Welcome to the latest STEM newsletter  for STEM Ambassadors in Wales  from your local STEM Ambassador Hub. 
We welcome all  offers from STEM Ambassadors to help with any enrichment opportunities - please contact us directly to discuss your individual needs.

May we take this opportunity to thank you for the time you have volunteered. Please make sure you remember to log all your activities including the preparation time that has gone into organising and arranging those activities. For those STEM Ambassadors who are still going through the registration process then please remember to complete your online induction and your DBS check.

If anybody needs any help or support with this then please get in touch hayley.pincott@see-science.co.uk.

See Science are still keen to offer as many enrichment opportunities as possible to learners across Wales.  Please ensure that  colleagues who are registered with STEM Learning have ticked the box to receive newsletters in their preferences in order to receive the See Science newsletter in the future using the link https://www.stem.org.uk/user/register and then opt to receive the newsletter in preferences
.

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 Team
@See Science

LATEST NEWS

Gwyddonle- Eisteddfod yr Urdd
Greenpower Goblin Regional Final Day
Profiles for See Science and the IOP

NATIONAL  EVENTS

Insect Week
Oxfam Water week
I'm a Scientist
Great Science Share for Schools
Big Bang Fair Birmingham

LOCAL EVENTS

Science and the Senedd
Energy Live Pembrokeshire
Sustainability in Science - Swansea
Sustainability. in Science - Bangor
Discover23

ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES
 

Embedding careers into your science lessons
Effective Communication
How to Engage with Schools and Colleges
Sniffy Sneezes - a STEM activity
STEM Ambassaors - Developing and Activity

 

SECONDARY REQUESTS

Eirias High School
Bryntirion Comprehensive School
Gwernyfed High School
Ysgol Uwchradd Penweddig
Ysgol Morgan Llwyd
Ysgol Bryn Alun
Castell Alun High School
Greenhill School
Archbishop Mc Grath RC Catholic School
Porthcawl Comprehensive School
Dylan Thomas Community School

 

PRIMARY AND OTHER REQUESTS


Windor Clive Primary School
Usk Primary School
Girlguiding Gwent Activity Day
WEST JAM - Scouts Regional Camp
Gold CREST Mentoring


Funding for Climate and Biodiversity Projects

Latest STEM news and updates

Gwyddonle - Eisteddfod yr Urdd

Gwyddonle was once again the place to be in the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Llandovery. Swansea University’s through Academi Hywel Teifi organise a committee of Science specialists from the University to plan and deliver  interactive activities for young people of all ages from all over Wales. The Morgan Institute Challenge - Her Sefydliad Morgan which has been part of the GwyddonLe activities since 2016  will be part of the offer again this year - an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their reasoning and debating skills. This year  topic for debate is "The idea of habitat is unable to recognize the history of racism and diversity in Wales”. The judges were  Dr Angharad Closs Stephens, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at Swansea University, and Cefin Campbell, Member of Senedd.. Congratulations to Mali Jones from Ysgol Gyfun @Gwent_Is_Coed on winning the Morgan Foundation Challenge 2023! A great competition on the GwyddonLe stage @EisteddfodUrdd between pupils @Gwent_Is_Coed and @YsgolYstalyfera . Special #science2023

Among the other attractions at the GwyddonLe were opportunities to code robots and simulate ecosystems with Technocamps, experience virtual reality, learn how to use a defibrillator and how to give CPR, make slime and much more. Other contributors such as Mad Science and The Big Science Project and as well as an opportunity to learn about the weather with some familiar faces from the BBC’s weather team also joined in during the week .
On Wednesday, a special ‘Ti a Dy Gorff’ quiz was held on the GwyddonLe stage hosted by  Eiry Miles from Rily Publications who were responsible for the Welsh adaptation of Adam Kay’s book, Kay’s Anatomy.

Did you volunteer to take part  in Gwyddonle in the Eisteddfod  - please let us know or add your activites to your account.

Read more

Greenpower Goblin Regional Final Day
 

Saturday, 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 Earth Day theme, to a dragon, save the bees, and even 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.
It was great to witness real team spirit with schools cheering each other on throughout the day. Congratulations to all who took part!

Greenpower Education Trust is a UK based charity which gets young people enthusiastic about science and engineering by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car.They supply age appropriate Kit Cars, which can be built in school, college or elsewhere and raced at motorsport venues at Greenpower organised events. The Greenpower challenge uses the excitement of motorsport to inspire young people to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Discover more here.

