STEM Clubs

STEMNET and the Paralympic Torch Relay Team are challenging 11-14 year olds to create a spark to light the Paralympic Flame by the energy of human endeavour. The Challenge is to design a spectacular human-powered invention for creating the spark which lights the Paralympic Flame. For the Challenge entries, pupils must produce a design for their device and present to a panel of judges. Pupils will need to provide enough evidence to convince the judges that their invention will work. School teams have the chance to win exclusive access to a Paralympic Torch Relay Challenge plus cash prizes to buy equipment for their STEM Club. Time is running out for schools to register their team details for STEM Challenge 9 and the deadline for team registration for STEM Challenge 9 is Monday 23rd January at 5pm. Local judging sessions take place 20th to 28th February 2012 and the STEM Challenge final will happen on Saturday 17th March 2012 at The Big Bang Fair in Birmingham. For more information go to: www.stemchallenges.net

Students from Chester Catholic High School along with students from some of our STEM Hub schools, staff and parents were able to see an original WW2 Enigma Machine. This was part of the Millennium Maths Project, presented by James Grime from Cambridge University. We used a grant from The Royal Institution to help fund the day which involved really interesting talks and code breaking workshops. The day was enjoyed by all!

STEM clubs demonstrate of what is achievable when students get stuck in to STEM, and the STEM Clubs Showcase at The Big Bang Fair aims to highlight the dynamic diversity of STEM clubs in UK schools. The Big Bang Fair is now inviting extra-curricular clubs involved in any kind of science, technology, engineering and/or maths activities to apply to be part of The Big Bang Fair. The event will be held at The NEC Birmingham, 15th-17th March 2012. As a STEM club at The Big Bang Fair, you will be able to put on an interactive exhibition of the kinds of activities your STEM club gets up to, engaging with the expected 35,000 visitors that come along to the event. There are always more applicants than there are available spaces for this opportunity, and the selection process involves a panel looking for representation from across all STEM disciplines and geographic locations. But the key ingredients for success are ingenuity, interactivity and interest! The closing date for applications has been extended to the *25th November 2011*. The application process is entirely online, more information and the application form can be found at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/club_nominations.cfm.

The Manchester Science Festival will be running an exciting host of events across Manchester during October half term from the 22nd to the 30th October. There are plenty of activities that you, your club members and their families to attend. The full list of events can be searched through the Manchester Science Festival website at http://www.manchestersciencefestival.com/ To give you a taste here are a few events that have grabbed the attention of the STEM clubs team. Maybe we'll see you there! ! *The Science Spectacular* Sat 29 Oct 2011 11am - 3pm The Whitworth Hall - Part of The University of Manchester (free) Find out why plants don't fall over, take a journey through a jet engine, explore the invisible universe, snuggle up to some unusual insects, and help us hunt for dinosaurs. Families are invited to take part in fun activities and hands-on demonstrations in this day long science fair. Meet the scientists and engineers behind some of the most amazing research taking place at The University of Manchester, take part in our science challenges, and help us create spectacular science. Full information and group bookings available here: http://www.manchestersciencespectacular.co.uk/?page_id=144 ! *Robot Hackday* Sat 22 Oct 2011 10am - 4pm MadLab - 36-40 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HN (free but booking advised) Bring your old electronic junk and toys down to Madlab. Take them apart and put them back together again as robots Work on your own or team up with others there will be prizes at the end of the day for the best entries. Don’t worry if your robot building skills are not up to scratch, we have experts to guide you in this hands-on workshop.

