Resources, resources everywhere…
There are a huge range of STEM resources and opportunities available. It can often be overwhelming knowing where to start and deciding what is most appropriate.
On this page we have gathered links to the major providers of STEM opportunities in order to support your STEM involvement and help nurture your STEM activity.
If you need bespoke advice, are short of time or do not know where to begin in getting involved in STEM then please contact us.
Additional FREE resources for both teachers and Ambassadors can be found by simply logging onto STEMNetworking.
STEMFirst are often being asked by Teachers , Schools and Ambassadors:
“STEM Ambassadors, what will they do?”
“I am a STEM Ambassador but what will a school want?”
“How do I include Ambassadors in my Lessons?”
STEMFirst have therefore developed a set of Ambassador Usage Models which helps to answer the questions. There are currently 9 models which give a range of activity that can be undertaken by Ambassadors in schools.
These activities range from Careers Workshops, Hands-on Fun Practical’s through to discussions regarding the stereotypes surrounding STEM.
Each model has been designed as a ‘lesson plan’ and should be simple to use by teachers and STEM Ambassadors alike.
If you find something that would be suitable for your school, or as an Ambassador you see a model you would like to use then contact us at STEMFirst and we will help set it up.
Lab in a Lorry, by the Institute of Physics (IOP), is a mobile lab that gives young people the chance to explore science through hands-on experiments.
The programme is guided by volunteers who want to share their passion for science and their curiosity about the world we live in.
Lab in a Lorry is operated by the Institute of Physics in partnership with OPITO, the Scottish Government, SPE, Schlumberger Foundation and STEMNET.
Lab in a Lorry is FREE for schools. Register your interest for 2012/2013 at:
http://www.labinalorry.org.uk/register_interest.cfm
Smallpeice Trust
The Smallpeice what?
The Smallpeice Trust are an independent educational charity that runs hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities and exciting engineering courses for pupils in Years 6-12.
Smallpeice also deliver Teacher Training Days to bring STEM to life in the classroom.
Crest Awards
CREST is a project-based awards scheme for the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). It links the personal passions of students to curriculum-based learning.
STEMFirst co-ordinate the British Science Associations CREST Award scheme. These prestigious awards recognise the achievement of students undertaking STEM Projects.
CREST Star Investigators is suitable for KS1 and KS2.
CREST Awards (Bronze, Silver and Gold) are suitable for KS3 – KS5.
UCAS endorse CREST Awards for inclusion in students’ personal statements – they’re well regarded, high-quality and a tangible recognition of success.
Last year alone, over 28,000 CREST Awards were undertaken – giving 11-19yr olds opportunities to explore real-world projects in an exciting way.
CREST can link into work experience placements, after-schools clubs or numerous linked schemes. Students can investigate or design and make, research a subject, or design a science communication project. Follow the link to find out what makes CREST so special and to find out how you can get involved.
STEM Directories
STEM Online Directories have been created in direct response to teachers needs. They comprise a collection of schemes and activities provided by organisations from across the UK that aim to enhance and enrich the curriculum.
These schemes are usually based around events or experiences that cannot be delivered with standard school contacts and resources. Each activity is linked to the curriculum so that the impact of the experiences and outcomes can be sustained.
STEM Clubs
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) clubs allow children to explore, investigate and discover STEM subjects in a stimulating learning environment, away from the constraints of the school timetable or a prescribed curriculum.
They allow pupils and their club leaders to work together and explore many different ideas and activities. The STEM Clubs website gives advice on setting up a club, ideas for activities and lets clubs interact with each other to develop inter-school opportunities.
Newground
Climate change means we need to learn to live differently – and that begins at school. Newground works in partnership with teachers to deliver comprehensive packages of education for sustainable development covering issues such as fairtrade, climate change, resource efficiency, transport and local biodiversity.
Primary Engineer
Primary Engineer is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2005 with the aim of encouraging more young people to consider careers in STEM related professions. Its work is supported by tomorrow’s engineers and industry. Its projects include Primary Engineer, STEM Leaders Award and Bloodhound SSC Projects.
Join the Pod for Greener Schools
The pod is an interactive website for teachers and eco- coordinators.
It provides high quality cross curricular teachings resources, activities and games as well as a place to share ideas and showcase your work .
The Pod helps schools measure the impact of their projects and recognizes the effort undertaken to complete them.
