October 15, 2015
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TimPix: get involved with Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station

In December 2015 Tim Peake launches to the International Space Station (ISS) and will become the first British European Space Agency Astronaut to visit. Whilst there, in amongst many science and engineering activities, he will take part in research to understand how the body reacts to being in space for long periods of time.

Whilst living on the ISS Astronauts come into contact with radiation from a variety of sources. Particle detectors developed at CERN are on the ISS. These detectors measure the type – alpha, beta, gamma, etc. – direction and energy of radiation. Through this project you will be given access to this data to carry out your own research.

This project offers schools the unique opportunity to access Timepix detector data from the ISS during Tim’s stay. Where possible schools will also have the chance to host a Timepix detector to carry out their own experiments. By taking part in this project schools will contribute to research that will improve our understanding of radiation in space.

Participating schools will be provided with:

A research guide offering background information and starting points for experiments and data analysis;
An opportunity for a teacher to attend a CPD session in the autumn of 2015 to find out more about the technology and data;
A chance to share and exhibit their work at a research symposium in 2016.

More information can be found here.

October 8, 2015
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National Primary and Early Years Science Network

Education Scotland held a series of conversation days with the Scottish education community throughout 2013/2014 to develop a shared, partnership approach to improving 3-18 science education. We also hosted a dedicated primary and early years science conversation day in August 2014.

One of the key themes to emerge was the importance of supporting learning and teaching of the sciences in the primary and early learning and childcare sectors, a theme also identified in the Sciences 3-18 Curriculum Impact Report.

In response to this, Education Scotland has established a National Primary and Early Years Science Network.

The purpose of this network is to create a cross-authority sharing practice group to:

develop a common understanding of standards and progression in the sciences
create a national model for moderation
build capacity in understanding the sciences curriculum
produce resources to support the planning, teaching, assessment and moderation of the sciences curriculum within the Broad General Education.

The next meeting of the National Primary and Early Years Science Network will take place on Wednesday 18^th November in Glasgow. The initial meeting of this network took place in June 2015, and this forthcoming event will build on the work and activities of the groups that formed at the first event and, in addition to other aspects, will further develop science frameworks, resources to support progression in skills, professional learning materials and approaches to assessing progress and achievement.

Many resources to support the delivery of the Sciences experiences & outcomes can be found on our Glow Sciences Community at http://bit.ly/scienceshome .

Local authorities have been asked to nominate one early years and one primary practitioner to attend this event. Anyone interested in attending should contact their local authority or Colin McGill (Development Officer – Sciences ) at colin.mcgill@educationscotland.gsi.gov.uk

October 6, 2015
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Sharing Practice Event – Raising Attainment

Date: 28 October 2015

Venue: Menzies Hotel, Glasgow

This network was set up to explore strategies for raising attainment in the sciences. Our first raising attainment network event was on 11^th November 2014. At that event, delegates chose a strategy to develop and trial over the next few months. At the follow up event, as well as some examples of interesting practice, returning delegates will give short presentations on their findings.

Target audience: secondary science FHs, PTs and practitioners. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Registration at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25QZCSD

October 5, 2015
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The Junior Academy

Here’s an incredible opportunity for high school students passionate about STEM. The New York Academy of Sciences has just launched The Junior Academy, an online STEM program that connects top performing students with STEM mentors to learn the latest in scientific research and provides opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, creativity, and skills towards real-world challenges. The mentors have been recruited from prominent research universities and leading science and tech companies. The program culminates in a two-day summit in New York City with field trips, cultural excursions, and opportunities to connect with renowned STEM leaders. Top students will be awarded cash prizes and all-expense paid trip to the summit.

The closing date for applications is 15 October 2015. The student application and full program details can be found on the official Junior Academy web site http://bit.ly/1F3f9bF.

October 1, 2015
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Biology Week 2015: 10-18 October

Biology Week showcases the important and amazing world of the biosciences, getting everyone from children to professional biologists involved in fun and interesting life science activities.

Now in its fourth year, Biology Week 2015 will be running from Saturday 10th – Sunday 18th October. Find out how you can get involved with the biggest week in the biology calendar.