Schools were asked to submit projects covering science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) as part of efforts to develop children’s skills in these subjects. Alina Noshin, Emma Allison and Neve Gascoigne put together an innovative scheme to find out which shampoos strengthen hair the most. As well as going through to the national stage, they were runner-up in the CREST bronze category. Also qualifying were members of the school's Climate Crew environmental group - Fran Adamson, Sarah Larby and Kirsty Lang - who chose to investigate the best conditions to grow plants for its wildlife garden. Edward Syndercombe, Ben Ferstenberg, Finn Farthing and Sam Monery were the other successful students. They investigated the synthesis of aspirin, which they carried out as part of a STEM club run through specialist school funding. Science teacher and Climate Crew Leader Gillian Whitmell said: "Not only did the pupils work extremely hard on their projects, but they were interviewed by at least six sets of judges at the Big Bang fair to ensure they were of a sufficiently high standard to be nominated to attend the national event next year." Article from The Morpeth Herald.

The Year 9 team of Aidan Chalmers, Andrew Everitt, Alex Murray and Fraser Wilson from The Cotswold School worked alongside engineering expert Matt Simpson from BAe Systems. The day commenced with a very early 7.30am start, with the teams tasked to design and constructed a fast-flying bomber plane. Christening their plane "Pure Bacon", after the famous scientist Sir Francis Bacon and not because that was the flavour of crisps they had for lunch, the Cotswold School team worked frenetically throughout the day to prove that pigs could fly! In an exciting judging finale, the speed of the plane was adversely affected by an earlier crash-landing, but its bombing run was bang on target, bringing a large cheer from the crowd of enthusiastic supporters. With the judges awarding points for design, teamwork, flight speed and bombing accuracy, it was a nail-biting 5 minute wait before the final decision was announced with The Cotswold School being declared the overall winners by just 2 points. Fraser Wilson said: "We had a pre-tournament crash but pulled back with exceptional targeting expertise to win". The team were presented with a Winners shield, certificates and goody bags by Air Commodore David Bywater and Lockheed Martin Executive Vice-President Tom Burbage, with a fly past from the Red Arrows at the prize-giving ceremony rounding off a fantastic day. Stephen Ball, chief executive of Lockheed Martin UK, said "With our innovative education outreach strategy, we have a unique opportunity to take young people on an interactive journey through science, engineering, technology and maths and to inspire them to understand the value and excitement of our industry". Many thanks go to the event sponsors Lockheed Martin and Sandra Leat who was involved in organising the activity, with special thanks going to the enthusiastic Cotswold School supporters’ team and Matt Simpson from BAe systems for liaising with the team so effectively. Thanks also go to Simon Kettle from STEMWORKS, John Allen from INPUT and Jon Scott and all the Tri@RIAT team who made the occasion such a wonderful event.

STEM Challenge 6, sponsored by Cisco, asked students to design a web presence for Rachel Morris, a handcycling gold medalist. Students worked in teams completing tasks connected to the curriculum to create a design that could help to raise Rachel’s profile in the run up to the London 2012. Following regional competitions, eight schools from across the UK reached the national final on Friday 8th July. Each team of students aged 11-14 competed in a Dragon’s Den style pitch before a panel of expert judges: * Rachel Morris, Paralympian * Darren Bolton, Executive Creative Director, DNX Marketing * Neil Crockett, MD, London 2012, Cisco * Chris Thompson the Director of Business, Innovation and External Affairs from Ravensbourne College Team EQ seriously impressed the judges with their sophisticated, highly professional, and extremely well-presented website design, and production of a top quality website, all of which would put some design agencies to shame! The team won £1,000 worth of equipment for their STEM Club, as well as an exclusive trip to the World Skills 2011 Conference, courtesy of Cisco. The team from Sandbach School,Cheshire came 2nd receiving £750, with the 3rd place team from Handsworth Grange Community & Sports College, Sheffield winning £500. The judges were looking for a creative, innovative idea which also applied the Olympic and Paralympic Values to the project, as well as a display of excellent teamwork and the development of inspirational ideas. Rachel Morris, Team GB Paralympian said: "Technology is a big part of my sport, with advancements over the last few decades opening up Paralympic cycling to a wider range of categories, events and competitors. As I prepare for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, it will be great to get school students from across the country involved in my preparations, as well as helping educate more people about handcycling and reflex sympathetic dystrophy." Neil Crocket, Managing Director 2012, Cisco UK and Ireland: "London 2012 is about creating a legacy for everyone involved in the Games. That includes athletes such as Rachel Morris all the way through to the schoolchildren who will take part in this challenge and gain valuable life skills in the process. At Cisco we are passionate about supporting education in the UK to help to ensure that tomorrow’s workforce has the capabilities and skills to flourish in the digital economy, and the STEM Challenge is a fantastic way to help build those skills." Kirsten Bodley, Chief Executive, STEMNET: "The STEM Challenges get students thinking about the real-life issues that STEM professionals behind the scenes of the 2012 Games face on a daily basis and also give young people across the country a chance to connect with the Olympic and Paralympic Games between now and 2012. The aim is for students to experience STEM skills in practice and understand that science and technology doesn’t just happen in the classroom but is a hugely important and enthralling sector to be involved in. STEMNET hopes that initiatives like the STEM Challenges will help to inspire the next generation of great British STEM professionals."

