Welcome to your April  newsletter from your STEM Ambassador Delivery Partner - 
We hope that you have enjoyed the Easter break and that you are ready to engage in STEM enrichment and engagement activities.

We have been busy working with Ambassadors to support school events as well and community events and online webinars  but we rely on your requests.

Please post requests for STEM Ambassadors on the dashboard and we will do our best to ensure that we are able to fulfill the offer. For more information  go towww.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/request-stem-ambassador.
We are  looking forward to another busy half term and will be highlighting resources, competitions, grants and sharing more details of local STEM events in your area and online. 

There are several new STEM engagement opportunities available for the forthcoming half term. STEM Ambassadors are still keen to offer as many enrichment opportunities as possible to learners and we welcome requests for STEM Ambassadors to help with any enrichment opportunity - please contact us directly to discuss your individual need.

Please encourage new colleagues to register with STEM Learning in order to receive the See Science newsletter in the future using the link www.stem.org.uk/user/register and then opt to receive newsletters.

See Science have a facebook page where we will also be sharing lots of new ideas regularly - please like or follow the page.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can support the teaching of STEM subjects.


Best wishes
The STEM Ambassador Partner Wales
@See Science 

News from your STEM Ambassador Partner in Wales

Wales Women in STEM Conference March 2025


Wales Women in STEM tries to expose and address the barriers that women face while working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. It brings together those who try to implement change within the sector, and those who work to create a positive environment where women and girls can try to thrive throughout their careers.

We provide support, events and networking opportunities to facilitate female participation in STEM at all career stages, from school learners to industry professionals and research leaders.

Join the Wales Women in STEM Facebook group. The purpose of this group is to bring together those who implement change within the sector, and those who work to create a positive environment where women and girls can thrive throughout their careers.

Hayley Pincott and Louise Thomas from the Welsh STEM Ambassador Hub were honoured to be invited as guest speakers at the 2025 Wales Women in STEM Conference- Realising Aspirations (Role Modelling).

 

They presented an ‘Introduction to the STEM Ambassador Programme and how Women in STEM can engage with schools and colleges’ which was very well received by the delegates and many women from STEM were interested in linking with them in the future.

 

This was an inspiring and motivational day with the aim to raise aspirations and empower women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and beyond! The event was designed to bring together women from various STEM disciplines to share experiences, gain insights, and build a supportive and inclusive network to enable women to realise their potential.
 

Read more

First Lego League 2025 - Submerged
 

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is a global STEM programme for teams of young people, to encourage an interest in real world themes and develop key skills that are crucial for their future careers.

Young people work together to explore a given topic and to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO® robot to solve a series of missions.

See Science hosted 4 Regional Tournaments across Wales - congratulations to the winners who will be going to Harrogate on May 3rd to represent their Regions:

Water Warriors - Hungerford
Lewis Girls School - 
Gowerton Comprehensive School
Seals in Suits- Cardiff 

Interested in taking part next year - contact cerian.angharad@see-sciene.co.uk for more information. Registration will open in August for the 2026 Tournament.

These are the words of the Maesgwyn School First Lego Team

Arriving at Merthyr College for the first time we parked the bus and went in. We were shown to the lift and went to the competition room. After a quick meeting to explain the day it was straight to the presentation. First we went to the wrong room and then the door was locked. Most of the team stayed at the front to give 'the talk'. D controlled the presentation and C took control of the team. Everyone else stood to the side and kept their composure talking about their slides when needed. We had to answer lots of questions at the end and the whole team took part, especially C, K and J1. Next it was robot competition time! J2 and E were the first starters on the left of the competition table. Our first attempt went bad! We couldn't solve any of the problems and we struggled to focus because of the music and pressure as the time went! The second time we again started on the left of the competition table, this time with no music. Some of the code worked and we solved a problem or two. We even managed to send the robot to the other side but then ran out of time. For the third and final attempt we started the robot on the other side with Z and T. The code worked well and we solved some problems but again we ran out of time to send the robot to the other side. The robot competition was stressful but exhilarating at the same time! Next we waited for the results. All of the teams crowded around in anticipation for the results. We waited patiently as lots of cups were given out and then our name was called! We were ecstatic, we had won the Core Values Cup! What a great day and we can't wait for next year!

