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

June 2, 2016
by I. Menzies
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SEPA – Rainfall school education project

SEPA is looking to expand its existing volunteer rainfall observer program. This work includes the development of an online data entry portal and data visualisation facility.

To complement this work, SEPA is piloting collaboration with around 40 schools nationally. For the pilot we would like a good mix of both primary and secondary educators.

As well as providing useful data for SEPA and the Met Office, the project will hopefully develop a variety of skills and educational opportunities

What’s involved?

SEPA will supply a raingauge and the school will be required to find an optimal location within the school grounds. The raingauge is supplied with a bracket that will need to be attached to a wooden post using screws and a screw driver. Each morning as close to 9am GMT as possible, someone from the school is required to record the rainfall that has accumulated in the gauge. The rainfall measurement can then be entered in the data entry website whenever it is convenient. Although it is most beneficial for us to have a measurement be taken every day, it is OK to have some periods of no measurement such as over weekends and holidays so long as the next entry made reflects that it is a cumulative reading.

The value of the data record increases with age and so ideally we would like our volunteer schools to view this as a long term, ongoing venture. More detailed information will be disseminated to schools taking part. The data entry website can be viewed at https://envscot-csportal.org.uk/rainfallobs/

If you are interested in taking part please contact Cordelia Menmuir at email: cordelia.menmuir@sepa.org.uk Tel: 01738 448 835

Further resources to download:

SEPA Rainfall_Citizen Science

Rainfall Observer_Project Overview

June 2, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Scotland’s Environment Website launches new Citizen Science portal

Why we built the portal

Citizen Science is really important to the partners in Scotland’s Environment. It generates data which are used to make decisions, set priorities and debate issues, but just as importantly, it promotes citizen education, empowerment, health and wellbeing. By building this portal, we want to improve the support that is available to Citizen Science projects, especially in relation to gathering data, making it easy to view and understand, and easy to discuss.

What the portal does

The portal helps us to bring information on a variety of projects into one place, covering topics as diverse as weather, soils, air quality, water quality and protected species. We want to make it easier for participants to take part in projects, find a home for new projects they have created, see their contribution and discuss it with others. The portal also provides a place for us to try out new approaches towards data gathering and engagement, new tools and new resources.

Visit the portal at: https://envscot-csportal.org.uk/

Visit Scotland’s Environment website at: http://www.environment.scotland.gov.uk/get-learning/

June 2, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Visit Diamond Light – the UK’s largest particle accelerator

There are still a few places left on the inaugural SSERC physics and technology Diamond school.

Diamond light is the UK’s largest particle accelerator based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories at Harwell. The facilities there developed an anti-virus for foot and mouth, test the integrity of Rolls Royce turbine blades and are growing new high efficiency solar cell crystals amongst other developments.

The visit will allow you to experience first-hand some of the U.K.’s leading research and see how much of its work is based here in Scotland. It is a great opportunity to see different disciplines working together using techniques such as X-ray diffraction and interference to study anything from the timbers of the Mary Rose, to the structure of novel materials. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of their work we would particularly welcome joint applications from technology and physics teachers.

The course will allow you to build, code and take away your own Lego based Linear Accelerator and CT scanner. The LINAC output drives a Lego plotter that draws the interference pattern, rather than a display screen, a great way to engage learners.

Whilst a smaller facility than CERN, Diamond Light is more accessible and just as mind blowing. You’ll be able to walk on top of the accelerator and visit the beamline experiments in their labs. You will have opportunities to meet engineers and researchers where they work.

To help you prepare we’ve organised a SSERCmeet for those on the course with researchers and engineers around the globe on how the facility works, what they use it for and the intended impact on society.

The visit is on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th October. After the visit we’ll follow it up with a day at SSERC where you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of the Scottish based researchers and engineers using Diamond Light and discuss how to weave its work into your curriculum.

Teachers from state funded school will be eligible for Enthuse funding to cover the course fees and contribute to your travel. A chance to get your Physics and Engineering senses excited again and discover new practical science opportunities for your schools.

Further details are available on the SSERC website, in the Physics CPD section, or by emailing sts@sserc.org.uk

May 15, 2016
by I. Menzies
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e-Bug website update

e-Bug is a free educational resource website that can be used by primary and secondary schools in Scotland as a fun way to investigate and learn about micro-organisms and the prevention and treatment of infection.

The website has resources for both teachers and students and these are linked to Sciences and Health and Wellbeing experiences and outcomes.

Teaching resources include lesson plans, worksheets, animations and presentations.
Students resources include online games and revision pages to continue the learning experience at home.

There’s also a promotional poster and leaflet and these can be downloaded at http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/haiic/ic/index.aspx

Attached below is the latest School Newsletter which contains information on

New student website and game updates
e-Bug rewards and collectables
Big Bang fair
Training module
Public Health matters blog

e-Bug School Newsletter May 2016

May 10, 2016
by I. Menzies
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Baird of Bute Canadian Scholarship – Apply now

Please note change in contact email for the Baird of Bute Society. Applications should be sent to: bairdstudent@gmail.com

The Baird of Bute Society is offering a fabulous scholarship opportunity to two Scottish school leavers in July this year. The scholarship is now in its third year.

The Scholarship has been developed by the Baird of Bute Society to honour Andrew Baird, a Bute blacksmith, who in 1910 achieved the First Attempted All-Scottish Heavier than Air Powered Flight in an aircraft of his own design and manufacture. The Society employs Baird’s example to inspire young people in Scotland to aspire to greatness in their lives.

The successful Scholarship applicants will spend between two and three weeks taking part in the Baird of Bute Society’s “Bench to Bedside” programme in a number of Toronto-based institutions and organisations. The programme provides participants with the opportunity to follow developments in the life sciences from the genesis of an idea through to research, development, testing, clinical and human trials and all the way to its introduction at the bedside.

The programme includes time at the Gunning Group at the University of Toronto, led by Scotland’s own Dr Patrick Gunning, which is one of the World’s most celebrated bio chemistry research groups, which is currently working on a drug which is aimed at treating three forms of cancer. Participants will also visit several Toronto healthcare facilities and will complete a tailored laboratory programme in the world-renowned Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. Through these opportunities, the participants will enhance their science knowledge and skills and will have numerous opportunities for multi-disciplinary networking and continuing education. The Baird of Bute Society Canadian Science Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for the participants to broaden and deepen their interest in and understanding of science before pursuing their own studies in a life science course at university level.

Further information about the programme and how to apply is attached. I’d be grateful if you could forward this to your local authority Faculty Head and Biology contacts to make them aware of this opportunity. Each school is able to nominate one candidate who must be 18 years old by 1 June 2016 and who must have an unconditional offer to study a life science course. or related discipline, at university.

You may also be interested in the introductory video produced by the Baird of Bute Society and the blogs written by previous participants in 2014 and 2015.

Applications should be sent to Chris Markwell at bairdstudent@gmail.com by no later than 23^rd May 2016. The two to three week scholarship will commence on or around the 8^th July 2016.

Please download supporting documents below:

Baird Canadian Scholarship APPLICATION 2016

Baird Canadian Scholarship Requirements

Baird Canadian Scholarship Poster

Baird Canadian Scholarship Online Information

Baird Canadian Scholarship Briefing 2016