May 12, 2022
by C. Gillespie
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Eight month secondment opportunity for a Development Officer working with Education Scotland’s STEM Team. The Development Officer will support all aspects of the national roll out of the STEM Nation Award programme across early learning and childcare settings, primary, ASN, secondary schools and community learning and development contexts.
Closing date Wednesday 25th May
May 10, 2022
by C. Gillespie
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Welcome to the fortnightly 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 Grant Programme 2022 – closes tomorrow
Education Scotland Round 4 of the Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme closes tomorrow.
Closing date: 12 noon 11 May 2022.
£400,000 of funding is available in 2022/23 – £200,000 for STEM projects (including digital) and £200,000 for Numeracy and Mathematics projects. The aim of the programme is to address the barriers practitioners face in accessing appropriate high-quality professional learning that meets their needs.
STEM Professional Learning events
NEW – an interactive list of webinars and network meetings planned for May – June 2022. Sign up for these events using the Eventbrite links on the page.
Please post a comment at the end of this blog to discuss any aspect of these sessions and to share ideas about possible future sessions.
Our latest resource to support you is an interactive STEM Resources directory . It includes details of organisations & providers who can support activities, awards, resources, talks, volunteers, professional learning & onsite visits to name a few. Filter by sector, theme, provider, opportunity, region, local authority & date required.
Practical science videos
Practical Science – an interactive list of all Science experiments films to support you and your learners.
Filter by subject, phase, level and unit. Information on who produced the film and a direct link to the filmed experiment is included.
Science collections on National e-Learning Offer
IGBE sessions coming up in May
Introduction to gender balance & equalities & STEM
Strategies for addressing gender stereotypes and unconscious bias including the impact on participation in STEM and learner pathways.
25 May 4 – 5:30 pm
For newly qualified teachers and ELC practitioners from across Tayside region, this webinar explores the impact of gender inequality, gender stereotypes and unconscious bias on children and young people. The session will also highlight strategies and practical approaches including examples of good practice.
There will also be an overview of STEM, including the new STEM Nation Awards, and an opportunity for reflection and discussion.
National awareness raising session ‘How does gender inequality affect attainment, wellbeing and participation?’
26 May, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Relevant to all settings, this introductory session will explore the impact of gender inequality, gender stereotypes and unconscious bias on children and young people, with particular focus on attainment, participation and wellbeing.
The session will include strategies and practical approaches including examples of good practice, opportunities for interaction and a chance to reflect on equality within your own practice/setting.
Diversity in STEM webinar
Wed 25 May 2022 at 16:00 | Eventbrite
Framed within the SAC refresh stretch aims, a webinar with opportunities for discussion to consider the question:
How does your current curriculum, options choice and pathways on offer enable sustained positive destinations in STEM?
This webinar is for all practitioners involved in curriculum design, options choice processes, DYW co-ordinators and CLD practitioners who support achievement of positive destinations (1 hour).
Dumfries & Galloway STEM Conference 2022
Dumfries & Galloway’s fifth annual STEM Conference focussing on all aspects of STEM.
Conference keynote address, workshops & marketplace sections will provide practitioners across Dumfries & Galloway with insight and continued learning in all aspects of STEM.
The Setting & Schools’ Showcase section highlights the interesting STEM learning taking place in settings and schools across Dumfries & Galloway.
All conference materials available from Monday 9th May, throughout Term 4 and into next session to support all practitioners to meet the aspirations of both the STEM Education & Training Strategy for Scotland, and Dumfries & Galloway Regional STEM Strategy.
The 2022 conference is being delivered through ThingLink.
TechFest 2022
TechFest is back in person and the Activity Weekend will be held at Robert Gordon University Campus on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May. 
Admission is only 1p for children and £1 for adults. With over 20 hands-on workshops and demonstrations, the TechFest Activity Weekend provides fun, exciting and inspiring activities for all ages. No need to pre-book, just turn up.
TechFest STEM Next Essay
The STEM Next Essay competition bridges the gap between school education and higher education/working environments with industry-linked, project-based learning to facilitate learners’ transitions.
Categories include Energy Transition, Applications of Mathematics, Medicine & Life Sciences, Technology & Computer Sciences, Food, Drink and Agriculture.
Registration is now open for all UK students aged 16 – 18.
Essay competition 2022 categories: Energy Transition, Technology & Innovation, Medicine & Veterinary Science, Space Science, Biological Science and Food, Drink and Agriculture.
Students must interview at least one industry professional to gain insights into their chosen topic. A list of available professionals will be provided; students can also contact professionals who they know personally.
Final essays will be marked by volunteer assessor panel.