Read more

Profiles for See Science

Did you study in Wales or are you currently working in Wales and registered as a
STEM Ambassador. See Science  would like to hear from you. We are currently trying
to build up a bank of career profiles and case studies to share on our  website. This would
be a similar format to what colleagues at other Hubs have done
https://thestemhub.org.uk/ambassadors and https://www.stempointeast.org.uk/education/ambassador-profiles/ We would be very grateful if you would be willing to fill in a short questionaire about yourself and submit a picture. For a copy of the questionaire please contact hayley.pincott@see-science.co.uk. 

Profiles for the Institute of Physics 

Did you study 'A' level Physic in Wales or are you currently working in Wales and using some aspect of Physics as part of your job. The Institute of Physics would like to hear from you . We are currently trying to build up a bank of career profiles to share on the IOP Wales website and would be very grateful if you would be willing to fill in a short questionaire about yourself and submit a picture . For a copy of the questionaire please contact hayley.pincott@see-science.co.uk. 

Read more

Fresh Out Of The Shower, by Gustav Parenmark, winner of Under 18 category, Insect Week 2022 Photography competition © Gustav Parenmark

Insect Week is 19 to 25 June 2023
https://www.insectweek.org/

Organised by the Royal Entomological Society, and supported by partner organisations throughout the UK and Europe, Insect Week is a celebration of all things insect. Wherever you live, it’s an opportunity to take part in insect science, get to know insects, learn from experts, and have fun.
Insects are by far the most diverse and ecologically important group of animals in land habitats.There are over 24,000 insect species in the United Kingdom, with hundreds in almost every garden and green space.

Monday 19th June 2023, to Sunday 25th June 2023, 

An event for members of Bangor University Entomology Society to record insects they find on iNaturalist.

https://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/home-learning-activities/water/

Oxfam Water week 11-17 June

Oxfam Water Week takes place from July 11 to 17 every year. The day is used to campaign for people to get access to clean, safe water all over the world. It is estimated that the number of people without access to safe water at home is about 2.2 billion. That is a very high number of people lacking a major necessity. Not having access to enough clean water can lead to health issues and can greatly lower the standard of living for people. The day raises awareness about this fact and helps to provide solutions.

Oxfam’s Water Week gives people the opportunity to be a part of the solution to the water crisis. As people of communities, we can collectively decide to reserve water resources and reduce wastage. The holiday encourages fundraising activities to help provide clean water for people who do not have access to it. This helps to preserve human life and gradually reduce the effects of the unequal distribution of water around the world.

 

National opportunities for STEM Ambassadors

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 logo
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

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

  • 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)
The Fair will be open to groups from state-funded schools for young people in:
  • England and Wales: year 6 to year

See Science will be at the Big Bang Fair for three days - don't forget to come adn see us at the 'Engineering UK' stand. Registration for The Big Bang Fair is open! Don't miss out -  book today.Details here.

Volunteering Opportunities in  Wales

Science and the Senedd. Tuesday 13 June, 12.30 - 7.30pm. Cardiff - opportunity to network

The Royal Society of Chemistry's nineteenth annual Science and the Senedd will be held at the Senedd and the Pierhead, Cardiff Bay, from 12.30pm to 7.30pm, on Tuesday 13 June 2023.

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.

The theme for 2023 will be based on STEM driving the economy. Do we have the STEM workforce for the future? 
See Science will have a stand at the event  - please drop in to say hello

Details of speakers and booking here.

Read more

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.

Read more

RSC: Sustainability in Science – South Wales. Tuesday 4 July, 9.30am–3.00pm, Swansea University SA2 8PP 

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.
Details and booking here.

Read more

RSC: Sustainability in Science – 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).

Tea and cake will be available from 3.30pm with an opportunity to network

Details and booking here.


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

Read more

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.

Online opportunities

RSC: Embedding careers into your science lessons. Tuesday 6 June, 4–5pm. Online

Would you like some ideas about how to bring chemical science careers into your teaching? Come along and explore some of our resources and discuss different ideas about how to use them and make chemistry careers relevant. During this interactive session we will highlight some of our career resources and present different approaches about how to bring careers into different topics within progression steps 4 and 5 in the Curriculum for Wales.  There will be an opportunity to discuss with other teachers what methods work and what other information or resources would be useful in the classroom.

Details and booking here.

Read more

STEM Ambassador Hub Wales: Effective Communication. Wednesday 7 June 2023 3 - 4pm. Online

STEM Ambassadors are invited to attend this session to learn about effective communication and what this involves.