Connor O’Driscoll, Amber Cartlidge, William Cleaver, Emily Weller and Tom Butler took on the task of designing a wind turbine to power bulbs to light up the EDF Energy sign for the 2012 London Olympics. The challenge required the pupils to use all their knowledge to create both the structural and electronic components required to power the lights, as well as the designing the sign. They came up with an excellent solution using twin motors to power through their heat against Barnwood Park and Archway Schools. They then met the winners fom the other heat, Cleeve School, in a final head to head. Both teams had to present their solution to members of EDF board commenting on why EDF should choose their design. The team from the Cotswold School gave a fantastic presentation on the technical aspects of their design which they managed to get to power 3 bulbs, the most of any team, but they were eventually judged into 2nd place after a strong presentation and demonstration from the Year 9 pupils of Cleeve School, meaning they came home with the Silver Medal. Thanks go to EDF Energy for their kind sponsorship of the competition, STEMworks for running the Event and Mrs Clarke for organising and supporting this valuable opportunity.

The STEM Directories survey is designed to capture your experience of the STEM Directories and STEM enrichment and enhancement (STEM E&E) more generally. Your feedback will be used to improve the STEM Directories service to make it as useful as possible. You don't have to have ever used the STEM Directories (or even have heard of them!) to take part. On completion of the survey you will have the opportunity to choose to enter a prize draw. One lucky winner will be drawn every two months and will win £500 for your school to put towards activities covered within the STEM Directories. To take part in the survey, please visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/VJYTLVL !! More about the STEM Directories: The STEM 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. To get started with the STEM Directories, please visit: www.stemdirectories.org.uk

The main part of any TeachMeet is hearing stories from teachers and other education professionals about what works in practice. The British Science Association in association with STEMNET and the STEM Clubs Network is organising a series of STEM TeachMeet events during the Autumn term. !! At the STEM TeachMeet you can... 1. Give a micro presentation - 7 minutes to tell us about what your are doing to inspire students in STEM. 2. Give a nano presentation - 2 minutes to highlight one great STEM activity. 3. Be an audience participant - you are more than welcome to come along, ask a few questions and soak up the inspiration. This is a chance for education professionals to hear ideas from each other, a chance to hear real narratives of practice that makes a difference. It is about being engaged and inspired by our immediate colleagues and gaining a whole bucket load of networking to boot! More details can be found here, or by contacting your regional STEM Clubs Advisor.