There are lots of ways to get involved at your school, college or university. You could use the Biology Week 2015 quiz to put your science knowledge to the test, compete in the bio-bake off, get creative with some BioArtAttack, go on a ‘fungal foray‘ or bioblitz, try out some kitchenscience, attend a lecture or local event, or even have a STEM speaker come to your school.

Even better, create a timetable of events so you can be involved every day of the week!

Lots of ideas and resources are available all-year round.

More information on Biology Week can be found here.

October 1, 2015
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World Space Week: 4 – 10 October 2015

Since its United Nations declaration in 1999, World Space Week has grown into the largest public space event on Earth. More than 1,400 events in 80 countries celebrated the benefits of space and excitement about space exploration in 2014. The theme “Discovery” aims to inspire even more events around the world in October 2015.

World Space Week 2015 highlights the great era of deep space discovery that we are in. We have never learnt as much of the universe we live in as in the last decade. Space telescopes, deep space probes and several interplanetary satellites and landers have shown us the magic, wonders and opportunities of new worlds. Exoplanets, galaxies far away and close by and landings on planets, moons, asteroids and comets teach us about where we humans have come from and where we will go in the future. Space is all about Discovery!

More information on World Space Week can be found here.

September 30, 2015
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Higher Physics CPD

Andy McPhee hosts and co-presents a CPD event at Wellington School in Ayr on Wednesday 28th October.

The event will focus on the use of two activities from the Perimeter Instituted designed to be used with Higher Physics pupils studying the Expanding Universe part of the Our Dynamic Universe unit.

Attendees will receive materials to assist in the delivery of these activities and access to an extensive range of other materials provided by the Perimeter Institute.

To sign up for this event please add your details to this Google form – https://goo.gl/jH6xTU

If you would like to know more about the event, please get in touch.

September 30, 2015
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Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy for Scotland – Public Consultation Launch

At this year’s Scottish Learning Festival Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science, and Scotland’s Languages, MSP launched a consultation on the development of a Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy for Scotland.

Digital technology has rich potential to support education in Scotland’s schools in a wide variety of ways. I that our children and young people are equipped with the essential digital skills they will need to flourish in the 21st century. A strategy will help to make sure that digital technology is embedded in learning and teaching across the curriculum.

You can access the consultation document and find details on how to respond on the Scottish Government – Consultation Hub. The consultation period ends on 17 Dec 2015.

September 24, 2015
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Ultimate STEM Challenge

The Ultimate STEM Challenge is a new competition brought to you by BP, the Science Museum and STEMNET.

The Challenge is aimed at teams of two to four students aged 11 to 14 from across the UK. Participants will put their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills to the test and have the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes, including an invitation to a celebratory event at the Science Museum in London, £500 for their school and Science Museum goodies.

Key information:

The Ultimate STEM Challenge is perfect for STEM Clubs.
It’s very flexible – there’s a choice of three challenges which can be completed over a shorter or longer period. The deadline for entry is 15 January 2016.
Entering is easy. Students create a PowerPoint or YouTube video showcasing their work on their chosen challenge. Teachers complete a simple entry form and upload their work.
STEM Ambassadors can help to guide and inspire students as they take on the challenge. Request a visit here.

More information on the Ultimate STEM Challenge can be found here.

September 24, 2015
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STEM Teacher Recruitment Drive

The Scottish Government will launch a campaign to encourage more teachers to enter the teaching profession, the Education Secretary announced at the Scottish Learning Festival in Glasgow on Wednesday 23 September 2015.

The recruitment campaign will particularly focus on attracting teachers to STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths.

Ms Constance also announced funding for projects to boost resources for schools in disadvantaged areas to the audience of teachers and education experts at Scotland’s biggest education event at the SECC.

The ‘Inspiring Teachers’ campaign will feature figureheads from Scottish business, industry, media and science, sharing their memories of the teachers that inspired them and helped them get where they are today.

Ms Constance said:

“We hope that the #inspiringteachers campaign will attract more high-quality, passionate teachers into the profession, particularly in science, technology, engineering and maths where we know there is a demand.”

More information can be found here.