Prizes for each category winners:
First place – £200 worth of Amazon vouchers
Second place – £100 worth of Amazon vouchers
Third place – £50 worth of Amazon vouchers
Royal Institution schools grant scheme – now open
The Royal Institution’s 2022 grant scheme is now open; application guidance is now available online.
Applications now open for free full day school visits from one of the Royal Institution’s professional presenters. The day includes curriculum-linked science shows for students, a practical science CPD session for teachers and an after-school community show for parents, carers and siblings.
All UK state maintained primary, secondary and ASN schools and alternative education providers are eligible to apply for a fully funded Science in Schools package worth £800. Application guidance is now available here and applications can be submitted via a web form. Closing date 31 May.
SSERC Biology summer school 21st – 23rd June. Closing date 13 May.
The SSERC Biology Summer School 3-day residential course focuses on practical work to support NQ senior phase programmes in Biology & Human Biology. Lab sessions will follow an interactive approach.
Dates for your diary
Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme Closing date tomorrow – 11 May
National Numeracy Day 18 May
Science Insights 2022 a work experience programme for S5 25 – 29 July
April 29, 2022
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This session the Secondary Sciences Network has provided a range of webinars supporting widening the curriculum offer within the sciences. To access the videos, use the links in the table below.
For further information on all upcoming events access the STEM Nation Online Resource and click on the Events tab.
| Session | Date | Video link |
| 1 Lab Skills | 01.02.22 | https://youtu.be/F4El3jRkKG8 |
| 2 Skills for Work | 08.03.22 | https://youtu.be/s2tax16Bf7g |
| 3 Delving Deeper into Data | 16.03.22 | https://youtu.be/5ozVRjoESMo |
| 4 NPAs & FAs | 28.03.22 | https://youtu.be/YI89OJNf21I |
| 5 Science Qualifications & Positive Destinations | 25.04.22 | https://youtu.be/7Bjmrszm_IU |
The next SSN Webinar will be held on TUESDAY 24th May from 4:15pm – 5:15pm via Teams. Please sign up using the Eventbrite link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting-asn-in-the-sciences-tickets-272583553747
Thinking creatively on how we can ensure equity for all learners in the science classroom. A focus on pedagogy, resources and support from a wide variety of settings
Use the link below. The joining code is uh9sf32
April 26, 2022
by C. Gillespie
0 comments
Welcome to the fortnightly 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 Grant Programme 2022
Education Scotland has launched Round 4 of the Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme.
Closing date: 12 noon 11 May 2022.
£400,000 of funding is available in 2022/23 – £200,000 for STEM projects (including digital) and £200,000 for Numeracy and Mathematics projects. The aim of the programme is to address the barriers practitioners face in accessing appropriate high-quality professional learning that meets their needs.
Secondary Sciences Network webinar – today
The next in the series of SSN webinars is Science Qualifications & Positive Destinations.
This webinar is an opportunity to hear from employers on the relevance of science qualifications. We will be joined by Sarah Smith (NHS & Scottish Government) and other representatives from STEM industries.
Science Qualifications & Positive Destinations webinar 26 April 4 15 – 5 15
ASN sessions
Today and 4 May – a new STEM and ASN national practitioner network is being launched, designed for practitioners working with learners with a range of ASN needs in mainstream and specialist settings.
First meeting 26 April 4 – 5 30 pm
Next meeting 4 May 4 – 5 30 pm
STEM Professional Learning events
New – an interactive list of webinars and network meetings planned for April – June 2022. Sign up for these events using the Eventbrite links on the page.
Please post a comment at the end of this blog to discuss any aspect of these sessions and to share ideas about possible future sessions.
Practical science videos
Practical Science – an interactive list of all Science experiments films to support you and your learners.
Filter by subject, phase, level and unit. Information on who produced the film and a direct link to the filmed experiment is included.
Our latest resource to support you in all things STEM is an interactive STEM Resources directory spreadsheet. It includes details of organisations and providers who can support with: activities, awards, resources, talks, volunteers, professional learning and onsite visits to name a few. You can filter the spreadsheet by sector, theme, provider, opportunity, region, local authority and month and date you want.
Science collections on National e-Learning Offer
IGBE
Introduction to gender balance & equalities & STEM
Strategies for addressing gender stereotypes and unconscious bias including the impact on participation in STEM and learner pathways.
25 May 4 – 5:30 pm
We invite newly qualified teachers and ELC practitioners from across Tayside region to join us for this introductory session.
Relevant to all settings, this webinar will explore the impact of gender inequality, gender stereotypes and unconscious bias on children and young people. The session will also highlight strategies and practical approaches including examples of good practice.
There will also be an overview of STEM, including the new STEM Nation Awards, and an opportunity for reflection and discussion.
National awareness raising session ‘How does gender inequality affect attainment, wellbeing and participation?’
