August 24, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Girls into STEM New York-style!

Find out how one girl from Scotland got on in New York this summer following her participation in a global STEM Programme promoted by Education Scotland in partnership with the New York Academy of Sciences. Watch this space for further information about year 2 of the programme.

When I first found out that I was participating in the ‘1000 Girls, 1000 Futures’ New York Academy of Sciences programme, I was so filled with excitement! I never realised opportunities like this would be available for a young person living in Scotland interested in STEM. During the programme, each girl is paired with a mentor, a female in the STEM field. Throughout the year I have had video calls with my mentor and completed the four modules of work: critical thinking; college readiness; leadership; and communication. This work has helped me to develop further vital skills needed for a career in the STEM field.

My mentor, Victoria, who lives in Los Angeles, is studying for her PhD in chemical engineering; this was perfect for me as that is the course I hoped that I would be taking the following year at university. We have had monthly video calls and she has given me a lot of helpful advice towards choosing a university and about the course itself.

As Victoria lives on the other side of America, she did not have the opportunity that I had to attend the NYAS Global Summit in New York, from 26- 28 July this summer, at World Trade Center 7, where the Academy is based.

On the first day, there were two activities for us to complete in teams. First we had a speaker, ‘JackieOProblems” who taught us the value of using social media to our advantage in a career in STEM by making yourself a brand. This allows employers to see a more rounded person and could make you more employable.

The second activity was about ‘smart houses’ and in our teams, we were given a room of the house to focus on. In that room we had to think about all the ways that technology could be used in a house to make lives easier.

The following day, we had the opportunity to listen to four panels talking about different issues surrounding STEM. Each panelist was an expert in their own field so it was interesting to hear their thoughts on each topic and be able to ask them questions. The four panels were called: Collaboration: The Key to Unlocking Innovation; Where Will the Jobs Be?; Working Scientifically, Thinking Ethically; and ‘Beyond Borders: The New STEM Workplace’. Although each panel covered a different issue in STEM, what I found really fascinating was where each expert started their career and where they are now. Most of the experts started their career in a completely different field. This taught me that you really can do anything you want to do and not to let even your university degree define you.

On the final day, we went on a field trip in New York City. The trip that I chose was to the Rockefeller University where we got the opportunity to view their labs. We saw an electron microscope and we were shown the procedures put in place to make sure the readings from the microscope were accurate. For example the whole room that contained this huge microscope had to be sound proof as the smallest sound would void the readings.

When we returned to the NYAS, we had the opportunity to listen to a final panel discussion on ‘Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Through Science Technology and Innovation’. These goals are set up by the United Nations and include gender equality, clean water and quality education. We learned about the importance of being innovative when trying to improve the quality of people’s lives. We were also encouraged to work with partners when problem solving. After the panel discussion, there were boards set up with each goal on it where we were encouraged to write our thoughts are each goal and why each one was important.

What truly amazed me about this programme was how global it is. I feel so lucky to have spent time with such inspiring girls and I now have a network of friends across the world. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I appreciate how fortunate I have been to have participated in this programme.

Orla Nimmo

East Dunbartonshire Council

August 24, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Scottish Mathematical Council Mathematical Challenge

Why not sign up for the Scottish Mathematical Council Mathematical Challenge which is a problem solving competition for individual pupils in Scottish secondary schools and upper primary schools (mainly P7)?

The competition is divided into four divisions: Primary (P7), Junior (S1 and S2), Middle (S3 and S4), and Senior (S5 and S6). Each year there are two rounds of problems for Secondary schools and three rounds for Primary schools. Registration of entries and return of marks will be done electronically using the website http://www.scottishmathschallenge.org.uk/

August 17, 2016
by I. Menzies
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New! Set Twig films as homework

If your students have their own Glow accounts, the new Assignments feature in Twig lets you set award-winning science films as homework.

Thanks to new student quizzes accompanying each film, you can also track what each of your students has watched and understood. And you can see who hasn’t done their homework at all!