- For students it has great games, blogs, an interactive comic and media gallery.
- For teachers it has information sheets, resource packs, lesson plans, assemblies, activities as well as lots of useful templates.
The Pod works in collaboration with Eco-Schools England to ensure all activities will help a school progress through the eco-schools process.
STEMNetworking
Whether you are a STEM Ambassador, teacher, STEM employer, STEMNET Contract Holder, working with a Professional Institution or a STEM Role Model Scheme, STEMNetworking can provide you with many new ways to promote the STEM subjects and related careers.
- Find out more about what you can do on STEMNetworking
- If you are a STEM Ambassador and would like to be part of STEMNetworking then you’ll first need to opt in on our database http://db.stemnet.org.uk. You can then follow the login link below to start using all the features of STEMNetworking.
- If you are not yet registered as a STEM Ambassador, you can register here.
- If you are a teacher and you would like to register to have a profile with STEMNetworking, you can register here.
- If you are a STEM employer, Professional Institution or STEM Role Model Scheme and you would like to register to have a profile with STEMNetworking, you can register here.
STEMFirst are often being asked by Teachers , Schools and Ambassadors:
“STEM Ambassadors, what will they do?”
“I am a STEM Ambassador but what will a school want?”
“How do I include Ambassadors in my Lessons?”
STEMFirst have therefore developed a set of Ambassador Usage Models which helps to answer the questions. There are currently 9 models which give a range of activity that can be undertaken by Ambassadors in schools.
These activities range from Careers Workshops, Hands-on Fun Practical’s through to discussions regarding the stereotypes surrounding STEM.
Each model has been designed as a ‘lesson plan’ and should be simple to use by teachers and STEM Ambassadors alike.
If you find something that would be suitable for your school, or as an Ambassador you see a model you would like to use then contact us at STEMFirst and we will help set it up.
James Dyson Foundation
Ambassadors, why not get involved in schools by undertaking ‘The James Dyson Foundation engineering challenges’ ??
The James Dyson Foundation has developed four engineering challenges. They’re designed to encourage young people to think differently and realise their engineering potential.
The four challenges briefly outlined below can be downloaded by visiting http://www.jamesdysonfoundation.com/education/default.asp
- Challenge One – Spaghetti Bridges – Construct a spaghetti bridge strong enough to hold a 250g bag of sugar.
- Challenge Two – Changing States – How do you change an egg’s properties to make it fit in a bottle?
- Challenge Three – Geodesic Dome – Using jelly sweets and cocktail sticks create your own geodesic dome.
- Challenge Four – Marble Run – Use your vacuum cleaner box and the internal struts to create a marble run.
These challenges could form a great foundation for working with schools and can be modified to illlustrate your own career, STEM background and industry sector!
Royal Partnership Grants – Calling Scientists and Engineers
This scheme helps schools to run exciting and innovative projects in partnership with a professional scientist or engineer.
Do you have a great idea for bringing science to life in schools?
The Partnership Grants scheme provides grants of up to £3,000 for science projects run at a primary or secondary school or college in partnership with a professional scientist or engineer.
If you are a professional scientist or engineer and would like to take part in a Partnership Grant project you can read our advice on getting involved.
Grant applications are open from beginning September to November annually.
For more information go to http://royalsociety.org/education/partnership
Tomorrow’s Engineers
So What is Engineering?
Developed in response to requests from UK engineering companies; this presentation explains simply what engineering is all about.
In just ten slides it covers the types of products that engineers are involved in creating and the salaries they can expect to earn. Also a simple explanation of the qualifications that may lead to engineering jobs and useful websites to find out more information about engineering careers.
This presentation is designed to be used with 14-19 age groups and can be delivered in approximately 20 minutes (please read the ‘notes for presenters’ page for more information on slide 1 of the presentation).
Ambassadors, why not use this as a basis for talking about your career to students and teachers?
Ellen MacArthur Foundation – STEM Resources
Since its inception in 2010, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has been working in education to inspire a generation to re-think, re-design and build a positive future through the vision of a circular economy.
The primary focus of our work with schools has been in resource development, we have worked with teachers, subject associations and education professionals to bring a range of teaching resources focused on the circular economy.
These resources provide teachers with ready-to-go classroom activities, case studies, lesson plans and illustrations. They aim to inspire the next generation of designers, scientists, architects and economists alike to realise the potential of the circular economy.
