Author: Skirting Science

With only weeks before  Skirting Science 2014 is to take place, we have the final version of the programme of workshops. Final choices for workshops  should be made by June 4th 2014 .  Skirting Science Draft Programme 2014 v2

In response to the challenge of the shortage of STEM graduates , the industrialist David Landsman of Tata Ltd, is a man on a mission. He is described as a leading voice in a campaign to get tens of thousands students to study STEM subjects at University level. The  forum  discussing  the new University is available on line : http://www.hayfestival.com/p-7969-karen-usher-eric-thomas-david-landsman-and-david-willetts.aspx , and  includes contributors such as Eric Thomas, VC of University of Bristol, David Willetts, Science Minister, and Karen Usher campaigner for the new University.  Maybe invitations to Skirting Science should be extended to this group!

Have a look at who will presenting workshops at this year’s event: Skirting Science Draft Programme 2014.

 

Nadya Anscombe, a freelance science and technology journalist is supporting Skirting Science by acting as  the opening speaker for this year’s event. For further information about her role in science please go to:  www.nadya-anscombe.com

As the arrangements for Skirting Science 2014 gather pace, the list of schools who will be attending this year’s event has been finalised. The following schools will be participating :

Clevedon School
Bristol Grammar School
Hans Price Academy
Sidcot School
Bristol Metropolitan Academy
Worle Community School
Ravenswood School
Gordano School
Henbury School
Colston’s Girls’ School
Bristol Brunel Academy
Backwell School
Churchill Academy
Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College

Skirting Science seeks to encourage young female students to consider what science based careers have to offer. As this project spreads and SI Taunton hold their very first Skirting Science project later this month, support gathers from all directions for the need to fill the vacuum in science based skills. Today , a new fund has been unveiled  by the Science Minister David Willetts investing into several large scale science projects, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-26530729, and the CBI has called on the government to cut tuition fees in some STEM courses, http://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2014/03/cbi-demands-action-on-growing-skills-vacuum/.

National Science & Engineering Week (http://www.nsew.org.uk/) is fast approaching (14th – 23rd March) and there are a few events coming up in this area which you may be interested in…

It’s also National Astronomy Week this week (1st – 8th March). See: http://www.astronomyweek.org.uk/ for resources & ideas for practical activities (including ones that don’t need a telescope or a clear, dark night) as well as details of Public Star-Gazing Events in Cheltenham, Weston-Super-Mare, Wells, Bridgwater, the Forest of Dean & Marlborough.

ASE TeachMeet ‘Spring Into Science’ ~ Badminton School, Bristol ~ Monday 10th March, 6.30-8.00pm
All welcome to this informal Teachmeet, to give a short presentation on a science topic or teaching idea of your choice, or just to listen…
Sign up here: http://springintoscience2014.eventbrite.co.uk/

IOP Festival of Physics ~ Bath Assembly Rooms ~ Saturday 15th March, 10.00am-4.30pm
Free public event with talks and family workshops on a variety of physics topics, suitable for ages 11+
Flyer attached with booking details

Spectacular Science Show ~ At-Bristol Science Centre ~ 17th – 21st March
An exciting, inspiring live show for KS2 and KS3, full of spectacular demos celebrating the work of scientists. This high-energy half-hour has been especially designed for school groups, with lots of audience participation and will be the biggest science show ever attempted in At-Bristol!
See: www.at-bristol.org.uk/nsew2014 for booking details & prices.

Triple Science – Meet the Awarding Bodies ~ At-Bristol STEM Learning ~ 17th March, 9.00am-4.00pm
This FREE day conference for teachers provides an opportunity to meet with representatives from the awarding bodies (AQA, OCR & Edexcel) and learn about forthcoming changes which may impact on your school’s performance in Triple Science.
Book your place here: www.slcs.ac.uk/go/net/rd804j01

Teaching Physics with Toys ~ High School for Girls, Gloucester ~ Thursday 20th March, 4.30-6.30pm
Helen Reynolds (IOP) shows how to use a wide range of inexpensive toys (and some food!) to teach physics. It’s not just for Year 7 – the playful approach can be used throughout KS3, at GCSE and A level too.
Book your FREE place via Alessio Bernadelli aso.ber@ntlworld.com

Bath Taps Into Science ~ central Bath ~ Sunday 23rd March, 10.00am-4.00pm
This popular annual Science Fair will be more exciting than ever this year! The public hands-on science fair will be bigger and spread out to various locations, including Green Park Station & BRLSI on Queens Square.
There will also be a family talk at the University of Bath on Wednesday 19th March where James Grimes from The Millennium Mathematics Project will be talking about “Enigma and the Secret World of Code Breaking.” (Advance Booking required!)
See: www.bath.ac.uk/math-sci/extracurricular/bathtaps/

Science & Engineering Week at the Roman Baths ~ Abbey Church Yard, Bath
Science Busking Evening ~ Saturday 15th March, 5.30-8.00pm ~ Explore science throughout the museum and take part in a variety of investigations.
Hands-on Science ~ Monday 17th – Friday 21st March, 2.00-4.00pm ~ Get hands on with Roman science and engineering in object handling activities by the side of the Great Bath.
See: www.romanbaths.co.uk/whats_on/events/march_science_and_engineering.aspx

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