Read more

UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)

April saw new opportunities for Welsh students. It was the first time there had been a Welsh heat of the student ESERO-UK CanSat competition and also UKROC student rocketry competition held at Snowdonia Space Centre. The ESERO-UK CanSat is a European Space Agency competition. ESERO-UK organises and runs the UK CanSat competition which provides students with the opportunity to have practical experience working on a small-scale space project. They are tasked with designing and building their own simulation of a real satellite, integrated within the volume and shape of a soft drink can. The challenge for students is to fit all the major subsystems found in a satellite, such as power, sensors and a communication system, into this minimal volume. We were able to link a Space Inspirations STEM Ambassador from the UK Space Agency to visit a local school and support the development of their entry.

 

Across this time, UKROC and CanSat competitions this year, we have seen approximately 70 student launches and introduced nearly 300 Welsh students to the world of space and the growing space sector in Wales.

News from Wales 
From Curiosity to Careers: Xplore! Sparks the Future of STEAM Learning
Wrexham’s much loved Xplore! Science Discovery Centre has announced their exciting
plans for a multi-million-pound transformation.
The major redevelopment will introduce seven brand new learning zones designed to
inspire and entertain visitors of all ages, with hands on activities that delve into the
world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM).
Xplore! has placed great importance on the public’s input during the planning of Xplore!
2.0. By working closely with market researchers, they were able to connect with local
residents, families, and visitors to gather their thoughts, opinions, and ideas about the
future of Xplore!
"Xplore! 2.0 represents an exciting step forward for both Wrexham and the broader
region. The centre’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of STEAM
professionals aligns perfectly with our goals at Wrexham University. By fostering
creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, Xplore! is not only enriching the local
community but also creating valuable opportunities for students and young people to explore and develop skills for the future." said Professor Joe Yates, Vice Chancellor and
Chief Executive at Wrexham University.

Get ready for an amazing new adventure!
Xplore! is beyond excited to embark on this transformative journey with Xplore! 2.0.
Ready to take on the challenge, the team is eager to bring new, innovative experiences
to life and create a space that will inspire and educate for generations to come. With a
clear vision and the support of the community, Xplore! is all set to make this bold
expansion a reality.
However, the exciting transformation of Xplore! 2.0 would not be possible without the
support of crucial funding. The redevelopment relies on a combination of public and
private investment to bring these innovative plans to life. With the backing of the UK
Shared Prosperity Fund and ongoing partnerships with local businesses and
stakeholders, Xplore! is poised to create a lasting impact on the community.

As the project moves forward, the continued support of funding partners will ensure
that Xplore! 2.0 becomes a reality, helping to inspire and equip future generations of
thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers in Wrexham and beyond.
Xplore!’s current exhibition remains open, offering unforgettable days out for families,
schools and curious minds of all ages. Visitors can continue to enjoy hands-on science
fun, engaging live science shows and interactive exhibits before the amazing
transformation begins. So why wait? Head on down to Xplore! To experience the magic
of science today, because the adventure is already underway! More here: https://youtu.be/I0Uvf2r8VPI

Read more
CREST Awards 

Important information - CREST Awards will no longer be funded in Wales after 17 April 2025. 

It is now confirmed that due to budget restrictions, the Welsh Government Office for Science will not continue to fund free CREST Awards for all schools in Wales from April 2025.  

The British Science Association  sincerely apologise for the impact this may have on your planning and any inconvenience caused. Please be assured that we remain committed to supporting you and your students. Many schools in Wales will still be able to access free CREST by applying for our Engage funding. If your school is eligible, you can access additional support and funding for teachers working in schools in challenging circumstance through our Engage Teacher Network. You can check your eligibility and join the Engage Teacher Network for free today. 

