A STEM Ambassador's involvement can engage and enthuse both students and teachers. If you are interested in asking a STEM Ambassador to assist you can make your request here. We’ve created brief guides to encourage both STEM Ambassadors and educators to use the self-service. 
 

Gwyddonle - Eisteddfod yr Urdd

Greenpower Goblin Cars - The Greenpower challenge – to design and build an electric car to race at Greenpower events 

The 22nd April saw the regional Greenpower Goblins event at Renishaw, Miskin. Pupils built and designed a kit car to race on the day and designs ranged from an eco friendly theme, dragon, save the bees, to Mario. It was an exciting start to the day with a drag race between 2 competitors followed by a trail of chicanes for the drivers to navigate through testing drivers judgement skills and saw real team spirit with school cheering each other on.

The IET Formula 24 challenge gives 11 – 16 year olds the opportunity to build and race either a Greenpower Kit Car or, using supplied motor and batteries only, a car of their own design (to meet Greenpower safety regulations). Aimed at schools but private entries, youth group and club teams are also welcome.

“It was such a fantastic event for the pupils to take part in and something that made me immensely proud as a teacher.” Alan Tilley, Southbrook Special School, Devon
More information here

 The DVLA Code Challenge  is open to 7 - 18 year olds and is a great opportunity for pupils to develop their IT and problem solving skills along with improving their teamwork skills. Finalists are invited to attend the final in Swansea and have the chance to win some amazing prizes. Please click here to find out more about the Code Challenge

Opportunity for pupils to investigate their classroom air quality!
SAMHE has launched! UK schools are invited to register as a SAMHE school. They will receive a free air quality monitor linked to an interactive Web App.
SAMHE (pronounced ‘Sammy’!) stands for Schools’ Air quality Monitoring for Health and Education. It is an exciting new citizen science project which brings together scientists, pupils and teachers across the UK. Poor air quality impacts pupils’ health and attention levels, so it is important it is monitored and understood.
The SAMHE monitor measures carbon dioxide (CO₂), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), particulate matter (PM), temperature and relative humidity. Through the SAMHE Web App, teachers and pupils can view the data in a range of interactive charts and graphical formats, and see how air quality changes over the course of hours, days or weeks and months. The App also offers a range of curriculum-linked activities and experiments using the data, creating opportunities for pupils to be scientists and do hands-on experiments with their monitor.
SAMHE has been designed together with schools to ensure it meets schools’ needs and is fun and engaging for pupils. Teachers involved in its development found it “powerful to see the live feed of the data” and were pleased that the “range of options allows us to use this system across the STEM subjects”.
SAMHE enables pupils to interact with real world data about their immediate environment, gives them agency to take informed action and offers an opportunity to collaborate with scientists and contribute to important research.
“The SAMHE monitor and app have provided our Y4/5 science group with a wealth of data to interrogate and analyse. There is tangible excitement at being able to access the data in real time at home!” - Elangeni School, a SAMHE Pioneer School.
Find out more and register your school on the SAMHE website.

their natural habitat, and discover the intricate ecosystems that make up this stunning reserve. Our experienced educators will lead sessions that integrate STEM principles encouraging students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. By linking classroom knowledge with real-world applications, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and environmental stewards.

To learn more about our program and how to book a visit, please visit our website: here. Join us at Newport Wetlands and let your students experience the wonders of STEM beyond the classroom!

Thank you to Emma from Newport Wetlands for this article. There is also a similar program for schools at RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve. Details here.

Live Chats with scientists: student-led online enrichment!

This summer, give your students direct access to people using STEM in their careers -
including world-leading researchers from top institutions.
I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here is highly effective, student-led, online enrichment. Students develop their science capital by exploring scientists' CVs; taking part in live Chats with scientists; asking follow-up questions; and voting for a winner.
Students see the relevance of their learning to their future career paths. And teachers report that their students get a confidence boost in their STEM subjects!
The activity is online, free to Welsh state schools, and facilitated by DBS-checked moderators. With activities about careers, celebrating the NHS’s 75th birthday, psychology, scientific literacy, reducing carbon emissions, and cancer research in June and July 2023, there's something for everyone.
Find out more and take part here. 

Engineering Open House Week 12 - 18 June 2023

We’re passionate about engineering a better world now and in the future and showing young people the role technology and engineers play in creating this. We want to share our passion far and wide by giving you the opportunity to join us for our Engineering Open House Week!

This fun and educational experience for all ages takes place between 12-18 June 2023 and provides exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to venues and STEM organisations across the UK, so young people and their families can explore, discover and experience first-hand the latest advancements in engineering and technology and the breath of exciting career options available.

Details of how to get involved, either as a venue, organisation, school or family, here.

Great Science Share for Schools. Tuesday 13 June

The Great Science Share for Schools, GSSfS, is an award-winning, annual campaign to inspire 5-14 year olds to ask, investigate and share their scientific questions with new audiences.

