community group then we want to know how you will share the ideas from the TEDxGlasgow event:

· Will you be taking part in the live stream?

· Will you run your own TEDx event on the same day in your school/community?

· How will the talks shape your thinking, inspire or help you make the connections?

· Will you use the talks, video archive, resources to develop your skills in presenting, communicating, connecting?

Tell us what you will be doing through Twitter using hashtag #ESTEDx @EdScotSciences

The competition is open to young people aged 16-19 years. There are up to 30 tickets available for each winning group. Groups have to be accompanied by a teacher/youth worker, and they should be included with the group of 30 tickets. Competition entries can be in the form of a tweeted image or video. Entries have to be posted on Twitter in by 3pm Friday 7^th June.

Winning schools or groups will be responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own travel on the day.

Can’t make it on the day? Don’t worry – you can still be a part of the event through the TEDxGlasgow livestream. Get in touch with the organisers to find out how to do this at hello@tedxglasgow.com

Find out all you need to know about the event here: http://www.tedxglasgow.com/

Any questions, please contact the STEM Team on email: stem@educationscotland.gov.scot

Download the flyer below:

FREE Tickets for TEDx Glasgow

May 20, 2019
by User deactivated
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Building STEM Capital in our young people; what is it and why would you want to?

Building STEM Capital in our young people; what is it and why would you want to?

STEM includes sciences (biology, chemistry & physics), technology (including digital and computing science), engineering (all types) and mathematics. We know that the skills learned through STEM are valued by many employers including those in non-STEM related industries. We also know that in Scotland there are many jobs opportunities for young people within STEM related industries and that the number of these are rising!

A big issue for some young people is that while they enjoy these subjects at school, they don’t see themselves continuing into later study in these subjects or that it might be a potential career. In their words: “It’s not for the likes of me”.

What do young people mean by this? How can we change this mind-set? How can we boost their STEM self-confidence?

Science capital refers to all the experiences in a young person’s life that might help them have STEM self-confidence: realising that STEM is in everyday life, knowing or seeing someone like themselves in that role, having an interest in STEM nurtured at school and at home.

It takes the shared actions of parents, teachers and organisations to help develop and grow a young person’s science capital over time. As a parent – talk to your children about where they see science and technology in everyday life and encourage them to think about how that relates to all sorts of jobs and careers (not just those in science and engineering). You don’t need to know the answers, just help them to grow in confidence asking the questions.

There are many resources available to inspire young people and to help them improve their science capital. Visit some of the links below for inspiration:

Do some fun science experiments at home.
Support your local school’s after-school STEM club.
Take your kids to science and discovery centres to experience STEM in action.
Take your kids to a planetarium to find out more about astronomy.
Visit a local zoo.
Support conversations with your child about careers using science and maths.
Video Link: https://www.bp.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/community/stem-education/stem-skills-gap-science-capital.html

April 12, 2019
by User deactivated
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World Parkinson’s Day 2019

Yesterday was World Parkinson’s Day – Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease, common in the elderly. More than 10 million people are currently living with the disease worldwide. STEM is contributing to help sufferers of the disease in a variety of ways.

In 2018, China launched its first outpatient service map for patients, which helps sufferers in China easily get information on hospitals with special clinics for the disease. The guidance map has helped patients easily locate outpatient clinics for timely treatment, and receive standardised and long-term treatment and disease management.

Besides personnel in the medical field, tech companies are making their own contributions to making the patients’ lives easier. A stabilising handle which can be attached to spoons and forks helps people counteract hand tremor so that the food won’t be shaken out of the utensil.

In advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, a patient may also experience a sudden inability to step forward. Dutch scientists from the University of Twente and Radboud University Medical Center developed laser shoes to tackle the problem. Each shoe has a laser projector and will let out a laser beam in front of the other shoe when stepping on the ground. They then give the wearer visual targets to step over.