The resources are STEM-focused and maintain a interdisciplinary approach to learning.
For more information and to access the resource library go to:
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/education/resources
Get Coding – Computer Science Resources
The Royal Academy of Engineering believes that every young person should have the opportunity to experience and learn real Computing from ages 5 to 19 in the same way that they experience Mathematics or Science.
This guide, produced by the Royal Academy of Engineering in association with the BCS Academy of Computing, the Computing at School working group (CAS) and Next Gen Skills is a first step.
In this booklet you will find links to more than 50 resources that can help young people start learning real Computing in schools now.
The resources naturally cluster into themes:
- Animation
- Clubs
- Competitions
- Computing curricula
- Curriculum enrichment scheme
- Events & courses
- Robotics
- Online teaching resources
- Physical computing resources & kits
- Software development
Download your copy at www.raeng.org.uk/news/publications/list/reports/get_coding.pdf.
Science of a Night Out – FREE STEM Activity ideas
Ever wondered about the physics of high heels, the science of ironing, what puts the pop in popcorn and turns images into movies?
Wanting to run a STEM club for KS3 and looking for a theme to run over 6 weeks?
Then try this new project Science of a Night Out which includes a series of STEM investigations around the topics of:
- Getting Ready for a Night Out
- Going to the Cinema
- Going Bowling
- Going to a Disco
- Going to a Karaoke
- Going to the Ice Skating
Email Helen at STEMFirst on helen.heggie@stemfirst.com to receive a free copy.
STEMFirst co-ordinate the British Science Associations CREST Award scheme. These prestigious awards recognise the achievement of students undertaking STEM Projects.
CREST Star Investigators is suitable for KS1 and KS2.
CREST Awards (Bronze, Silver and Gold) are suitable for KS3 – KS5.
Did you know? UCAS endorse CREST Awards for inclusion in students’ personal statements – they’re a well regarded, high-quality and tangible recognition of success.
For more information go to http://http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest-awards
STEMFirst are often being asked by Teachers , Schools and Ambassadors:
“STEM Ambassadors, what will they do?”
“I am a STEM Ambassador but what will a school want?”
“How do I include Ambassadors in my Lessons?”
STEMFirst have therefore developed a set of Ambassador Usage Models which helps to answer the questions. There are currently 9 models which give a range of activity that can be undertaken by Ambassadors in schools.
These activities range from Careers Workshops, Hands-on Fun Practical’s through to discussions regarding the stereotypes surrounding STEM.
Each model has been designed as a ‘lesson plan’ and should be simple to use by teachers and STEM Ambassadors alike.
If you find something that would be suitable for your school, or as an Ambassador you see a model you would like to use then contact us at STEMFirst and we will help set it up.
Science Learning Centres
Science Learning Centres are a national network for professional development in science teaching.
Their aim is to improve science teaching and to inspire pupils by providing them with a more exciting, intellectually stimulating and relevant science education, enabling them to gain the knowledge and the understanding they need – both as the citizens and as the scientists of the future.
There are nine regional Centres in England and one National Centre, each with a number of satellite centres to provide additional facilities.
National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics
What the NCETM does
The NCETM provides and signposts high quality resources to teachers, mathematics education networks, HEIs and CPD providers throughout England. At the same time, the National Centre encourages schools and colleges to learn from their own best practice through collaboration among staff and by sharing good practice locally, regionally and nationally.
This collaboration takes place virtually through the NCETM portal. The portal is fast becoming ‘the place’ on the web where mathematics teachers can go to find reliable information about teaching methods, resources, research and CPD opportunities.
The Centre also funds and publishes research into effective mathematics teaching practices and CPD. Teacher Enquiry in the classroom is supported by the Centre and findings are shared via the portal.
National STEM Centre – York
The key objectives of the National STEM Centre are to:
- Bring together STEM partners with a shared mission to support STEM education – facilitating collaboration.
- House the UK’s largest collection of STEM teaching and learning resources – providing teachers of STEM subjects with the ability to access a wide range of support materials.
On-line resources can be found by searching the e-library at http://www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/elibrary
Searches can be undertaken by subject, curriculum area, age range and specific publisher.
IOP – Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics aims to highlight how Physics is all around us.
Explore this section to find out about IOP resources to support the curriculum, Affiliated Schools Scheme and professional development courses.
Teacher Resources can be accessed directly at http://www.iop.org/education/teacher/support/index.html
IChemE – Institute of Chemical Engineers
Why Not Chemical Engineering?
