STEM Ambassador newsletter March 2021

Spring is always a welcome sight. We are indebted to the continued support of our Ambassadors who have connected with the programme and adapted during the last year.

A multitude of new STEM events are also springing up – most still online experience offering a wide reach of opportunity for both STEM Ambassadors and schools.

To view a vast range of easy to join sessions please sign into your STEM Ambassador account at www.stem.org.uk with your email address.

Browse the many opportunities to support young people at a critical time of their education experience. From exciting young pupils with talks and demos to focussing secondary pupils minds on their important career choices, to new training for Ambassadors. You will never be short of a productive contribution!
 

Sian
 

CONTENTS

News

 

 

 

 


 

STEM Ambassador opportunities

 



 


 

 

LATEST STEM NEWS

 


Reaching out online: STEM Ambassadors inspire careers at Ysgol Harri Tudor 



Teacher Ed Male piloted the school’s first online event with STEM Ambassadors to celebrate International Day of Women in Girls and Science on 10th February.

Girls of years 10 – 11 were keen to discover diverse career paths in STEM and specifically wanted personal accounts from Ambassadors of their experiences and decision making.

Using Google classrooms as a secure platform, the session was by invitation only with the teacher acting as moderator for question and answers ensuring both the privacy of pupils and safeguarding online.

6 female Ambassadors offered a valuable hour of their time. They were sent prepared questions from the girls, addressing a wide area of interest. This helped the session tackle the most relevant queries:

How they made their career decisions

  • Did they change careers
  • What their qualifications were
  • Daily life at work
  • Challenges and rewards
  • Opportunities in their field
  • Earning potential
  • Flexible working hours


3 STEM Ambassadors were local Pembrokeshire at Valero, Digital Technology, Psychology and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, 3 were from other counties working at BBC weather forecasting, Dwr Cymru and JN Bentley Newport

Ed Male commented

 ‘It was a fab event. Thank you all for taking part last night.
I received very positive feedback from students that attended.
So much so that the word has spread!
Thank you all for giving up your time to encourage girls into stem careers.’




Ambassadors added
‘It was great to present and hear from everyone else in the group’ Zoe
‘Great to hear the talks were well received and hopefully will be beneficial to the girls too.’ Alec


 

Read more
 
 

Cardiff Science Festival STEM Stars

Image ©Cardiff Science Festival

The Science Festival takes place during February Half Term, a visible feature in Cardiff city centre: on shopping precincts, street science busking, talks and activities in popular locations.
The organisers were determined to sustain engagement with family audiences and the public during the pandemic. A full week of events was organised online including the popular ‘STEM Stars’ which was hosted by the STEM Ambassador Coordinator Wales.

https://www.cardiffsciencefestival.co.uk/en/events/stem-stars

4 STEM Ambassador starred in a stellar event takin the audience through lively presentations. Following themes of 

Science of the Covid 19
Technology
Astronomy and the search for Alien Life
Robotics
Science of Nature

Joining us online were many families safeguarded by the well controlled protocol laid down by the Festival. 

It was a different experience to face to face engagement but there were outstanding benefits, such as the ‘dwell time’ for families, no queuing to see the activity and a close up look of what each Ambassador was demonstrating.

Joining the panel from his workplace abroad STEM Ambassador Chris commented how enjoyable it was to take part in an event at a distance.

Spotlight on Raytheon and Collins Aerospace
 

 


Since December STEM employers have offered ‘Spotlight’ sessions inviting teachers an insight into their company and how they can support the schools with STEM outreach.

In February Raytheon Technologies (which includes Collins Aerospace) took to the stage online with an audience of 24 schools and colleges, many from England and Scotland taking part.

Raytheon works in areas such as Intelligence, Security, Surveillance and Reconnaissance with international governments. There are valuable opportunities for career paths in many areas from Apprenticeships to support services, graduate and many more. 

8 STEM Ambassadors delivered a superb session, with the story of each very different path from the experience of an Apprentice (both male and female) to Client Support officers and Graduates. STEM Ambassadors provided advice on how to make the best decisions about subjects and qualifications at school.

David Robins Lecturer at Lincoln College reported

Good Evening Sian,

Thank you for hosting an inspiring event this afternoon and please extend my gratitude to your team of presenters who all did such a fantastic job sharing their real life experiences and guidance. 

I am a lecturer at Lincoln College. We are currently exploring more ways to inspire our learners into industry particularly with employees like your young team today 

Superb event.  Thank you once again

Inventors: STEM Ambassador Alun Armstrong helps Sennybridge Brownies achieve success


Brownie Leader Liz meets her group weekly on Zoom. As part of their Inventors Badge the brownies needed to complete a challenge.

Alun Armstrong has long been praised for his expertise with school activities and imaginative use of everyday items to teach engineering, maths and design.

Alun had gathered sets of pre-cut cards, bottle tops, used matchsticks and tapers, which were used to complete tangrams, build and design, puzzles and towers.