 In the coming weeks, you can also: 

We appreciate your ongoing dedication to inspiring young minds through CREST. Please stay connected to receive our latest updates and offers of support. Subscribe to our Education newsletter to hear about the latest news, upcoming events and ways to get involved with our programmes designed for young people and educators.

Your ongoing feedback is invaluable in understanding the role CREST has played in enhancing lesson planning and student engagement. As the funding for free CREST Awards in Wales comes to an end, we are keen to learn how this change may affect you and your insights will help us to continue to advocate for the support educators need. Please feel free to contact us to share your thoughts and reflections at crest@britishscienceassociation.org. 

Events in Wales
Sensational Science  

Tuesday 1 July, University of South Wales, CF37 4BD
Friday 4 July 9.30am–3.30pm -Bangor Univeristy, Normal Site,  Bangor LL57 2PZ

The RSC  are pleased to be joining forces with IOP once again, to bring you our annual day conference. Last year, you said you really valued the range of practical activities, the cross-curriculum links and the advice on incorporating a range of skills into lessons. So, this year we want to inspire you with even more hands-on activities that will be delivered by a team of passionate facilitators. You will have the opportunity to attend all the workshops, have a tour of the campus, time to network with colleagues from across the region and of, course, enjoy a lunch on us.It is going to be great day filled with lots of sensational science. Book here for South Walesn and book  here for Bangor

Read more

 Science and the Senedd 13 May 2025.

The Royal Society of Chemistry's twenty first annual Science and the Senedd will be held at the Senedd and the Pierhead, Cardiff Bay, on 13 May 2025 from 12.45pm to 7.30pm.This event is sponsored by the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Senedd, David Rees MS, together with Mark Isherwood MS and Joel James MS.The theme will be based on Education and the Future Workforce.
Designed to foster close relations with policy makers and key stakeholders, Science and the Senedd is organised on behalf of, and in cooperation with, the Welsh science and engineering community. For more information see here 
 

Read more

What is Engineering Team Challenge?


Engineering Team Challenge is an event aimed at enthusiastic 16–18-year-
olds interested in pursuing a STEM related career.

Schools/teams compete to fulfil a STEM related task with the best teams awarded prizes.

When is it being held?
It’s anticipated that the event will be held the week commencing 22nd September and will run for approximately two weeks. Each school/team will only attend one day. Exact dates are to be confirmed.

Where will it be held?
We are currently hoping to host the event at four locations across South Wales: Newport, Carmarthen, Swansea and Cardiff; Exact venue locations are to be confirmed.

To register your interest please complete the form by followingthis link: https://forms.office.com/e/NWcvhj70zr
 

National Events
The Big Bang Fair June 17- June 19

The Big Bang Fair inspires the next generation with hands-on activities, experiments and workshops. The UK’s biggest celebration of STEM for schools will return on Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 June 2025 at The NEC in Birmingham.

The Big Bang Fair is free, and is open to UK state-funded school groups only in year 6 to year 8 (England and Wales)

Schools can explore The Fair in our morning session (9am to 12pm) or afternoon session (1pm to 4pm). If you have any questions, please contact us at info@thebigbang.org.uk

Schools will be able to book free tickets to The Big Bang Fair 2025 in early 2025. Sign up to our newsletter to get VIP early access. More information here

Read more 

National Numeracy Day May 21st - the Money Edition 

For the first time National Numeracy Day has a theme. For 2025 we'll be talking about Money, and this is why...

Research shows that a third of UK adults (32%) say being able to better manage their money is the reason they want to improve their maths and numeracy skills. This goes even higher for parents of young children, and young people. We also know from talking to learners how crippling it can be for our finances to lack confidence with numbers. Find out more

By signing up to National Numeracy Day you'll be joining over 10,000 dynamic organisations – including thousands of schools – to champion numeracy. You'll be the first to get  access to our Number Heroes Competition where schools can win a prize worth hundreds of £ AND this year we're also giving school sign ups full access to the Family Maths Toolkit, containing over 200 numeracy activities for ages 3-13. 

