Members' Blogs

Check out the fabulous Vet Team in a Box resource for secondary classrooms

By Steve Castle posted yesterday

The University of Liverpool is working to support the diversity of the veterinary professions as part of the national collaborative project ‘Vet Team in a Box’. ‘Vet Team in a Box’, is a complete secondary school lesson in a box. It is designed in-line with National Curriculum key stage 3 Science, where students will participate in ‘real-life’ veterinary scenarios, performing diagnostic tests similar to those used to diagnose real animals and interpreting scientific evidence. The project aims to demystify the veterinary professions and some of the perceived barriers to joining it for both young people and their advisors. It covers a wealth ...

Festivals of Chemistry & Chemistry Changemakers Award

By Ajay Sharman posted yesterday

The hybrid Festivals of Chemistry for students aged 14-16 years old is back! Applications are now open for Discovery Days taking place in May and June 2024 in London & the South East, Yorkshire & the Humber, East of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Midlands. The deadline for applications is 5 February 2024 - find out more and apply here . Also - there's less than a month to apply for the Chemistry Changemakers Award ! The Salters' Institute encourages students aged 16-17 to think on how chemistry can change our world for the better by creating a poster that identifies and tackles a societal issue within their community ...

Don't miss out on loads of free festive goodies in our advent calendars!

By Steve Castle posted 2 days ago

Have you opened the windows on your STEM Community advent calendars yet!? If not don't worry, we know it's been a very busy time - remember you can still go back and open windows from December 1st onwards! We've got primary and secondary calendars for you - and some of the fantastic highlights hiding behind the primary windows so far include a 20% discount on one of our CPD courses, an Explorify Christmas competition and much more. Right up until Christmas Eve, there will be a new window for you to open every day. As long as you promise not to tell anyone, we can give you a sneak peek...keep an eye out for more course discount codes, competitions and free fun ...

Talking like scientists: how to teach science vocabulary in primary school

By Ellie Caple posted 2 days ago

@Ellie Caple and @Rebekah Edwards are evidence advocates at Tudor Grange Research School - this article originally appeared h ere . We live in a world where scientific literacy has never been more important: a social media rich world, awash with fake news and unsubstantiated opinions. Being able to access scientific literature, critically evaluate scientific concepts and form reasoned opinions is not an aspiration for our young people; it is a basic requirement for flourishing lives. How else would they be able to make an informed decision about, say, whether to have a vaccination? This journey begins in primary school, and the EEF’s new Primary Science ...

Liven up your winter commute by listening to our STEM Insights Podcast!

By Steve Castle posted 2 days ago

Now is the perfect time for you to liven up your damp, dreary commute by listening to our STEM Insights Podcast! The latest episode is a really topical one featuring a fascinating discussion on the EEF's recent guidance report into improving primary science . In the episode, our primary science lead Tanya Shields is joined by two special guests from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) - Katie Luxton and Grace Coker - to discuss the report and how teachers can use its recommendations to make a real impact in the classroom. This one is Episode 4 of Series 2 - and we've got loads of episodes to catch up on featuring senior leaders chatting about all ...

STEM Community Annual Survey Update

By Tim Bradbury posted 3 days ago

Good morning! Thank you to everyone who took part in our annual STEM Community members survey. I'm pleased to say the results have shot up this year with extremely positive feedback about the new design and changes to the way digest emails work. Thanks also for loads of really constructive feedback on other ways we could improve the community to make your experience as good as we can. I will be working over the coming months on a 'You said, we did' campaign to make sure your views and ideas are incoroprated into the platform wherever possible (there are some actual platform restrictions which I cannot alter). Once again, from everyone at STEM Community Towers, ...

Nominations open for 2024 David Clark Prize recognising exceptional STEM educators

By Steve Castle posted 4 days ago

The ERA Foundation has opened 2024 David Clark Prize nominations. The prize recognises exceptional STEM educators in the UK who have gone above and beyond to inspire students to pursue engineering careers. This year, two David Clark Prizes will be awarded: one prize to a primary school teacher and one to a secondary school, college or UTC teacher. Winners will receive a £3,000 personal award and £12,000 for their school to promote engineering over the next three years. The educator will provide input on utilising these school funds. The prize assesses vision for their student’s education, creativity in engaging students, and success in ...

Science education - CPD is the key...and the secret

By Ajay Sharman posted 4 days ago

Science has been a designated core subject in the national curriculum alongside Mathematics and English since the Education Reform Act of 1988. As such, science education remains absolutely vital for all young people. There’s a general consensus that good science education involves pupils learning a body of knowledge relating to the products and practices of science. By learning about the products of science (such as atoms, electrons and cells) pupils are able to explain the material world and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them. Within science, pupils learn how scientific knowledge becomes established through scientific ...

Join the 'What Lights Up Your Love of Physics?' competition!

By Louise Herbert posted 4 days ago

Teachers and Year 12 students are invited to enter the exciting new competition: "From Curiosity to Cosmos: What Lights Up Your Love of Physics?". Encourage your students, in teams of up to three, to unleash their creativity and showcase "What Lights Up Their Love of Physics“, through a 3-minute video entry. Engage your students with topics that spark their curiosity, from exploring Net Zero solutions to the dynamic physics behind gaming, saving lives through medical imaging, and the future of space exploration. There are amazing prizes to be won! The top 10 finalist teams will be invited for an overnight visit at Merton College, Oxford, where the ...

2023 Advent Calendars and Chemist-tree competition have landed!!

By Tim Bradbury posted 9 days ago

The snow has arrived and its a very clear crisp morning here at STEM Community HQ, the perfect time to launch our STEM Community advent calendar and annual chemist-tree and foraged wreath competition! Advent Calendars are back and the jokes are even worse!!! Each year since launch we have run a STEM Community adent calendar and this year is no exception. This year the gifts behind the doors are bigger and better than ever before! We have discount codes for courses, we have free access to training sessions, resources and free access to revision platforms and more. Each day we will open another door for you to explore what's on offer. (Yes there ...