He joined the Brownie meeting on Zoom to assist Liz explain the challenge and judge the result. Visits to rural locations can prove difficult at this time of year, particularly with variable weather, this example proves that much can be accomplished in the virtual environment but with a live presenter and audience!

Alun - Thank you so much for last night, the girls really enjoyed the evening.  The milk bottle top pyramid was our family favourite.  
 Thank you for putting so much time and thought into the evening, we all greatly appreciated everything you prepared.
Liz

 

STEM Ambassador opportunities

 

STEM Ambassadors can now join a wide range of online events and search for activities across a wide area.

Sign in at www.stem.org.uk with your email address and password 

We can now support schools in parts of the country that have fewer opportunities for Ambassador visits

 

Training events

 

Operational Research: Let's play with Lego – join either session
 

17th March 4pm (by West Midlands Hub) book at 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/operational-research-lets-play-with-lego-tickets-141722573031


Wednesday April 14th 4pm (Wales Hub)

We’ve all enjoyed Lego or certainly heard of the famous brand!

This is an opportunity for STEM Ambassadors to learn the ways to use simple Lego bricks to teach STEM 

The session is led by Eve Hardy, Education Manager at The Operational Research Society, and features a quick introduction of the popular Lego Furniture Factory workshop.

This is a fun, hands-on explanation of how OR and maths are used in real life. You will also learn where to find free teaching and volunteering resources and support. 

If you have some Lego available you can have a go during the training

 

Ask Me About...

Information sessions to help Ambassadors with insight into presenting online
Ambassadors most welcome to join the activity as part of the audience


The sessions are 30 minutes long. Open to any Ambassadors and also teachers as an informal opportunity to see an Ambassador do their thing and ask questions.


Have you ever wondered how a bridge is built? Or how do you get into the aerospace sector? Or how do you care for bees? 


Book on to an Ask Me About Session to have all of your questions answered! We have sessions scheduled on the following dates/topics:
 

  • 7th April from 1pm-1.30pm: Ask Me About ... Civil Engineering & Quest Scholarships
  • 21st April from 1pm-1.30pm: Ask Me About...Bees
  • 6th May from 12.30pm-1pm: Ask Me About....Moving from Latvia to Airbus, Filton


More info/Book a place: https://askmeaboutstem.eventbrite.co.uk

 

Being the Best for your STEM Ambassador presentation

Wednesday 28 April 4pm – 5pm
Online live


Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your skills as an Ambassador!

This is a unique session developed by Helen Obee Reardon, MSc. Impact Specialist at Cardiff University

Helen is a communication professional, TEDx speaker, a career spanning from Lecturer, Sustainable Development Officer to Chair of Gender Equality and a renowned Beekeeper with the team at National History Museum Wales

This high quality session will include 
 

  • Development of personal presenter skills
  • Interactivity in class and online
  • Assessing your audience needs
  • Improving your use of online platforms for presentations
  • Safeguarding online
  • Use of Menti and interactive tools

 
Helen has over 15 years experience working within complex programmes and with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders including academics, businesses, the public, contractors, communities and schools.
 

Jam the Mess 12th – 23 April Mentoring sessions various dates 

Most run 12pm – 3pm

Online training to view development of games with STEM concepts
Suitable for all levels and interests including

  • Game developers
  • Creative adults
  • Educators
  • Biologists 
  • Anyone interested in developing practical activities 


Jam the Mess was created by STEM Ambassadors to engage pupils and public with research in cancer treatments.

Sign up here – and let me know or record your activity!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jam-the-mess-tickets-141415019129
 

Technocamps Women in Science and Technology event: Cyber secure Aware training

Online network and training April 23 11.45am - 1.15pm


Female STEM Ambassadors are warmly invited to join a presentation training session 
With Technocamps WiST

In this talk, Laura Blackwell, Senior Cyber Security Analyst from Simply Business, will be giving an overview of what Infosec means, what we do behind the scenes, and how to tell if you have ever been affected!

This event is designed for people of all technical abilities, so please come along and feel free to ask any questions you might have!

Please book at

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/are-you-safe-and-cybersecure-tickets-135875311715
 

 

STEM Ambassador participation events - join as participants for your STEM activity 

 


DIGITAL EVENT: Amazing Astronomy
Online 21 and 22 March


Join a team of experts and fun presenters inspire you about all things astronomical, and guide you in an exploration of the night sky.  

https://museum.wales/whatson/digital/11286/Amazing-Astronomy-/
 

 

Spotlight on Metro Maestros - creating the South Wales Metro Monday 15th March 4pm – 5pm

Featuring Balfour Beatty, Griffiths Engineering, Siemens and Transport for Wales


https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spotlight-on-stem-connecting-communities-stem-ambassadors-teachers-uk-tickets-142919531165


Meet the ‘Metro Maestros’ involved in creating a major rail network, electrifying 170 km of track, upgrading stations and building advanced new stations.