Want to know what real life Chemical Engineers do? Visit the Time of our Lives area to find out the possibilities a career in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering can offer.
FREE Downloadable Resources are available – Get the 10 Flash Bang Demo’s at http://www.whynotchemeng.com/wnce_home/Teachers/Top%20Ten%20Flash%20Bang%20Demos.aspx
Teachers TV
Teachers TV content is now available on TES in agreement with the Department of Education. TES has brought back all 3,500 Teachers TV programmes which are available for teachers to use for free.
Teachers TV supplied professional development videos and resources by going inside classrooms and into schools to help save time with practical tips, lesson ideas and classroom resources.
http://www.tes.co.uk/MyPublicProfile.aspx?uc=447531&event=21
British Science Association
The British Science Association (formerly known as the BA) envisages a society in which people from all walks of life are able to access science, engage with it and feel a sense of ownership about its direction.
The BSA seek to achieve that by connecting science with people: promoting openness about science in society and affirming science as a prime cultural force through engaging and inspiring adults and young people directly with science and technology, and their implications.
Lancaster University
The Engineering Deparment’s drive is to increase the interest in engineering for people of school age. Members of staff are often available to give talks at regional schools on the subject of engineering, renewable energy or just general studying at university.
The group participates in various schools liaison activities, such as hosting the Arkwright interviews and contributing to the annual faculty wide taster days.
Due to staff changes at the University, contact us at STEMFirst if you would like to get involved in Lancaster’s opportunities. contact@stemfirst.com
University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
UCLAN are very active in STEM outreach with many opportunities being available at any one time. To find out more contact us at STEMFrst or to discuss the options available directly with UCLAN please email the School Liaison Team: schoolsandcollegesliaison@uclan.ac.uk or call 01772 894417.
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/colleges/schools_colleges.php
School Science
Schoolscience provides a directory of science resources, information and contacts for primary and secondary schools.
The science learned at school and its relation to the outside world is supported by content from major trade associations, Research Councils UK and professional bodies who contribute unique scientific knowledge and resources. Working together this ASE (Association for Science Education) website helps teachers, pupils and technicians enrich science learning.
BP Educational Service
The BP Educational Service (BPES) produce and distribute curriculum-linked teaching resources about BP and the petrochemical industry for 5 to 19 year olds.
BP is one of the world’s largest energy companies and therefore has a responsibility to ensure that their educational resources reflect the company’s focus on energy, environment, leadership and business skills. Working with practising teachers and other educational experts, BP produce a range of educational materials about BP and the energy business, and make them available to all schools in the UK and the rest of the world.
Science Museum
The Science Museum has developed a range of fantastic, hands-on, thought provoking activity for KS1 to KS4.
The activities are listed under curriculum area and are based on simple, household ingredients and objects that anyone can find.
The resource material is some of the best materials that we have seen, with excellent photographs showing exactly what to do and how to use things, these are foolproof step by step instructions to carry out fun science activities for teachers, children and parents.
Future Morph
Discover some of the exciting careers you can do by studying Science and Maths, from designing snowboards to creating the latest video game.
What are you waiting for?
Careers in Aerospace
Careers in Aerospace is the exciting new careers initiative from the partnership of The Royal Aeronautical Society and A|D|S Group (Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence and Security industries).
Aerospace is one of the most diverse industries when it comes to career opportunities. Whatever your talents, aerospace could be for you: whether you are into design, knowing how things work and finding ways to improve them; if you are practically minded and hands-on; whether you have a passion for business or policy-making; we believe that in aerospace, there really is something for everyone!
Whether you’re at school, college or university you’ll be able to find out about every opportunity to be part of this exciting industry.
NHS Careers
The National Health Service offers a huge range of exciting and challenging opportunities for people who are passionate about making a difference.
With more than 300 different careers on offer, there is a job for you no matter what your interests, skills or qualifications. Find out more about what the NHS has to offer on this site.
BAE Systems
The best way to understand engineering is to picture a world without it. Imagine there were no roads, cars, trains or planes. And what would we do if there were no houses, mobile phones, TVs, or even food?
All of these things exist thanks to engineering.
Training and studying to become an engineer will prepare you for just about any job you can think of. This is why some engineers go into medicine or law, business or even film directing.