GSSfS raises the profile of science in schools and their communities, encouraging young people to be inspired into science and engineering.

The SHARE is at the heart of the GSSfS campaign and there are many different creative ways for your children to share, giving them the opportunity to see themselves as scientists and talk about their scientific investigations.

Not sure on your share - there is still time to seek inspiration! All you need to know can be found here.

The Big Bang Fair. 21 to 23 June. Birmingham

The Big Bang Fair is returning for another year of exciting, interactive activities and STEM inspiration. The Fair is free to attend, and will take place at The NEC in Birmingham on 21 to 23 June 2023. See Science will be at the Big Bang Fair for the whole three days - come and say hello to us on the Engineering UK stand.

• The Big Bang Fair will be open to schools in half-day sessions. Schools will be able to register for morning (9am to 12pm) or afternoon (1pm to 4pm) sessions. 
• Schools will be able to book one group per session
• Groups are limited to 75 in size (including adults)

• England and Wales: year 6 to year 8
• Specialist and SEND schools are also eligible to attend The Big Bang Fair.

Chemistry at Work - Thursday, 6 July at Swansea University

STILL SOME PLACES LEFT...

Professor Simon Bott and his team at Swansea University Chemistry Department will once again host a face to face Chemistry at Work Day for year 9.

Pupils will take part in 4 different hands-on workshops throughout the day where they have the opportunity to carry out practical chemistry activities in the department's state of the art labs.

Chemistry at Work days, funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry, aim to provide pupils with a better understanding and awareness of the importance of chemistry in our everyday lives and to highlight the variety of chemical science careers.

Travel bursaries of £75 are available to eligible schools.

To book or for more information contact llinos.misra@see-science.co.uk

Engineering Enrichment Days at Swansea University. Various dates 13th to 29th June.

Swansea University are running Engineering Enrichment days for year 12 students

• Chemical Engineering – 13th June – design a flow diagram then commission and troubleshoot your rig in our full scale pilot line
• Materials Engineering focused on renewables – 15th June – make solar cells, batteries and heat generating coasters in our labs
• Biomedical Engineering – 28th June – find out more about imaging inside the body using our ultrasound and virtual reality kit
• Materials Engineering focused on aerospace – 29th June – test materials using our baseball launcher, examine under the microscope and learn about how we need materials engineers for aerospace

Each day will consist of a masterclass from a leading academic in the field, lots of hands on activities. Plus an extra session each day focused on topics such as Personal Statement writing, Employabiilty, Ask an Engineer Q & A and a guide to Presenting.

Please get in touch with Laura at l.j.penney@swansea.ac.uk by Thursday 8th June for the sessions on the 13th and 15th. Please let her know by Tuesday 20th June for sessions on the 28th and 29th June.

Microscopes Maintenance & Measuring Mastery Workshop. Thursday 15 June 12.30 - 3.30pm. Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff.

Join Silas Norman from VITTA Education as we introduce you to the technique of measuring and cover a variety of essential microscopy topics that will sharpen your skills:

• Measuring principles, measuring errors and reading accuracy
• Measuring eyepieces and graticules
• Calibration of the microscope
• Digital camera and measuring
• Maintenance tips and advice

Throughout the session, we'll provide plenty of hands-on practice opportunities where you’ll get to put your newfound knowledge to the test as we explore measurements using microscopes and maintenance techniques.

This practical experience will solidify your understanding of measuring principles, conditions, result interpretation, and the various factors that can influence your measurements. Also, explore the enhanced student experience that emerges when you integrate digital cameras into your measuring process.

Book here.

FREE STEM CPD for Teachers with The Royal Institution. Wednesday 14 June 4 - 5pm. Pembrokeshire College.

ENERGY LIVE: A CPD session with a professional presenter can help build skills and confidence to inspire children with practical science in engaging and simple ways.

• CPD for PS3 and PS4 Teachers
• Only 15 places available
• PS3 curriculum links: Forces and Energy - Energy and Electricity
• PS4 curriculum links: Planet Earth - Energy. Forces and Energy - Electricity

Please email darwin@darwincentre.com to book your place.

Energy LIVE: Science Show. Wednesday 14 June 18:30 - 19:30pm. Merlin Theatre at Pembrokeshire College 

Join the Darwin Centre, See Science and the Association of Science Education in the Merlin Theatre for an evening of amazing science with the Royal Institution and their Energy LIVE science show.

Suitable for audiences aged 7 and above, Energy LIVE is an exciting audience led show, which will investigate energy, forces and the different properties of materials. It will also feature fire based demonstrations!

Doors will open at 6pm with the show starting at 6:30pm. Each person attending will need their own ticket, and tickets will need to be purchased in advance via EventBrite at £3 per person.

The bar area in the Merlin Theatre will be open from 6pm for refreshments.

Book here.

