Science Village at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd  

Welsh School of Architecture Progression step 2, 3 and 4 Project

Cardiff University is collaborating with schools in Wales to deliver hands-on pupil-led activities that explore concepts related to comfort and sustainability in schools. In the workshops, pupils discuss climate change, sustainability in buildings and propose ways to promote comfortable classrooms in energy efficient ways. Pupils use scientific instruments to take measurements of temperature, lighting, ventilation. They discuss the data of their own classrooms, linking how they feel to the measurements and suggest ideas to improve classrooms’ comfort & ventilation in energy efficient ways. Pupils also create drawings, interpret building data and digital models to discuss and learn about comfort and energy efficient buildings. 

These activities are tailored to Progression steps 2, 3 and 4 and contribute to different areas of learning in the Curriculum for Wales: Mathematics and Numeracy, Science and Technology, Communication (Languages, Literacy and Communication). Other areas such as Expressive Arts, Health and Well-being and Humanities are indirectly applied. Learning resources used in the workshops are available in English and Welsh languages.

The Cardiff University team will be collaborating with new schools in 2024/25 to deliver learning activities that encourage pupils to gather and interpret scientific data; apply creative methods;  and propose sustainable actions in their own schools.  The team is also looking for schools interested in collaborating on research focused on indoor environment, comfort and energy use of schools to help schools to promote comfortable classrooms in energy efficient ways. If your school is interested in taking part, please contact Dr Gabriela Zapata-Lancaster (project lead), Senior Lecturer at the Welsh School of Architecture at ZapataG@cardiff.ac.uk.
 

We enjoyed drawing our ideas [about keeping comfortable] and collecting readings independently around our school’

Pupil from Progression step 2

‘Children were able to gain first-hand experience of measuring, using science rich vocabulary through-out the lessons and thinking about eco- friendly options for buildings and themselves’

Teacher Progression step 2

 
Join the British Science Association's (BSA) Engage Teacher Network to apply for funding to support delivery of practical science in your school, access free resources and the annual conference, and be first to hear about exclusive offers.  Engage is a community of teachers in schools in challenging circumstances who want to transform access to relevant and meaningful science work for all children and young people, especially those who are most often underrepresented in science. It’s a group where teachers come together to share ideas, access resources and support, and apply for grants – and it’s completely free.
 
Engage equips teachers with the tools and inspiration to provide exciting, hands-on opportunities through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for students to gain the skills and confidence they need to flourish at school, at work and in life.
 
Engage is run by the BSA and managed through the charity’s flagship CREST Awards education scheme, with support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
https://www.crestawards.org/engage/

Geology - a journey through time  20th September 14.00-14.30

Primary school webinar- Ignite your students' passion for Earth science with our FREE 30-minute geology webinar! Interactive, fun, and educational—perfect for kids aged 7-11. 

The online session will be interactive, featuring real rocks, minerals and fossils, with the aim of sparking an interest in geology. You will meet Heather Gore, a STEM Ambassador who has degrees in Environmental Earth Science (BSc) and Geochemistry (MSc) from the University of St Andrews and is currently a graduate geologist at Arup.

The following topics will be introduced:• What is geology and why do people study it?
• What are rocks and minerals and why do we care about them?
• What can fossils tell us about the past?
• The age of the dinosaurs
• Volcanoes and our changing climate

Join us and inspire young explorers!  Sign up here

First Lego League 2024-2025

2024-25 FIRST LEGO League SUBMERGED season has officially begun! This season, children will learn about how and why people explore the oceans. Our discoveries beneath the ocean surface teach us how this complex ecosystem supports a healthy future for the plants and animals that live there.. We are really excited to see all of the amazing and creative ideas that we know will be produced this season.

Schools can apply for FIRST LEGO League Funding Packages.

More information here

Grant applications for British Science Week 2025 will open on 17 September 2024.

Is your school keen to run events for British Science Week, but in need of a helping hand?

With the support of UK Research and Innovation, we provide Kick Start Grants to help schools in challenging circumstances organise their own activities and events during British Science Week. Usually opened in autumn, the grant scheme aims to engage children who might not otherwise choose to participate in science, and to promote cross-curricular learning. All kinds of events and activities are eligible for support!

We have made some improvements to the Kick Start Grants.

Instead of having four grants of different amounts, we’ve simplified things and there is now one grant of £400 for your school to run science activities during British Science Week. The Kick Start Grant we gave out in previous years was worth £300, so the majority of recipients will receive more money!

Who can apply and how to apply ? Find out here