At BAE Systems we have over 30,000 engineers working all over the world designing, testing and building products for global systems, defense and aerospace industries.
Could engineering be for you?
If you think that a fun and exciting career in engineering might be for you, this site has all the information you need.
Leading Lights
Meet 19 leading lights who are using their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills to push the boundaries, and to make the world a better ad more exciting place in which to live.
From astrophysics to pharmacy, web design to sustainability, these young men and women are all working on ground-breaking projects and cutting edge research.
MakeIT Northwest
Choosing the right career is a vital decision. The question is which job!
The ‘Make It’ things world has loads of choices – creating today’s essentials – like iPods, trainers or medicines. Perhaps more critical are the jobs developing tomorrow’s carbon-free cars, robotics or cures for disease.
The MakeIT campaign aims to break down the stereotypes surrounding careers within manufacturing and allows young people to explore what opportunities are available throughout the North West.
Teacher resources, games for young people and fantastic event/competition information are included on the site.
The Hidden Science Map
What is the hidden map of science? The map is a means of plotting all the people working in STEM related jobs across the UK. By tempting all Scientists, Engineers, Technologists and Mathematicians out of hiding the map reveals how much science is out there in the UK and what all these STEM Professionals are doing.
Put in your postcode, the type of scientist you are interested in and see who is hiding in your area!
Maths Careers
You might already be thinking about your future, but have you thought about the part maths could play? Maths opens up a world of possibilities and expands your choices in the future. No matter how the world changes, maths will always be at the heart of life. Your future has some very attractive possibilities if it involves maths. Quite simply, maths not only helps you understand the world, it also opens up a world of opportunities!
Tomorrows Engineers Careers Resources
Tomorrows Engineers have developed a fantastic on-line engineering awareness site plus have produced some fantastic inspiring resources surrounding engineering.
Order free posters, flyers, parent information leaflets, engineering awareness and careers profiles from the following site:
Apprenticeships explained – by Employers
Go Cracker is a fantastic new STEM Careers website, supported by a raft of employers and top industry.
Take a look at their quick guide to apprenticeships, an explaination of the different types and look at what a selection of employers have to say about their different requirements and schemes.
Women in Science and Engineering ( WISE ) Posters
WISE and WiSET have produced a poster to highlight the careers opportunities in science and maths.
The WISE poster, ’101 jobs from science and maths’ is FREE on receipt of an A4 SAE covering costs for postage and packaging.
If you would like to order any posters for your school/educational establishment, please contact us, letting us know the quantity you need and delivery address.
Sponsors of this initiative who include Centre for Science Education at Sheffield Hallam University, University of Reading, University of Southampton, School of Science and Technology at The University of Northampton, Oxford Instruments, National Physical Laboratory, npower, nationalgrid, Bayer, Colston Research Society and Horners.
To receive posters contact WISE via the following website:
Future Proof Your Career
The Future Proof Your Career tool is a short interactive online module giving information on the opportunities for building services installers in the areas of renewable and environmental technologies.
To access this resource please get your students to go to the following link:
http://www.nsa-elearning.org.uk/10-future-proof-your-career.html
FutureMorph – New Themed Careers Launched
Future Morph, the Government backed careers website, have been working hard to bring you not 1 but 3 brand new themed sections for you to explore.
Space, Water and Food-themed sections are now live on the Future Morph website to highlight the range and variety of job roles within these areas.
They have combined the latest media stories with career profiles and FAQ’s so that all students can find out about the range of careers available to them.
FutureMorph have been working with some fantastic organisations to bring you the very latest information. NASA have helped to create some brand new career profiles from women working in the space industry; the team at the British Antarctic Survey are part of our Water theme; and a whole host of individuals from the John Innes Centre in Norwich have been key to helping us develop new content for our Food theme.
Careers World NOW LIVE
Careers World Website now LIVE!
Careers World is your one stop website for careers advice and searching for the very best training and career opportunities within England, Scotland and Wales. Covering a multitude of locations throughout the country, Open Doors Media are the essential careers experts for those individuals of all ages looking to study or begin a career in their chosen sector. With excellent resources, knowledge and expertise to guide and help you find more than just apprenticeships in your area, we present a valuable and highly essential way of introducing you to a wide range of possible opportunities, which are easy to navigate when you visit our unique website.
What Apprenticeships?
The What Apprenticeships? FREE resource for students is now live on the web.
This handy on-line book takes students through the questions:
- Is an Apprenticeship right for me?