RSC: Sustainability in Science
South Wales. Tuesday 4 July, 9.30am–3.00pm, Swansea University SA2 8PP
North Wales. Friday 7 July, 9.30am–3.00pm, Bangor University, Normal Site, LL57 2DG  

Join us to explore how sustainability can be linked to chemistry, biology and physics in a day of workshops and discussions for teachers of science. Together with the ASE, IOP and Swansea University’s Reducing Industrial Carbon Emissions (RICE) project, we will deliver activities and practicals on a range of topics, including the important role that algae can play in decarbonising industry, and an investigation of microscale science as a more sustainable approach to practical work.

This fully funded event is supported by STEM Learning and is aimed at secondary science teachers, technicians, newly qualified teachers and trainee teachers, and would be of most benefit to those developing new curriculums and/or working with classes in progression step 4 and progression step 5 (approx KS3 and KS4).

Bursaries will be available from STEM Learning Ltd.
Book for South Wales event here.

Book for North Wales event here.

On Saturday we will also organise a morning of events for families at the Anglesey Sea Zoo - including a Physics workshop "floating and sinking", a tour of the Zoo and presentation from the Oceanography Dept, Bangor University. Contact cerian.angharad@iop.org for more details. 

Darganfod//Discover 23 - Wrexham's Science Festival. 5-6 August

Get Ready to Unleash Your Inner Scientist at DARGANFOD//DISCOVER Festival in Chester Street!

Mark your calendars, science enthusiasts! DARGANFOD//DISCOVER is back, and it's bigger and better than ever before. On the 5th and 6th of August 2023, Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, Wrexham and Ty Pawb are joining forces for the third year in a row to bring you an unforgettable festival of science and art right in the heart of Chester Street.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of science, unleash your inner scientist, and join us for an unforgettable adventure at the festival!

Book here.

The Eurekas - How does Physics power your passion?

Back for its second year, The Eurekas is an annual physics competition for students aged 11-16 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, to showcase the value of physics and to inspire students to see physics differently. It is part of the Limit Less campaign, which has been conceived by the Institute of Physics to broaden and diversify the range of people doing physics after age 16.

Every child has a unique talent or skill – yet they don’t always get the chance to share this. The Eurekas is an opportunity for all students to shine by tapping into their individual passions and combining it with the world of physics. Any student can take part, with group entries strongly encouraged, and all entries that fit the criteria will be accepted.

The winning entry, as determined by a judging panel, will receive a £1,000 cash prize. The winner’s school will be rewarded for their support by receiving a £250 voucher to go towards school equipment. Two runners-up will receive £500 each. We will be recognising excellence for each age between 11-16, and the best entries will receive £250 each. 

Entries are open now and close on 12 June. 

Details here.

RSC Education Prizes 2023

The Royal Society of Chemistry Education prizes are part of a prestigious portfolio of annual awards for the chemical sciences community. Our Education prizes recognise individuals and teams doing great things in their classrooms and labs. They are leading by example in all sorts of ways, including:

• designing innovative and effective chemistry curricula 
• making a step-change in chemistry education through new initiatives, programmes or technologies 
• engaging pupils through practical chemistry 
• championing inclusion and diversity in chemistry education 
• supporting the development of colleagues

... to name a few. 

As an education professional, we encourage you to nominate an individual or team you would like recognised for their contribution to chemistry education. Open to Primary, Secondary and Further Education.

Closing date for nominations 21 June.

Details here.

First Lego League

The theme for next year's FIRST® LEGO® League competition has been announced:

Masterpiece - STEM in the Arts-themed sets designed to inspire curiosity around #STEM in creative fields of work!

Schools can register now for early registration which will give them access to the platform in July. Get a head start on other schools! See Science will be hosting events across Wales .

Register here.

DVLA Code Challenge

The Code Challenge enables students of all ages to develop their problem solving, teamworking skills and improve their knowledge of computer programming in a fun and innovative way and also to win thousands of pounds of IT Equipment for their schools or Groups.

All schools, clubs and groups working with children aged 16 years or under based in Wales are eligible to enter the Competition.

Each school, group or club can enter as many teams as desired. Each team must consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of six children. 

There is a wide choice of themes and teams can select one or more themes but can only submit one entry per theme.  

Closing date Friday 6 October.

All details here.

ICE Engineering Team Challenge

The 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 schools/teams being awarded prizes.

It’s anticipated that the event will be held during the first week of October 2023 in three locations across South Wales: Carmarthen, Swansea and Cardiff. Exact locations and dates are to be confirmed. 

Each school/team will only attend for one day. 

To register your interest please contact ice.ecnet.wales@outlook.com

Funding for School Climate & Biodiversity Projects 

The Royal Society is inviting applications to their Tomorrow's Climate Scientists Programme to give students across the UK the opportunity to take action to address climate and biodiversity issues.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available to UK primary or secondary schools to run a STEM investigation project for students aged between 5 and 18. There needs to be two project partners to the scheme with the lead applicant being a school and the second partner being a STEM professional from academia or industry. Funding should predominantly be used to buy equipment. 

The next closing date for applications is the 30th June 2023. 

Details here.