26 May, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Relevant to all settings, this introductory session will explore the impact of gender inequality, gender stereotypes and unconscious bias on children and young people, with particular focus on attainment, participation and wellbeing.
The session will include strategies and practical approaches including examples of good practice.
The session will also include opportunities for interaction and a chance to reflect on equality within your own practice/setting.
Royal Institution schools grant scheme
The Royal Institution’s 2022 grant scheme will open to applications on 3 May; application guidance is now available online.
On 3 May, applications open for free full day school visits from one of the Royal Institution’s professional presenters. The day includes curriculum-linked science shows for students, a practical science CPD session for teachers and an after-school community show for parents, carers and siblings.
All UK state maintained primary, secondary and ASN schools and lternative education provides are eligible to apply for a fully funded Science in Schools package worth £800. Application guidance is now available here and applications can be submitted via a web form that will be live from 3 May.
SSERC Biology summer school
The SSERC Biology Summer School 3-day residential course focuses on practical work to support NQ senior phase programmes in Biology & Human Biology. Lab sessions will follow an interactive approach. 21st – 23rd June Closing date 13 May.
Dates for your diary
Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme Closing date 11 May
National Numeracy Day 18 May
Science Insights 2022 a work experience programme for S5 25 – 29 July
March 31, 2022
by C. Gillespie
0 comments
This page provides details of the latest resources to be produced by Education Scotland support the sciences.
Practical science experiments
Main interactive spreadsheet: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/stemnation/stem-resources/
Learner versions
Science practical experiment listing NQ Biology 31.03.22
Science practical experiment listing NQ Chemistry 31.03.22
Science practical experiment listing NQ Physics 31.03.22
Over 150 practical science experiments videos are now available to support the Sciences National Qualifications. A further 80 are being edited and should be live by the end of April 2022. These films were developed by Education Scotland in response to requests from practitioners. Education Scotland would like to thank a range of partners for their generous support including: BBC Bitesize, Edinburgh Napier University, Institute of Physics, University of Glasgow, SSERC, University of Strathclyde and Aberdeen Science Centre. Personal thanks too to Ian Stewart (Beeslack Community High School), Colin McGill and to all those involved in supporting this work. Interactive assessments have also been developed to accompany 50 of these practical science videos. We’ll be adding these to the spreadsheet soon.
National e-Learning Offer (NeLO): https://education.gov.scot/nelo/
A range of NeLO collections have been developed to support the sciences.
Chemistry
Physics
Biology – these are just been finalised and will be published soon. Watch this space!
Broad General Education – Sciences
Education Scotland’s STEM Team would welcome feedback on the above resources. Please email: stem@educationscotland.gov.scot
March 29, 2022
by C. Gillespie
0 comments
Welcome to the fortnightly 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 Grant Programme 2022
Education Scotland has now launched Round 4 of the Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme. Closing date: 12 noon on 11 May 2022.
£400,000 of funding is available in 2022/23 – £200,000 for STEM projects (including digital) and £200,000 for Numeracy and Mathematics projects. The aim of the programme is to address the barriers that practitioners face in accessing appropriate high-quality professional learning that meets their needs.
STEM Bursary Scheme
The STEM Bursary Scheme is now open; the scheme provides a £20000 incentive to individuals wishing to undertake a one year ITE course in Scotland that leads to a teaching qualification in the hardest to fill STEM subjects.
Edinburgh Science Festival 9 – 24 April
Edinburgh’s Science Festival are back delivering live events, including a return to the family hub at City Art Centre and two new interactive exhibitions, DataSphere and Consumed, alongside a varied programme of other events for audiences of all ages.
The 2022 Festival will explore lifeforms, lifecycles, revolutionary ideas and solutions to global challenges.
Join this celebration of the role that science and technology and festivals play in our lives – bringing people together, creating new experiences, sharing the joy of discovery, shedding fresh light on the key issues shaping that future and celebrating the human spirit.
Secondary Sciences Network
The next in the series of SSN webinars is Science Qualifications & Positive Destinations.
This webinar is an opportunity to hear from employers on the relevance of science qualifications. We will be joined by Sarah Smith (NHS & Scottish Government) and other representatives from STEM Industries.
Science Qualifications & Positive Destinations webinar 26 April 4 15 – 5 15
Our latest resource to support you in all things STEM is an interactive STEM Resources directory spreadsheet. It includes details of organisations and providers who can support with: activities, awards, resources, talks, volunteers, professional learning and onsite visits to name a few. You can filter the spreadsheet by sector, theme, provider, opportunity, region, local authority and month and date you want.