- Which Apprenticeship?
- Where will an apprenticeship take me?
- Who can I work for and how much will I earn?
To access this FREE on-line resource go to:
STEMFirst are delighted to announce that they have been awarded the STEM Club contract for the North West. With our STEM Partners in the North West, MerseySTEM, Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, Cumbria STEM Centre and Cheshire STEM, we will be supporting STEM Clubs with the following:
- Advice on setting up and running a STEM Club
- Funding and support opportunities
- STEM Club activities
- STEM Ambassador support
If you would like to talk to us about your club or plans for a new club then please get in touch. We will be uploading both funding opportunities and activity ideas on this section of our site as they become available.
STEM Clubs is Nationally co-ordinated by STEMNET, and in the North West by STEMFirst. Take a look at the STEMClubs website for advice on setting up a club, where to find funding, running a club on a ‘shoe-string’ and activity ideas.
Go to http://www.stemclubs.net
Why not affiliate your club to the following and receive FREE resources, activity ideas, support and funding:
YOUNG ENGINEERS
The Young Engineers Club Network supports the setting up of extra-curricular engineering clubs and enriches the activities of existing clubs. If you run, or want to run, any kind of extra-curricular engineering related activities, you are eligible to join our network!
Young Engineers act as an information hub providing details on all the quality UK youth engineering initiatives available. The network is FREE to join.
IMAGINEERING CLUB
The Imagineering Foundation introduces 8-16 year olds to the fascinating world of engineering and technology through fun, hands-on activities. For more information on activities, how
to join and projects, go to: http://imagineering.org.uk/clubs/information/
COMPUTER CLUB 4 GIRLS
Computer Clubs for Girls (CC4G) is an out-of-the-box after-school club that has been specifically designed to encourage girls to stay engaged in IT.
It helps girls develop their skills in IT through a series of carefully-graded challenges, themed around their interests – like fashion, music, sport and celebrity. Running CC4G doesn’t need any specialist IT expertise or software, it’s fully curriculum-compliant, and girls love it.
It supports girls’ learning in IT and across the curriculum, and benefits their confidence and self-esteem. There is a cost association with this club as it involved purchasing an annual license for the software for £350, however sponsorship is available and we can help you find funding if your school is eligible.
CODE Club
Code club is a nationwide network of volunteer-ledafter school coding clubs for children aged 9-11. Volunteers run Code Club after-school at their local primary school or community centre. Children
attend Code Club once a week to learn the basics of coding. Find out more about how to get started at
http://www.codeclub.org.uk
FIRST LEGO League
FIRST LEGO League is a global science and technology competition for teams of students, to encourage an interest in real world issues and develop key skills that are crucial for their future careers.
Students can pit themselves against other teams from around the UK and Ireland to be the best in the British Isles and then perhaps the best in the world!
FIRST LEGO League uses LEGO Mindstorms materials (or technology) to challenge students’ creativity. Each year competing teams are presented with a new challenge that forms the basis of the competition.
How can I get involved? To get involved you will need to register at http://www.firstlegoleague.co.uk or email: firstlegoleague@theiet.org NOTE: Register your team and find out more information on the website. The registration fee is £150 + VAT, plus you will need to have access to a LEGO Mindstorm robot.
Want to set up a club but not sure what activities to do?
Don’t panic and don’t do too much planning, there is so much already out there…
Practical Action – Wind Power Challenge
Suitable for KS2 – 4, this renewable energy challenge puts students’ competitive spirits to the test.
Students are given minimal materials and asked to design a wind powered machine that can lift a weighted cup off the floor.
Teachers instruction sheets, related video clips and even certificates are provided.
Why not incorporate this fun activity into a way of ‘raising’ money for Practical Action’s projects in developing countries?
This is a great challenge for your STEM Club and all teachers instructions and resources can be found at : http://practicalaction.org/wind-power-challenge-stem
Practical Action – STEM Challenges
As well as the Wind Power Challenge, practical action also now has the following STEM Challenges on their site with free downloadable resources and lessons plans.
- NEW – Floating garden challenge
- Squashed tomato challenge
- Global CREST challenges
- Small is… Challenge
- Wind power challenge
- Moja Island
Go to http://practicalaction.org/stem to access them all.