It’s a great way to set engaging, effective science homework. You can use Assignments to ‘flip the classroom‘ without having to video yourself, or trawl the internet for videos that explain topics.

How do I give my students Glow logins?

Glow is available to every pupil and member of school staff in Scotland. Accounts are managed at a local level – that is each local authority, each college or university or, in some cases, each school. Find out more »

Who can I talk to about this?

Patricia Kemp at Twig will be happy to help. Drop her a line or call her on 0141 353 7700.

August 10, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Beyond the Panda education programme

The RZSS Beyond the Panda education programme aims to provide children with an understanding of China, its language, geography, habitats, flora and fauna and in particular learn about the giant panda and the RZSS China/UK research.

Beyond the Panda travels to schools across Scotland in our new vehicle kindly donated by Arnold Clark. We provide a combination of outreach sessions, teacher training and ‘panda boxes’ for loan. The boxes are filled with games, jigsaws and other fun activities which stimulate learning and classroom discussions. The learning resources enable students to investigate, study and explore a variety of topics within the overall context of giant pandas and China; linking with CfE experiences and outcomes in science, topical science, social studies, language and literacy. With the generous funding from the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh our programmes also provide an introduction to the learning of Mandarin Chinese.

Sandie Robb, RZSS Senior Education Officer, said: “The RZSS Beyond the Panda is a fantastic and truly unique outreach learning experience. Through the China Mobile Library, students are able to learn about Chinese history, geography, culture and language as well as about giant pandas and the conservation work of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The children really enjoy the educational games, whilst learning at the same time. The RZSS Beyond the Panda allows us to inspire the next generation of nature conservationists.”

Miss MacDonald, St. Peter’s RC Primary, said: “After doing the panda box activities with three classes, I can really see the positive impact it had on children’s learning. All classes were engaged and enthusiastic throughout and when speaking with the children after they completed the tasks, they could tell me lots of things that they had learned.”

In addition, classes who wish to progress further in the Beyond the Panda programme are able to work towards a Pambassador Class Award at bronze, silver and gold levels.

See Beyond the Panda in action –

On the road with Beyond the Panda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdxcO0ohbZE

RZSS China Mobile Library

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60DmB8Yk5yQ

Contact Sandie Robb for further information:

srobb@rzss.org.uk

@Sandie_Robb #BeyondthePanda

June 29, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Date for your diary: Webinar – Semiconductor Band Theory

Date for your diary

Webinar on semiconductors (Higher physics)

Tue 6 Sep, 4pm

Join Chris Hooley of St Andrews for a live webinar on semiconductors. Chris will explain semiconductors using band theory and will discuss p-n junctions, solar cells and LEDs. The content will follow the semiconductors section of the CfE higher syllabus. There will be plenty of time for questions and participants are encouraged to ask questions during the talk. This webinar is particularly suitable for teachers who are new to band theory, or those less familiar with the new CfE higher physics syllabus.

To join, please email Gregor.steele@sserc.org.uk

This webinar is being delivered as part of a partnership between SSERC and Education Scotland.

June 23, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Watching Twig videos is easier than ever!

TwigPlayer is here!

Twig World has just released the TwigPlayer, an application uniquely designed for Scottish users of the science, maths and geography resources available from the Twig On Glow, Tigtag and Tigtag Junior websites.

The player allows users to download and play films offline without being connected to the internet. This new feature has been developed in response to Scottish teachers’ concerns that sometimes a school’s internet connection does not allow for easy streaming of Twig’s high quality short format films.

Teachers (and learners) can now log into the Twig website of their choice using their Glow credentials, select and download films onto the desktop of the computer they are using and then play them back directly. The films will remain available locally as long as the computer has connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi or ethernet) at least once within 30 days. If a computer has not connected to the internet for over 30 days (e.g. over the school summer holidays), the films will disappear and will need to be downloaded again from the relevant website.

To download films users must first install the TwigPlayer software application for Windows machines. This is a very simple and quick process, but it requires admin access for the machine that is being used. It may therefore be preferable for the school IT Coordinator or the local authority IT department to install the software via the IT network. Users at home can of course install the software onto as many of their own devices as desired.