Come along to this event and improve your communication skills. Find out about the various methods of learning which will help you to develop yourselves into effective communicators. 

These soft skills are hugely beneficial and transferable so please register to attend, if you are unable to attend then you will be sent a recording of the session.

Register here.

Read more

STEM Ambassador Wales Hub event: How to engage with Schools and Colleges. Wednesday  8 June 2pm . Online

Education in Wales is devolved and we want as many STEM Ambassadors in Wales to engage with as many schools as possible.

Please join to this event online to learn:

  • Phases of Education in Wales
  • How you can link with Schools and FE Colleges
  • What type of activities are most appropriate to each age group.

This session is being run by Louise Thomas, who is the Schools and Colleges Liaison Coordinator for the STEM Ambassador Hub (Wales). Book here.

Read more

Sniffly Sneezes - a STEM activity for the Foundation classroom. Monday 19th June at 4pm. Online

Poor Gem has a cold and her hankie isn’t working very well! Which material would make the best hankie?

Join us to see how this simple scenario can lead to a STEM activity on materials for the Foundation classroom. Let your pupils be little scientists as they experiment with a range of materials to find the best one for the job!  Get them thinking about dirty hankies and why they should be in the bin. Learn how you can expand on the activity by introducing some scientific terms and equipment. 

We will also show you how this activity could be the beginning of your pupils’ CREST Awards journey. A perfect fit for the new Curriculum for Wales! 

English language session, Monday 19th June at 4pm. Book here

Welsh language session, Monday 26th June at 4pm. Book here.

Read more

STEM Ambassador Hub Wales: Developing an Activity. Thursday 22 June 2023 11:00 - 12:00. Online

This session is designed to help, support & advise those STEM Ambassadors who wish to develop and create an activity to deliver to schools.

You may have an idea of the type of engaging workshop you may wish to deliver but don't know where to start. This session run by the STEM Ambassador Hub Wales will go through how to create and develop an activity. We will provide resources that you are able to use that will assist in making sure the activity will be an effective way to communicate with pupils and teachers.

Register to attend this FREE event and you will be provided with the recording should you be unable to make it to the live session.

Register here.

 

Your local STEM Ambassador Hub requests

Eirias High School LL29 7SP

Careers Fair
9 June
Ysgol Eirias would like for local, regional, and national employers/organisations to support a career fair in the school for their Yr12 students, to showcase the different career paths and opportunities available to them. Each employer/organisation will have their own stand and an interactive activity for the stand is always recommended as this encourages students to engage with you.
To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Bryntirion Comprehensive  School CF31 4QR

Mock interviews
14 June

Bryntirion Comprehensive School would like for local, regional, and national employers/organisations to support  developing interview skills and techniques in the school for their Yr12 students, to showcase the different career paths and opportunities available to them. Each employer/organisation will have their own stand and an interactive activity for the stand is always recommended as this encourages students to engage with you.

To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Gwernyfed High  School, LD3 0SG
Energy Quest
16th June - 7 July
Energy Quest is a 2-hour workshop developed by Engineering UK to promote Engineering in all its forms to KS3 pupils. It will be running at Gwernyfed High School on 4 consecutive Friday afternoons: 16th, 23rd and 30th of June and 7th of July. If a STEM Ambassador could support one or more of the sessions, that would be great. A facilitator will run the workshop. The STEM Ambassador would be required to support pupils doing the practical activity (fruit battery) then give a brief 5 minute talk on their own role followed by a Q&A session."
To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Ysgol Uwchradd Penweddig, SY23 3QN
Micro organisms and food
15th June
Teacher Rebecca Flanagan is looking for employers that use microorganisms to make food. The school are taking part in Chemfest and are looking for employers that work with microorganisms to make food/beer. e.g. cheese, yogurt, beer. . If you can provide a short interactive workshop or presentation for Year 8 pupils this would be very welcome
To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Ysgol Morgan Llwyd LL13 9NG, 
Mock Interviews
15th June

The Aim of these workshops is to provide young people with the opportunity to explore and practice the skills, attitudes, values, and qualities needed for life and work through intreview mock sessions. Over the morning 6 x 30 minute interviews Monday 26th June, 9am-12:30pm Tuesday 27th June, 9am-12:30pm STEM Ambassadors are welcome to attend either day or if possible both days.
To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Ysgol  Bryn Alun , LL11 4HD 
Enterprise Day
23rd June
Staff at Ysgol Bryn Alun are looking for Aspirational interactive enterprise theme employer led workshops - 5 x one hour workshops pupils attend within a carousel.The pupils will be between 11-14 years old. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of STEM careers
To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Castell Alun High School, Wrexham LL12 9PY

STEM Club

9/11/22 - 12/7/23

The STEM club is in its infancy and so I am looking for ambassadors willing to interact with students about the importance of their jobs and to give insight into the STEM world of work. I will be running specific activities in accordance with the Science Calendar but currently am looking for willing community members happy to be a contact and to possibly get involved with more specific activities to be planned.