The British Science Association
The British Science Association has some fantastic free activity ideas, from science busking through to CREST activities through to themed ideas for National Science and Engineering Week. All these practical STEM resources are ideal for STEM Clubs and you can access them by registering on the British Science Association website and then download for FREE.
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/national-science-engineering-week.
Engineering Ideas Box and FREE Club CPD – Royal Academy of Engineering
Developed in conjunction with teachers, The Academy and STEMNET have produced a suite of engineering based resources for teachers and STEM Ambassadors.
The resources fall into three types:
- Support Resources – Information and support resources for STEM Ambassadors and Teachers to help highlight Engineering.
- Activity Resources – Quick, inexpensive activities that can be used to spark inspiration and show the diversity of engineering.
- Teaching and Learning Resources – Longer activity for use in a STEM Club, combines D&T, mathematics and science in one activity
To request these FREE resources (as pictured below) for your school go to http://www.raeng.org.uk/education/eenp/engineering_resources/default.htm. Click ‘APPLICATION’ on the right hand-side of the webpage.
Moja Island – Renewable Energy KS3
Moja Island is a discussion based 1-2 hour activity which will reinforce students’ understanding of renewable energy sources.
Students consider the variety of different energy options available to communities living on Moja Island and select the most appropriate technology. Renewable energy fact cards, a map of the island, and information on the different communities and their needs are all resources designed to help them.
For more information go to http://practicalaction.org/moja-island-1.
Food For Thought – ENTERPRISE Challenge
Food for Thought introduces young people to the complex web of relationships and the variety of
business decisions that combine to create a new food product.
Suitable for KS3 and KS4.
Working in teams, pupils take on the role of buyers, suppliers, marketing and technologists, and together they follow the product development process from farm to supermarket shelf.
The Food for Thought activity is a stimulation exercise, providing a condensed look at the learning and decision-making involved in the development of a new food product. The exercise gives students the opportunity to develop their understanding of:
- How food is produced on farms and in factories.
- The human, animal and environmental impact of food production, packaging and transport.
- Personal organisational values and ethics. How teams within organisations have to work together to achieve their goals.
- How external events, beyond the control of the organisation, have an impact on decisions.
- How compromises have to be made to achieve tasks within budget.
- Some of the career opportunities provided by supermarkets.
The activity also gives the students the opportunity to apply skills and develop knowledge in real life situation.
http://www.face-online.org.uk/food-for-thought/food-for-thought-enterprise-challenge.
Science in Society Silver CREST Projects
New Silver Pick up and Run Projects – CREST Awards.
A couple of months ago the Science in Society Team developed 2 new project booklets on Diabetes
and STEM Cells (supported by ComScience).
Suitable for KS4 and KS5.
These projects are based around the Silver CREST Awards and are all ready to download from the British Science Association website.
If you are interested in finding out more about CREST or requesting STEM Ambassadors to support your CREST Projects then please do not hesitate to contact us at STEMFirst.
The activity also gives the students the opportunity to apply skills and develop knowledge in real life situation.
The resources for these Silver Projects can be downloaded from: http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest-awards/project-resources-and-accredited-schemes/pick-run-project-resources.
Science of a Night Out – FREE STEM Activity ideas
Ever wondered about the physics of high heels, the science of ironing, what puts the pop in popcorn and turns images into movies?
Wanting to run a STEM club for KS3 and looking for a theme to run over 6 weeks?
Then try this new project Science of a Night Out which includes a series of STEM investigations around the topics of:
- Getting Ready for a Night Out
- Going to the Cinema
- Going Bowling
- Going to a Disco
- Going to a Karaoke
- Going to the Ice Skating
Contact us at STEMFirst for the lesson plans / club activity sheets.
CREST – Creativity in Science and Technology
CREST is a project-based awards scheme for the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).
It links the personal passions of students to curriculum-based learning.
UCAS endorse CREST Awards for inclusion in students’ personal statements – they’re well regarded, high-quality and a tangible recognition of success.
Last year alone, over 30,000 CREST Awards were undertaken – giving 11-19yr olds opportunities to explore real-world projects in an exciting way. CREST is a fantastic activity for your STEM Club, or a way of endorsing the fantastic work your students are already doing.
The CREST website contains lots of tried and tested activities which you can pick-up-and-run with for your club. Go to http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/crestresources to explore these activities.
Young Engineers – making KNexions
This STEM initiative is designed for secondary schools to link through STEM with their primary feeder schools.