Also in China, for those who don’t respond to medication or have serious complications, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is now being used. It consists of tiny electrodes implanted into a certain area of the brain to send impulses to specific brain nuclei to treat functional brain disorders. The brain pacemaker acts like a switch in the patient’s brain, which can significantly reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as tardiness, movement disorders, muscle stiffness, and tremors, as well as the side effects of medication.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414f7755544f33457a6333566d54/index.html

April 9, 2019
by User deactivated
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National STEM Leads Network Event

On 25 March 2019 the Education Scotland STEM team hosted the National STEM Leads Network Event in Glasgow. The event was well attended by local authority, CLPL providers, practitioners and external providers of STEM across Scotland. The day blended national updates together with opportunities for discussion.

Ian Menzies (Senior Education Officer) shared progress towards actions in the STEM strategy following the publication of the first annual report. Participants heard about the opportunities available through Phase 1 of the Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grants awarded to 24 partners totalling £187 000 and were informed about potential funding for Round 2.

Participants shared what was happening locally and had the opportunity to network with others in regional areas and across Scotland. The 2018 STEM practitioner and provider survey data was shared and participants had the opportunity to reflect on the findings.

During the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to join in with a number of STEM Short Discussions. A variety of discussions were available including SSERC Young STEM Leaders Programme; RAiSE; Gender balance and equalities; Numeracy and Mathematics; Digital learning and teaching; the new Scottish STEM Award scheme; STEM learning in community learning and development settings; Early learning and childcare; Raising attainment; STEM Online directory and Computing science.

Participants were invited to complete evaluations and early indications from these are very positive. Watch this space for information about future network events.

March 28, 2019
by C. Gillespie
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STEM fair inspires 160 Lochaber children

Children from the eight primary schools in the Lochaber High School catchment area attended a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fair at Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar.

More than 160 children took part in a STEM workshop, shared displays of their own class learning and spoke to local employers about local STEM careers.

The event for Primary 5 pupils was organised by the RAiSE (Raising Aspirations in Science Education) programme which is funded and delivered by The Wood Foundation, Education Scotland, Scottish Government and participating local authorities. RAiSE increases the confidence, skills and networks of teachers in STEM education to motive and inspire learners.

RAiSE was supported in the development and delivery of the event by Lochaber Geopark and DYW West Highland.

Emily Brown, Primary Science Development Officer in the Highland region for RAiSE, said:

“The Lochaber STEM Fair provides a wonderful opportunity for young people, teachers and the local community to come together and inspire, excite and learn from one another about how STEM impacts the region.”

“The highlight of the day was hearing the young people talk so enthusiastically about their displays during the showcase. Motivating learners at a young age and providing the platforms to engage them meaningfully

in STEM is vitally important for creating the workforce the region needs for the future.”

Caol Primary School’s project showcasing computer games using digital technology platform MakeyMakey was named the winner of the showcase and the children were presented with a trophy. The judges were impressed by the children’s problem-solving and creativity skills.

Highland Wood Energy paid for transport for the pupils to attend and catering costs were met by DYW West Highland.

The attending primary schools were Caol, Lundavra, St. Columba’s, Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar, Banavie, Inverlochy, Spean Bridge and Invergarry.

The Careers’ Hub featured employers including Mowi, BSW Timber, John Muir Trust, UHI STEM Hub, BAM Nuttall, Science Skills Academy, Liberty, Lochaber Geopark and Aberdeen Science Centre.

March 22, 2019
by C. Gillespie
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Dippy live!

Dippy the dinosaur will broadcast live from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on Wednesday 27th March, 9:30 – 10:30.

Your class will see and hear about Dippy, as well as having the opportunity to ask questions about dinosaurs, fossils and endangered species.

Palaeontologist Neil Clark, geologist Ann Ainsworth and natural historian Richard Sutcliffe will be on hand to answer your questions.

Join at https://livestream.com/innerear/dippy or https://www.youtube.com/user/GlasgowMuseums

Questions will be taken in the live chat. Remember to include your school name and class and you’ll get a shout out if your question is answered.