!! Have you got a school STEM Club? If not, *now* is your chance. We can help you set one up to enhance your students' STEM education. If your STEM Club is already going strong, then find out how you can involve local businesses to bring real-world applications into your projects. !! Have you worked with a STEM Ambassador? Meet our inspirational business volunteers who spend time coming into schools to engage with students and find out how they can support you. !! Engage with local businesses... And get support for careers, ‘How Science Works’, apprenticeships and STEM Club projects. *So come along to explore how to bring STEM alive for your students.* Join us for tea at 4.30pm and then the main session from 4.45 to 6.30pm, which ends with nibbles and the chance to continue the discussions more informally. !! Reserve your place To reserve your free place, please contact Nicola Hern, the event coordinator. Email: events@herncommunications.co.uk Tel: 01697 352744 !! Events list: *North East* Redcar Community College, Cleveland TS10 4AB - Thursday 23 June (193 KB) *North West* Manchester Creative & Media Academy for Girls, Manchester M40 9QJ - Monday 20 June (165 KB) *Yorkshire & Humber* Appleton Academy, Bradford BD12 9PX - Wednesday 22 June (164 KB) *West Midlands* Caludon Castle School, Coventry CV2 5BD - Tuesday 14 June (193 KB) *East of England* Parmiter's School, Watford WD25 0UU - Tuesday 21 June (164 KB) Sawston Village College, Cambridge CB22 3BP - Tuesday 28 June (165 KB) *East Midlands* Rushey Mead School, Leicester, LE4 7PA - Thursday 16 June (323 KB) *London* La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School, London NW5 1RP - Wednesday 15 June (166 KB) *South East* Downlands Community School, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 8LP - Monday 27 June (166 KB) *South West* Redland Green School, Bristol BS6 7EH - Tuesday 28 June (166 KB) West Exe Technology College, Exeter EX2 9JU - Wednesday 29 June (166 KB)

!! Instructions You will need some sticky tape, scissors, an old book or magazine and a sheet of plain white office paper. 1. Open the book, stick the end of the tape to the edge of the page, close the book and fold the tape around the book (sticky side out), cut the tape and stick the end to another page of the book. 2. Put the book outside, preferably somewhere high-up (away from surface blown dust and trees) - a car roof is ideal. 3. Leave the book outside for a day or so, or until the ash fall period is over. 4. Put a strip of office paper over the tape and label it with your town, postcode, start date & time and end date & time. Add your email address if you would like to find out what we learned from the samples. 5. Remove the tape and send to: Grímsvötn ash sample British Geological Survey Murchison House West Mains Road Edinburgh EH9 3LA

Through its network of STEM Clubs and STEM Ambassadors, STEMNET has already supported many effective working partnerships between business and schools; now our aim is to engage more schools and businesses in productive relationships. So if you want to explore how to enhance activities for your STEM Clubs students through valuable links with local businesses, come along to one of these *free* regional events. !! Register your interest now The dates and venues are still to be confirmed but please email the event organiser, Nicola Hern at events@herncommunications.co.uk, to register your interest and we will send you full details shortly. There will be one event per English region. Each event will enable club leaders to: * Access local careers information for your students * Develop real-world activities for your STEM Club * Discover how to set up a STEM Club in your school, learn from best practice from other schools * Increase your own knowledge of local STEM industry to enhance delivery of ‘How Science Works’ syllabus * Establish networks with local schools to share expertise and resources in STEM to support students The dates and venues will be announced on this site shortly.

Today we have made up different, mini, rockets out of paper. we plan to put compressed gas canisters into the fuselage of the rockets and launch them. However we realised that we would not be doing a fair test as the amount of sellotape would not be the same. We now plan to make them again using the same amount of materials. We will use a template for the fuselage, nose cone and fins to help us do this. We have decided to change certain parts of the rockets to make a test. Parts we plan to test (independent variable): fins, nose cones and the fuselage. Next meeting we shall investigate how changing the fin design affects the height of the launch. Possible variables are number, shape, length, width, position and angle. We will compare this against a 'control' rocket of 'ordinary' design. We agreed this to be a rocket with 3 fins evenly spaced around the lower fuselage.