Please find below a link to the webpage containing further information about the TwigPlayer (Windows only). The same information appears on the Tigtag and Tigtag Junior sites for users who log in with Glow credentials.

https://www.twigonglow.com/twigplayer/

June 21, 2016
by I. Menzies
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QMRI Public Lecture Series – available online

Queen’s Medical Research Institute (QMRI) – Public Lecture Series

“Let’s Talk About Health…Understanding disease” is a series of public lectures that runs annually from December through to March. It is aimed at senior school pupils interested in studying medicine, veterinary medicine or the life sciences at University as well as interested members of the general public and health professionals. The series allows scientists pioneering new research at the University of Edinburgh to share their latest ideas and discoveries with the public and provides attendees with the opportunity to advance their knowledge of health and what goes wrong in disease.

“Understanding Disease is all about advancing our knowledge of health and what goes wrong in disease. These lectures provide a chance for anyone who is interested in health research to learn more about the progress we are making towards better treatments.”

Professor Karen Chapman, University of Edinburgh/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Programme Organiser

Profile: http://www.cvs.ed.ac.uk/users/karen-chapman

It’s time for ‘T’ – the importance of testosterone for lifelong male health

Lecture held Wednesday, 13 January 2016 from 17:30 to 18:30 (GMT)

Dr Rod Mitchell, Wellcome Trust Clinical Fellow at the University of Edinburgh; and Professor Lee Smith, Chair of Genetic Endocrinology, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh discuss the hormone testosterone and its importance for male health and wellbeing.

Development of the male reproductive system, secondary sexual characteristics and male fertility all depend on testosterone. A combination of genetic and environmental influences that result in a failure of testosterone production, or its ability to work in a baby before it is born, may make a man more likely to experience a reproductive health disorder. These conditions can arise from birth or become apparent later in life. Problems with testosterone during puberty or in adult life can impact male fertility and wider male health. Recently, a number of environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals have been implicated in the development of these disorders; we will discuss current evidence for how chemical exposure might influence male reproductive health. The talk will also cover the science behind production and action of testosterone and how this knowledge might be used to develop strategies improve male health.

Link to video: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_rusdh80m

Multiple Sclerosis: success, challenges and hope

Lecture held Wednesday, 17^th February 2016 from 17:30 to 18:30 (GMT)

Dr Anna Williams, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh; and Dr Dave Lyons, Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Neuroregeneration at the University of Edinburgh discuss the neurological disorder Multiple Sclerosis, which has a particularly high prevalence in Scotland.

The symptoms of MS result from damage to a specialised structure of the brain called myelin, which wraps up the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, similarly to the insulation on electrical wires. This myelin damage is thought to be due to the immune system destroying the myelin, leading to damage to the underlying nerves and causing problems with vision, balance, sensation and movement.

Over the past decade, wonderful progress has been made in suppressing the immune system attacks that occur in MS, and a host of life-changing treatments are now available to people with MS. The next goal is to help repair the damage that occurs to myelin and to prevent degeneration of nerves.

Listen to more about MS, the challenges that have been overcome, the challenges that remain, and the exciting research that is taking place that offers hope for treatment of this disease. Link to video: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_0sjjffai

Let Sunshine Into Your Heart Lecture held Wednesday, 11 March 2015 from 17:30 to 18:45 (GMT) Dr Richard Weller from the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh and Dr Darren Shaw, Royal (Dick) Vet School / The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, discuss new research that is shedding new (sun) light on the benefits and risks of sun exposure.

Exciting new research has shown that sunshine can lower blood pressure. Great news for those who suffer from high blood pressure associated with cardiovascular disease. But what about medical warnings regarding sun exposure leading to skin cancers? Hear how research is shedding new (sun) light on the benefits and risks of sun exposure.