To express an interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Greenhill School, SA70 8BN

Careers Talk 

6th - 29th June

STEM Ambassadors are invited to attend The Greenhill School, Tenby over various days in June to present an assembly style talk about their career. The presentation is for 1hr and is aimed at various students from Yr 7 - Yr 10.

To express an interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Archbishop Mc Grath RC School, CF30 8BN

Employer Event

30th June

Year 9 Employer Event
(9.00am – 11.15am – 3 x 35 minute sessions) The overall aim of the day is to give pupils a small insight into the world of work and raise awareness in regard to STEM sectors and opportunities available. You will be working with pupils in 3 x 35/40 minute classes. Each class will consist of approximately 25 pupils and involve sessions/talks/activities about organisation, job roles and raising aspirations.

To express an interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Porthcawl Comprehensive School, CF36 3ES
Mock Interviews 

4 July 2023

 

To provide students with life skills they can take into their work life.There will be a series of mock interview sessions held at Porthcawl Comprehensive School which STEM Ambassadors are invited to attend to support and offer advice to students. Please do get in touch if you wish to find out a little more or to register your interest.To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Dylan Thomas Community  School, SA2 0FR 
Mock Interviews 

30th June 2023
A request to help students from Dylan Thomas School to develop the skills required for successful interviews.Please do get in touch if you wish to find out a little more or to register your interest.To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Windsor Clive  Primary School, CF44 6LA
Forces and Pulleys
Flexible Dates
One of the year three classes has  a request. They are studying the Lighthouse Keepers Lunch - forces - pulley system. They would like an end of term project in the playground around May time. To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Usk Primary School, Usk NP5 1SE

STEM Based Curriculum

7/11/22 - 21/7/23

This year (2022-2023), our school are delivering a curriculum that is STEM based:  Making a Difference project (Apr-May) Be Healthy, Be Happy project (Jun-Jul). If you think you could be involved with any of these, please get in touch. We are looking for people to enthuse and engage our learners, show them that a career in STEM is possible for them and most of all show them that STEM is meaningful and enjoyable. We are trying to pack our curriculum with visitors and visits to make science and technology come alive. If practical and hands on then all the better. Direct contact: Alice Dougal dougala1@hwbcymru.net

To express an interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Girlguiding Gwent Activity Day 
NP10 8YD
17 June 2023
Libby Morgan-Owen is arranging a day of mixed STEM activities for members of Girlguiding Gwent aged 11-18 in Duffryn High School. They are planning a day of workshops for girls to rotate around to experience a range of activities. Activities will run from 10am until 4pm on Saturday. 
To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

WESTJam - Scouts Regional Camp NP11 4QZ
Camarthenshire County Showground
23-25 June 2023
Vikki Phillips (Scouts) is arranging a regional camp in June 2023 -  we are looking for activities for the Saturday and Sunday. She is organising the adventure zone and would love to include activities that the young people don't usually take part in. The activities will be for ages 4years through to 18years but we are aware that not everyone will get to do everything due to suitability. Activities will run from 10am until 4pm on Saturday and 10am until 1pm on the Sunday. The organisers are looking for activities around the adventure theme but more than happy for this to include Stem activities, particularly with Army or forces activities, the ICE bridge, any outdoor type activities that may include Stem, activities can be flexible. Organisers can offer an area for providers to camp with own equipment for free and also for catering for a small additional charge per person..
To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Read more

Online/Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, SA19 6PE

Gold CREST Award mentoring

25/1/23 - 19/7/23

To support small groups of pupils in completing the Crest Gold award. I have 5 groups of MAT pupils completing the Crest Gold award at post-16. I would like each group to have a mentor they could contact to support them with the completion of their projects. The projects are: • Measuring the efficiency of different aeroplane wing shapes • Investigating crash damage • Investigating aerodynamic sails • Designing and making a roller coaster • Investigating food fraud

To express interest contact ambassadors@see-science.co.uk or click here

Funding opportunities

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.

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