Anne Maingay from Painsley High School in Stoke-on-Trent was awarded the Lloyd’s Register Education Trust Teacher’s Prize at the Big Bang in March 2011. The Lloyd’s Register Education Trust Teacher’s Prize was presented to the teacher who has shown the greatest enthusiasm, passion and energy for their work, commitment and dedication and good subject knowledge, all of which have been used to enthuse the students they work with. Nominations come from across the country, with over 70 being received. Anne is a STEM club leader and she believes in the value of STEM clubs so has become both a STEM clubs CPD champion and the leader of a STEM clubs hub. She has been an inspiration to her pupils and their families, her own staff, staff from partner schools and their pupils. She has worked on an amazing array of STEM projects including CREST, STEM leadership qualification, Physics Triple Science Project, STEM ambassdors, RAF Cosford, Bloodhound, Engineering Education Scheme and arranging a STEM exchange with Ghana. Anne said: _"I am absolutely over the moon to have won this award. I am passionate about the value that engaging with STEM has, from developing personal capabilities and employability skills to solving real problems, as our team of Y12 girls did by designing the new cab interior for the next generation of JCB’s heavy plant. It also opens young people’s minds to their potential as engineers and scientists of the future."_ Anne was presented with £500 and a certificate at the Big Bang in London. She will be attending a major educator’s conference as part of her prize. The full list of nominees for the prize featured many hard-working STEM club leaders and can be viewed here on the British Science Association website.

We began by having a look at the 'Big Bang' fair and decided that we will try to enter the National Science and Engineering Competition that will be hosted at this event at the Science Museum in June. We knew our project would be something to do with launching a rocket, but had not decided on a challenge for us to attempt in order to stand a chance of entering the competition. So, our next steps were to get on http://www.stemclubs.net and do some research... After browsing the Web for project ideas, we gathered our thoughts and settled on the following plan of action: 1) Begin experimenting with light-weight, air powered rockets in order to learn the basic principles of designing a successful rocket. 2) Once we are confident with these principles, we hope to be able to progress to solid fuel engines. Getting this rocket to fly in a controlled fashion is one thing, but we though we could try to stretch the challenge even further... 3) Launch a solid-fuel rocket containing an uncooked egg. The rocket must take-off and fly in a controlled fashion, followed by a parachute deployment, and then then the egg must return back to Earth unscathed! With our challenge decided, the group members updated the school's StemClub profile to include their details on the member's list. A record-keeper and photographer were elected to document our process of getting an egg into space and back again.

Previously, each member of the Club has worked on an individual or group project. This created a few problems for resourcing from the prep room and students receiving the support they needed from staff. The new format allows all students in the Club to follow the same project which is effectively resourced and planned in advance. Each project will run for approximately six weeks with the intention that they are relevant and topical to the time of year in which they occur. Students have also been given a new Club identity. Each student has been given thier own labcoat with a newly designed Science Club logo and their own-designed name label. They have also been supplied with their own safety specs. Finally, Club members consist of mainly Year 7 students with a few Year 9 Mentors who not only take part in the projects but are available to help the younger ones. Our Mentors have also been given responsibility for updating this website.

Please visit us at http://stem.gilberd.com and view our new website. Leave us a message in the guestbook too!

A series of new activity and teacher/support resources has been developed and the first batch is now available. We hope these new resources will help you to inspire future generations to follow careers in engineering and other STEM subjects. You can view the resources here. We are also developing more activities, along with dedicated CPD for Club Leaders. These resources and CPD will be trialled throughout 2010-2011. For more information about the project, please visit the Engineering Engagement Project website.

These are some of the comments that we've received from participants that attended CPD events in January. Each 2 hour course is hosted by a STEM Club school in your region and delivered by champion STEM Club leaders that we have trained through the network. This is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to network and gain practical ideas for fun and stimulating club activities. So what are you waiting for? Join in, network, develop your club leader skills and enjoy some free refreshments in the process! See the list of dates and locations here.