Link to video: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/0_fx26ixyt

Treating Injured Lungs by Extinguishing Inflammation

Lecture held Wednesday, 11 February 2015 from 17:30 to 18:45 (GMT)

Professor Timothy Walsh and Professor Adriano Rossi from the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh discuss new collaborative work by clinicians and scientists experimenting in clinical and laboratory settings to help us better understand the underlying inflammatory processes that lead to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) lung injury.

Many critically ill patients develop inflammation in their lungs requiring often prolonged periods on a ventilator. This condition called Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) has been the focus of extensive research because many patients do not survive and of those who do, recovery is very slow with many remaining disabled for years. Despite attention from clinicians and scientists there are few treatment options available for ARDS. Hear how new collaborative work by clinicians and scientists experimenting in clinical and laboratory settings will help us better understand the underlying inflammatory processes that lead to ARDS lung injury and their hope of discovering new treatments.

Link to video: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_l8s73m6e

Obesity – How Do Our Genes Contribute? Lecture held Wednesday, 14 January 2015 from 17:30 to 18:45 (GMT)

Dr Mandy Drake and Professor Nik Morton from the University of Edinburgh / BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science discuss how our genes and environment contribute to obesity. In recent years, obesity has become a problem for the health of our children and young people. Being overweight or obese can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, stroke and some cancers and obesity in pregnancy may have important consequences for the unborn child. Hear how our genes and environment contribute to obesity and learn of new research from Edinburgh on natural resistance to obesity that hopes to lead to medicines that can prevent and treat obesity. Link to video: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_wy0ay590

Cervical cancer, vaccines and how to help the reproductive health of the developing world Lecture held on Wednesday, 10 December 2014 from 17:30 to 18:45 (GMT)

Professor Sarah Howie from the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research and Professor Heather Cubie, HPV Research Group, at the University of Edinburgh discuss the progress and challenges in research into HR-HPV and cervical disease and ongoing research involving local specialists and the community in Malawi.

In Scotland cervical cancer is being addressed through a screening programme to detect the pre-cancerous disease and the vaccination of young girls against the two most common cancer-causing (high-risk) human papillomavirus types (HR-HPVs). However, infection of the cervix at the neck of the womb with cancer-causing HR-HPVs is common. Although most infections are completely cleared without treatment, in cases where the infection persists there is a risk of cancer. Hear about the progress and challenges in research into HR-HPV and cervical disease, and learn of the research involving local specialists and the community of a charity hospital in Malawi that is improving healthcare for HPV infected women.

Link to video: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_swfm1wnv

New and Future Diabetes Therapies Lecture held Wednesday, 19 March 2014 from 17:30 to 18:45 (GMT)

Dr Shareen Forbes and Professor Kevin Docherty discuss Type 1 diabetes and the impact the discovery of insulin has had on quality of life for people with diabetes. New therapies being developed for people for whom insulin injections do not work are also discussed in this lecture.

Prior to the discovery of insulin in 1922, diabetes was a fatal disease characterised by high blood sugar levels with abnormalities in fat and protein metabolism. The discovery of insulin was truly revolutionary and treatment with insulin has both extended life expectancy in people with Type 1 diabetes and greatly enhanced quality of life for many.

Diabetes related complications are minimised in those able to achieve good glucose control. In some people problems arise which may make strict glucose control difficult to achieve and conventional delivery of insulin via injections may not be appropriate. Hear about how transplantation of the insulin producing cells of the pancreas (islets) may be appropriate therapy for some people.

Link to video: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_4ah9xbj8

Saving Brains; Developing Effective Treatments for Stroke

Lecture held on Wednesday, 11 December 2013 from 17:30 to 18:45 (GMT)

Professor Malcolm Macleod, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences; and Professor Karen Horsburgh, Centre for Neuroregeneration discuss exciting new approaches to modelling stroke in the laboratory, some of the new treatments that are being developed in the laboratory, and how these are being brought forward for use with patients.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability, and most are caused by a blockage in the blood supply to part of the brain. Fundamental research can help develop drugs to treat stroke, but we are still a long way away from a cure.