The activity is not just for secondary schools to work with their feeder primaries, it can be used by individual schools or a group of schools.
Making Knexions covers primary school year groups 5 & 6 and offers opportunities for secondary school students to mentor younger pupils through a hands on engineering based project used basic materials.
Making Knexions follows a Sustainable Engineering Theme within three modules, each of which is set in a different environment.
Each of the modules encourages students to learn about structures and renewable energy.
Making Knexions is FREE, comes with an Educators Pack and they can also supply the K’Nex!
Age range 9-11 Project Length: Minimum 150 minutes.
State supported Secondary Schools linking with Primary Feeders are eligible for FREE P+P when borrowing K’Nex Making Knexions.
Contact to make a booking or to find out more!
Joanne Mitchell – Projects Manager Email:joanne-mitchell@youngeng.org Tel: 01428 727825 http://www.youngeng.org/index.asp?page=1378
IET Faraday Challenge Days
IET Faraday Challenge Days are STEM activity days for students aged 12-13 years, held in schools and colleges all across the UK. There are 45 in-school events held each year with an additional 12 dates at IET Academic Partner universities across the UK. The IET Faraday Challenge Days are delivered free-of-charge by our Faraday Challenge Day team.
Applications to host an event open in the Summer term and are now closed, but keep watching as the new round of applications will be linked here. To find out more go to: http://faraday.theiet.org/stem-activity-days/faraday-challenge-days/index.cfm.
The James Dyson Foundation
The James Dyson Foundation want to excite young people about design and engineering, demystify the design process, and encourage creativity.
Whether you’re a teacher or student, their resources will give you an insight into the process of making something that works.
They have a range of STEM project ideas based around STEM, Engineering and Design that can be downloaded from the website.
They also do a FREE SCHOOLS LOAN service for STEM activity resources and have fantastic posters and teacher resources that they can send out free of charge.
IET Faraday Teaching Resources
FREE TEACHING RESOURCES – classroom activities for students aged 11-19 years with film clips, online games and quizzes. Search for resources to use in your classroom and ideas for extension and homework. You can use these resources on their own, with related resources, and as part of the cross-curriculum.
NRICH Enriching Mathematics
Engineers design, make and test things to see how they can be improved and made fit for purpose. Try some of these ideas, and see how maths can help. These activities can last one to two club sessions or be extended over half a terms duration.
IOP Institute of Physics
Download this great activity pack from the Institute of Physics. Perfect activities for KS3/4 STEM Clubs.
http://www.iop.org/education/teacher/extra_resources/stem/page_41714.html
CREST
CREST is a fantastic resource to use as part of your STEM Club projects. The British Science Association has created these FREE ‘Pick Up & Run’ projects to help you get started with CREST. Each contains PDF worksheets for you and your students (plus Health & Safety guidance).
There are 27 relating to Triathlon, Squeaky Clean and Future Travel topics, plus 3 PowerPoint displays to help you introduce the projects.
A further 6 project ideas based around biological themes have been added and these resources were supported by ComScience.
BSA British Science Association
Ever fancied trying your hand at Science busking? These activities from the British Science Association and Science Made Simple are great either for use in a Club, on a school activity day or even to take out into the community! Go out and shout about what science is about!
http://www.stemfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/CampusScience_activity-pack-FULL.pdf
Save Our Snacks
Can you pack a snack so that it makes it through the post in one piece?
Year groups: Year 7-11 (11-16)
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/educators_OLD/classroom_and_homework_resources/resources/sos.aspx
Forensic Investigation Project. Run a CSI at your school!
Click here for teachers’ notes and student worksheets on a series of forensic investigations suitable for P6/7 or S1/S2. This is an ideal project for a club to run over a number of weeks, culminating in a crime scene investigation at your school!
Pizza Box Challenges
Click here for a menu of tried and tested Pizza Box challenges!
Pizza boxes can be obtained cheaply at Makro or freely from your friendly local takeway!
Space Challenges
Here’s some ideas for space activities to run within your club:
- Space for Science and Technology
- Mars Express Game
- Ice on the Moon
- Newton Car
Rolls-Royce Resources for Schools
Find out about aero-engine design, play the design games and test your knowledge about design and materials in a short fun quiz. Also download the teacher notes for the Rolls-Royce ‘ Space Game’ and play it with your STEM Club
http://www.rolls-royce.com/about/education/resources/12_19_year_olds/index.jsp