Competitions
Apply to take part in the IET Faraday® Challenge Days 2025/26 season

This annual competition consists of free, STEM activity days that introduce students to engineering, inspire them to consider engineering as a career and help to develop their practical and employability skills, including team-working, problem-solving and creative thinking.

The Challenge Day is designed to be cross-curricular covering science, technology, engineering and maths.

Each Challenge Day gives six teams of six students, aged 12 to 13 years (England and Wales Year 8, Scotland S1/S2, Northern Ireland Year 9), the opportunity to research, design and make prototype solutions to real-world engineering problems.

Through our charitable section, and funding from external supporters, we’re able to provide IET Faraday® Challenge Days free-of-charge to UK schools. Apply now

Read more
Starpack Schools Competition

Starpack Schools is a competition for learners aged 11 to 17 that has been designed to:

  • encourage young people to consider the important role played by packaging and materials
  • promote careers in the packaging industry as exciting, challenging and rewarding.

The 2025 Starpack Schools Competition has separate categories for years 7 & 8, 9 & 10 and year 12 and the submission requirements vary for each category to differentiate between the learning level of the students.

The 2025 Starpack Schools Competition has been designed to link closely to the Design & Technology curriculum and give learners an opportunity to develop their research and design skills, and knowledge of materials.

Schools must register to access the brief and accompanying support material. Click  to get started! Registration opens January 13 2025 and entries must be in by 25 July 2025

Read more
Royal Society of Biology Photography Competition 2025

‘Restoring Biodiversity and Habitat’ is the theme of this year’s Royal Society of Biology Photography Competition which is open to amateur photographers in two age categories; 18 year olds and over, and under 18s .The Royal Society of Biology's annual photography competition invites amateurs to submit photographs on a particular theme. The theme of the 2025 Photography Competition is Restoring Biodiversity and Habitat.

• A habitat being restored for wildlife, or wildlife returning to an area it once thrived in.
• The creation of wildlife-friendly gardens and community spaces, new nature reserves, wildlife-friendly farming or re-wilding on land and in the sea. At home, in towns and cities, or away from human settlements.
• Whatever you choose, we want you to showcase animals, plants or fungi within their wider ecosystem - focus on the biodiversity of your chosen habitats whether that is a small space or a wide-open landscape.
• The photographs you send us could zoom in on a subject in extreme close-up using macro-photography, or show a wider perspective on land, underwater or even from above.

We are inviting all amateur photographers to send us up to three photographs that you have taken, to help you tell us your chosen story of the importance of Restoring Biodiversity and Habitat.

Before you enter this competition please read our terms and conditions for our Photography Competition in 2025.

The competition is now open to entries until 19 June 2025 and you can send us your photographs via our competition page on mySociety.

Grants and Awards
The IOP Public Engagement Grant Scheme (PEGS)

This grant aims to support the IOP Limit Less initiative by funding projects that meaningfully engage whole family groups (including parents/carers) to improve their relationship with physics. This could be by showcasing relatable role models of those doing physics, actively challenging stereotypes and preconceptions, sharing positive messages about physics, and more!

The grant looks to prioritise projects that reach families with young people under the age of 16 who identify with one or more of the following groups:

  • Girls and young women;
  • Disabled young people;
  • LGBT+ young people;
  • Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds; and
  • Black Caribbean young people.

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis from Monday 3 February to Monday 1 September 2025 and have two decision-making points during the year.

Round 1: Applications must be received by  5 May. 

Round 2: Applications received between 6 May and 1 September.

For more information, and to see if you meet our eligibility criteria, download the supporting document on the Main Fund (PDF, 144KB).

Main Fund: The minimum grant award is £500. You can apply for up to £4,000 to run physics-based activities in the UK and Ireland
 

Your local STEM Ambassadors Partner

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ambassadors@see-science.co.uk
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