Link to video: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_d9g8uubv

June 21, 2016
by I. Menzies
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National Education Officer – Improving Primary Science

Job title: National Education Officer, Improving Primary Science Education

Post details: This post is offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of thirty-three months. Following a review the post may be extended up to a total of eight years.

Employed by: The Wood Foundation.

Location: The post-holder will be based in one of Education Scotland offices.

Salary scale: Circa £46,424 to £54,458 – negotiable depending on experience.

Deadline for applications: 5pm on Wednesday 29^th June 2016.

Interviews to be held: Week beginning Monday 1^st August 2016.

In partnership with Education Scotland and Scottish Government, The Wood Foundation is looking to recruit a National Education Officer to lead improvements in primary science education in Scottish schools. The ambition of this programme is to ensure all learners experience highly-engaging and motivating learning experiences in the sciences that enable them to contribute effectively to society as scientifically literate citizens. The programme will also seek to equip learners with skills for learning, life and work to enable them to access a wide range of stimulating and rewarding careers including those within science and STEM sectors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the successful delivery of 33-month pilot programme involving up to ten local authorities. Following a period of review the programme may be extended to a total of up to eight years so as to benefit all local authorities in Scotland. The post-holder will be based in an Education Scotland office and line managed by the responsible Education Scotland Senior Education Officer.

A key responsibility will be to provide strategic support to a network of Primary Science Development Officers based in local authorities. The post-holder will also work closely with other partner organisations including Scottish Government, Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC), the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) and local authorities to achieve the aims of the programme and ensure it aligns to national priorities and policies. This includes alignment to the emerging national strategy for STEM, the Developing Young Workforce programme, National Improvement Framework, Scottish Attainment Challenge, Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy and promoting gender balance in STEM.

Partnership working will require frequent visits to SSERC’s offices in Dunfermline and to participating local authorities across Scotland.

This post will be well suited to those with experience of leading and managing improvements in science at Principal Teacher, Faculty Head or Depute Head Teacher level.

For further information about this role please contact Ailsa McRae at The Wood Foundation on Email: info@thewoodfoundation.org.uk or Tel: 01224 619831.

June 17, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Major BBC science campaign for primary schools in Scotland on its way for 2017

BBC Learning’s next major education campaign will aim to inspire 9-11 year olds through a series of exciting, fun and interactive UK-wide mass participation science experiments.

Launching in early 2017, the new campaign will be designed to support the curriculum. A range of classroom resources and videos will be available online later this year to enable the experiments to be integrated into lesson planning for Spring and Summer terms in 2017.

The campaign will be supported by many of the BBC’s most well-known programmes and on-air talent to maximise the opportunity to engage children in the experiments.

This will be a big and exciting campaign so we wanted to give you a chance to factor it into your long term planners, further details will be revealed in the Autumn.

There are 3 ways to make sure you keep up to date with news about the BBC’s 2017 science campaign for primary schools:

BROWSE: Keep an eye on BBC Learning’s online page for schools
SUBSCRIBE: Sign-up to BBC Learning’s monthly (term-time) e-newsletter for schools at www.bbc.co.uk/schools/newsletter
FOLLOW: Follow BBC Learning’s twitter account for schools at @BBC_Teach

June 15, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Book a training session with Twig

Over the past six months Twig World has delivered training and awareness raising sessions free of charge in schools and local authorities across Scotland. So far they have visited over half of the 32 local authorities and they would like to continue apace with these efforts.

The sessions delivered to date have been received enthusiastically with teachers getting hands-on opportunity to use Tigtag Junior and Tigtag (EY and primary science) and Twig (secondary science, maths and geography). Many teachers were not aware that they had access to this material through Glow log in and those who were already using it were pleased to hear about new developments.

Twig World would like to encourage school clusters to organise twilight events for teachers from a group of schools who would like to learn more about Twig resources. They would also like to continue to support the work of local authority development officers, QIOs and others who have responsibility for primary science and secondary science, maths and geography including those authorities that have already been visited and may wish to organise additional events.

Any clusters or authorities interested in a training session should contact Patricia Kemp at Twig World T: 0141 353 7721 or E: pkemp@twig-world.com