Improving Primary Science – responding to the latest EEF report

By Tanya Shields posted 10 days ago

We welcome the publication of the EEF’s long-awaited report on Improving Primary Science. Science is a core subject, alongside English and Math ematic s – although in my opinion it doesn’t enjoy the same focus in most settings. Until now, primary practitioners hav e only been able to refer to secondary guidance, which is based on secondary research and h as limited transferability to the primary se tting. Having a document that focuses on good primary science and how it can be achieved can only be a good thing . As with all EEF guides, the report is evidence based, easy to read and comes ...

Congratulations to our Pearson National Teaching Awards winners!

By Steve Castle posted 12 days ago

This weekend saw outstanding educators honoured in a glittering ceremony at the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. A huge congratulations to the Award winners and nominees - and a big shout out to these Community members who picked up Awards at the event!! @Kate Harrison from Fishtoft Academy, Silver Winner, Teacher of the Year in a Primary School @Melanie Hall from Chase High School, Silver Winner, Digital Innovator of the Year @Aine MCGREEGHAN from South Eastern Regional College, Silver Winner, FE Lecturer of the Year Well done guys! Find out everything about the event - which is known as the 'teaching Oscars' - here. Entries are ...

BioArtAttack 3D 2023

By Mary Howell posted 17 days ago

Get creative and submit an entry into the BioArtAttack 3D 2023 competition! Your entry could be any type of 3D artwork from models to sculptures, even massive BioArtAttack 3D designs taking inspiration from the smallest or the largest parts of the living world. Submit a photograph of your 3D BioArtAttack online and visit the Royal Society of Biology's website for further information. The deadline for entries is 16 th January 2024 .

RSB School Biology Teacher of the Year Award

By Mary Howell posted 17 days ago

Do you know an amazing school biology teacher who deserves an award? Students and students’ parents or guardians, and schools’ governors, science technicians, or members of their management team can now suggest a teacher for the Royal Society of Biology’s School Biology Teacher of the Year Award. Visit the Royal Society of Biology’s website for further information. Teachers in the UK can also contact Dr Amanda Hardy to discuss ideas or to suggest a teacher to nominate themselves or a colleague by 24 th January 2024 .

Responding to a report on a new approach to mathematics and data education

By Michael Anderson posted 19 days ago

In September 2023, the Mathematical Futures Board of The Royal Society’s Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) launched ‘A new approach to mathematics and data education’ - a discussion paper that makes the case for a new approach to mathematical education. The paper suggested that current mathematics education should be replaced by Mathematics and Data Education (MDE) that will 'equip future citizens with the capabilities, skills, adaptability, and resilience they need to thrive in a world where mathematics and data play increasingly important roles in everyone’s lives’. Here are the ...

Launching STEM Learning's Impact Report 2023/2024

By Lucy King posted 24 days ago

Are you keen to find out what STEM Learning does? If so, our 2023-2024 Impact Report is the perfect quick guide to our news, achievements and plans... read it here! After a foreword from our Chief Executive Séverine Trouillet outlining how far we've come and the challenges remaining, you'll read all about how the collaborations with our amazing partners make such a difference to young people's education in the UK. You'll be able to review our impact at a national and local level, check out our individual impact too, view key statistics and find out how your business can join us to deliver even more impact - and boost your employees and business too. The ...

Closing the digital skills gap - insights and recommendations from NCFE

By Ben Dunn posted 29 days ago

The digital sector is one of the most important and diverse sectors in the UK, contributing to the economy, society, and innovation. However, it also faces significant challenges such as the skills gap, the demand for new technologies and the impact of the pandemic. Earlier this year we wrote about the impact of the digital skills gap and how STEM Learning are supporting teachers and young people to improve their computing and digital skills, particularly through the work of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). A recent report by NCFE , an educational charity and awarding organisation, provides some valuable insights and recommendations ...

Green Careers Week: environmental and social responsibility in a time of great technological opportunity

By Nicola Chapman posted 06-11-2023

The growing public call for climate change action has led to an increased expectation for businesses to accelerate their efforts to work towards net zero to preserve the earth’s resources. Computer science – particularly artificial intelligence (AI) - is shaping how we think about and implement these sustainable solutions, from smart transport systems designed to reduce emissions to optimising renewable energy deployment, allowing businesses to make sustainable choices based on empirical evidence. Rather than how - the question is fast becoming - how fast can technological innovation take us towards our sustainable goals? However, while on one hand, ...

The Big Bang Competition 2023 is OPEN!

By Tim Bradbury posted 30-10-2023

The Big Bang Competition is open for entries! Inspire students to work together, problem solve and get creative with science, engineering and technology. New for this year, celebrate your students’ inner innovator with brand-new technology prizes, supported by Siemens. Entries will close on 27 March at 5pm so you’ve got plenty of time to start a project! Find out more about The Competition and how to enter online. Unleash their inner innovator Know the next space explorer or climate change hero? Have your students got an idea that will transform people’s lives? Young people can explore any topic in the field ...

Physics practical work: with or without context?

By Karen Hornby posted 25-10-2023

Does all practical work need to have a real-life context? With all the logistical and safety considerations around practical work, it is all too easy for our goal as a teacher to focus solely on all students completing the practical and clearing up by the end of the lesson. Time spent both before and after the practical is crucial for students to be able to see a point to what they are doing in the lesson. As well as improving practical skills and demonstrating the scientific method, practical work should help students to understand the theory and link to their prior knowledge. If we can find a way to relate the subject matter to their everyday life then they ...