Questions to clare.gray@glasgowlife.org.uk

March 12, 2019
by C. Gillespie
1 Comment

RAiSE – an overview and key links

This resource provides an overview of the Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) programme and provides links to key documents including the interim evaluation of the RAiSE programme.

https://bit.ly/2J9gJRs

March 8, 2019
by C. Gillespie
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Glasgow schools celebrate British Science Week

Thousands of young people across Glasgow will celebrate British Science Week at 25 events running in primary schools throughout the city.

STEM fairs, family events and career information sessions are being organised by the Primary Science Leaders of the RAiSE (Raising Attainment in Science Education) programme.

RAiSE is funded and delivered by The Wood Foundation, Education Scotland, Scottish Government and participating local authorities. It increases the confidence, skills and networks of primary teachers to develop and deliver impactful STEM (science, technology, maths and engineering) lessons.

As well as supporting and developing these STEM lead teachers in schools, RAiSE has also provided funding to enable their delivery.

Alex McLaughlin, Primary Science Development Officer for Glasgow, said:

“British Science Week is a great opportunity to shine a light on STEM within and outwith the classroom, giving young people opportunities to be inspired and impacted by exciting events and lessons.

“We are incredibly proud of the development of the Primary Science Leaders in the Glasgow area and delighted they have the confidence and respect within their settings to lead on projects such as these.”

Events will include:

Family Code Club at Gowanbank Primary School where 94% of the pupils live in deprivation. The event is set to increase parental confidence with technologies and provide a positive family learning experience.
St Rose of Lima Primary School is hosting a family evening which will include STEM activities linked to the Global Goals and Malawi.
World of Work events which will see members of the school and business communities highlight their STEM career pathways.
St Benedict’s Primary School is asking their Primary 6 pupils to support younger classes throughout the week to develop a STEM showcase for the entire school.
St Roch’s Primary School will be crime solvers throughout the week, working in teams to solve a mystery.

For more information on the RAiSE team STEM Glasgow, visit https://www.stemglasgow.co.uk/.

British Science Week runs from 8^th to 14^th March.

A full list of the events:

British Science Week: The Power of Electricity	Annette Street PS
World of Work STEM Week	Avenue End PS
Space Exploration	Barmulloch PS
STEM Community Event	Caledonia PS
Big STEM Showcase	Carmyle PS
STEM Week	Cuthbertson PS
Science Day and STEM Family Afternoon	Dalmarnock PS
Fun with Forces	Darnley PS
Move It!	Gaelic School
Family Code Club	Gowanbank PS
CSI Hillington	Hillington PS
Science Week Activities	John Paul II PS
Think Science Show	Langside PS
Science and Technology at Miller	Miller PS
Raising Aspirations through STEM Careers	Pirie Park PS
Science Week at Quarry Brae	Quarry Brae PS
Sandwood Polar Explorer STEM Fair	Sandwood PS
Science Day: Problem Solving using our Senses	Scotstoun PS
STEM Week	St. Benedict’s PS
The Big STEM Showcase	St. Clare’s PS
Journeys in Science	St. Marnock’s PS
All the Fun of the Fair	St. Philomena’s PS
Whodunit/CSI	St. Roch’s PS
Science Week and Beyond	St. Rose of Lima PS
Science Fair	Thorntree PS
British Science Week	Wellshot PS
British Science Week	Whitehill PS

February 26, 2019
by Hazel Gardner
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Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM – Grants Programme 2018/19

Education Scotland is pleased to share details of the twenty-four successful applicants who have been awarded a total of £187,000 grant funding through the Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grants Programme.

Launched in October 2018, the grants programme aims to to build the capacity and confidence of practitioners and to support the implementation of the STEM Education and Training Strategy for Scotland. These exciting opportunities have been developed by a wide range of national partners to support practitioners working in early learning and childcare, primary, secondary and community learning and development settings. School-based technical support staff will also benefit from new professional learning. The programmes of professional learning that are being supported are aligned to the needs of practitioners as outlined in the 2017 annual STEM practitioner survey findings.

To find out more information about the exciting and varied professional learning opportunities being supported by the grants programme, please download to the STEM Grants Overview document available below.

STEM Professional Grants Overview

At a glance STEM Grants