Dates for your diary
Edinburgh International Science Festival 9 – 24 April
Secondary Sciences Network Webinar 26 April
National Numeracy Day 18 May
Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme Closing date 11 May
Science Insights 2022 a work experience programme for S5 25 – 29 July
March 15, 2022
by C. Gillespie
0 comments
Welcome to the fortnightly 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.
Secondary Sciences Network webinar
Tomorrow – Delving Deeper into Data with Dingwall Academy. Approaches to tracking & monitoring in BGE. Staff from Dingwall Academy will share their approach & the impact on learning & teaching.
16 March 4 15 – 5 15 eventbrite.co.uk/e/delving-deep
Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme
Interested in professional learning in STEM? Join our information sessions & learn about the Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grants Programme. Exploring the STEM grant programme, guidance & support available & how to apply.
1st session 21 March Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme 1
2nd session 23 March Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme 2
3rd session 24 March Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme 3
4th session 28 March Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grant Programme 4
Pedagogy & Primary STEM
A series of interactive sessions exploring pedagogy and primary STEM with a range of approaches to try with learners.
4 – 5 pm
Meetings on Glow Teams with joining link – if you have signed up please use the joining link to join the Glow team well before the event.
British Science Week
Get involved in British Science Week 11 – 20 March. Download free activity packs focused on this yera’s theme, Growth, or check out free resources.
Dates for your diary
DYW Live Money Day 21 March
Caithness International Science Festival 1 – 31 March
Edinburgh International Science Festival 9 – 24 April
Science Insights 2022 a work experience programme for S5 25 – 29 July
March 1, 2022
by C. Gillespie
0 comments
Welcome to the fortnightly 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 Online Resource
The online resource was created as part of Scotland’s STEM Education and Training Strategy. On the site you will find a range of resources to support inspire and connect, such as:
And much more for ELC, primary, secondary, ASN, CLD and school based technical support staff.
Secondary Sciences Network
Education Scotland are offering a range of webinars to support delivery of the sciences. With input from practitioners and other partners, these webinars will support staff with the implementation of new qualifications and provide opportunities for networking.
The webinars series runs from 8th March until 24th May.
Pedagogy and Primary STEM sessions
A series of interactive sessions exploring pedagogy & primary STEM with a range of approaches to try with learners.
Session 4: 10 March
Session 5: 22 March
4-5 pm
Meetings on Glow Teams with joining link.
If you have signed up please use the joining link to join the Glow Team well before the event.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 7 – 11 March
Apprenticeships provide jobs for individuals that give them skills needed now and for the future. Get involved in this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Take the opportunity to show that apprenticeships work for individuals, industries and Scotland.
RHET Talk to a Farmer
Talk to a farmer week, taking place till Friday 4 March.
Streaming through DYW Live, your class can join in with live stream footage from the farm and engage in conversation with the farmer.
Dates for your diary
Cyber Scotland Week 2022 28 Feb – 4 March
STEM in the North 8 March: Play pedagogy in STEM
International Women’s Day 8 March
British Science Week 11 – 20 March
February 25, 2022
by C. Gillespie
0 comments
Education Scotland are offering a range of webinars to support delivery of the sciences. With input from practitioners and other partners, these webinars will support staff with the implementation of new qualifications and provide opportunities for networking.
The webinars series runs from 8th March until 24th May.
February 8, 2022
by C. Gillespie
0 comments
The University of Glasgow, in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, are undertaking a longitudinal research project to understand regional inequality in educational outcomes, in particular the geographical disparity in experience and attainment between urban and rural secondary schools in Scotland.
“In 2020, 47.4% of leavers from Scotland’s large urban areas went on to higher education, but for young people from remote small towns that figure is just 36.9%. Those from remote areas are significantly more likely to go straight into employment after school than students from other parts of Scotland. In terms of attainment statistics, these show fewer than 60% of leavers from small towns have at least one qualification at level six, once again the lowest of all six categories.” McEnaney, J 2021, p.86, Class rules The truth about Scottish schools, Luath press limited, Edinburgh.
The purpose of this particular study is to explore any structural issues in urban and rural secondary schools in Scotland, which may impact on the educational outcomes of practical chemistry teaching. In addition to making these results public, it is hoped to implement recommendations based on the voice of the participants that will support both teachers and Heads of Science/Chemistry, and, in turn, enhance the learning for all pupils in Scotland.
First-hand knowledge and original insights from both Teachers and from Heads of Science/Chemistry in Scottish secondary schools will inform the research recommendations. Both surveys are anonymous and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Survey Link for Chemistry Teachers in Secondary Schools in Scotland
Survey Link for Heads of Science/Chemistry in Secondary Schools in Scotland
Thank you for your time and for sharing your experience. Hopefully these surveys are the beginning of a much larger conversation about practical chemistry education in Scotland (and in the UK).
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