Our presenters will journey through 
 

  • Their company 
  • The project
  • Careers profiles
  • Careers opportunities


And the significant impact they make with STEM support for Schools and Communities 

 

STEM Ambassador virtual lunches with new Ambassadors
 

      • Friday 12 March 12pm – 12.45pm
      • Wednesday 24 March 12pm – 12.45pm 
      • Wednesday 7 April 12pm – 12.45pm
      • Friday 16 April 12pm – 12.45pm



Can you share your experience to support new Ambassadors in the programme? 
Many new Ambassadors have lacked the opportunities to meet pupils face to face in classrooms or join a public event.

Your thoughts and advice will be of great value at a virtual lunch meet

Virtual Business Breakfast: Attracting diverse young talent into your workforce; the benefits of STEM placements

On Thursday 23 March 2021 at 9am

STEM Learning will be hosting a virtual business breakfast looking at why and how employers can support young talent through placements in STEM to diversify their own future workforce. 

This is an interactive virtual business breakfast where there will be an opportunity for employers to:

 

  • hear from an invited panel of funders, business, and beneficiaries
  • discuss the need for STEM placements
  • ask questions and share advice, challenges, successes and experiences
  • support each other in finding the most effective strategies to engage young people from under-represented groups in STEM placements. 


Those interested in attending please sign up and share this registration link  join the conversation.

Coming soon: Session for Ambassadors and Employers to connect with NEON

Inside Neon the new innovation from Engineering UK, date to be confirmed

 

Schools 

 

Work experience/internship in sustainability/conservation July or August

A student of Physical Geography is seeking a work experience placement or internship. 

If on site they would prefer Cardiff or Carmarthen areas. The student is keen on sustainability and conservation
 

Human Body: Blood and Bones: Any day 15 - 19 March
Rhydypenau School 
Cardiff
Online 
 

  • Teacher Clarissa would love to host a STEM Ambassador to help Year 3 subject topic of the Human Anatomy and Blood system 
  • This will be part of their postponed British Science Week event Clarissa can host a virtual visit for anyone interested. 
  • Some practical demo would be welcome if possible

Investigations resources
 

 

St Jospeh’s Cathedral Catholic School
Swansea
Online help with Investigations
Flexible dates

Teacher Jess Evans is keen to connect with Ambassadors who can offer help with ideas for Investigation activities.
Ambassadors can either offer a session with teacher and pupils or forward ideas for Jess to use
Pupils are from Nursery to Year 6
 

STEM Ambassadors virtual workshop: Any topic and adjustable dates to suit Ambassador
Online only

Henllys Primary School
Cwmbran
 

  • Teacher Mark Yendle is very eager to welcome his pupils back to school with some stimulating and interesting sessions.
  • Particularly introducing them to STEM Ambassadors as pupils have had limited contact outside school and teachers.
  • Mark is grateful to accept offers on any topic, all online, and maybe with a demo, activity or lively talk

Digital Skills at Maesteg School
Online 

Teacher Tania Hill would like to connect with Employers who can offer pupils insight into how digital competency supports the following areas of work:

Construction
Media 
Medicine 
Fashion
Retail
Sport

The aim is to maintain interest and enthusiasm to pursue digital competency skills

 

Virtual visit to Brecon Girl Guides
Any Monday 7.30pm
Green Campaign online

Guide leader Anna Lang is reaching out to STEM Ambassadors who can help the group with their ‘Campaigning Badge’

The campaign is to find out the impact of using the internet on our Carbon Footprint and how we can reduce it.  
Guides want to campaign in a ‘green’ way, to encourage people to use email, games, Social media etc. 

They would like an Ambassadors to visit offering some information on how to act safely online and a few tips on how this can be achieved.
 

Science week Primary KS2 online and live stream activities
15th – 19th  March 2021
Mount Stuart School
Brecon 
 

  • Teacher Carys has a class of 7 - 10 yrs old pupils at this small Mid Wales school. They are very keen to engage with Ambassadors in Science Week
  • Last year they welcomed Ambassadors at the School but this year will be pleased to either welcome Ambassadors as guests online or take part in an activity designed by an Ambassador and led by Carys
  • Anything you can offer and any day of the week
  • Link https://www.stem.org.uk/platform/activity/02f28e10-bf02-4ac0-9360-851d70cc413e

Digital Skills at Maesteg School
Online 

Teacher Tania Hill would like to connect with Employers who can offer pupils insight into how digital competency supports the following areas of work:

Construction
Media 
Medicine 
Fashion
Retail
Sport

The aim is to maintain interest and enthusiasm to pursue digital competency skills
 

Maths and applications in the Real World

In partnership with Careers Wales I’m working  with STEM Ambassadors to provide an online experience in Maths for pupils
STEM Ambassadors will set the pupils a challenge which they can then follow up with a video link session or review with the teacher.
As follows:

 

  1. Short Video from STEM Ambassador about what they do, where they use maths – focusing on the maths skills or operations they use
  2. End the video with a problem where they use the skill
  3. The class would then try to solve the problem using the skill they were just told about.
  4. A second short video explaining how they solved the problem.
 

Have a Go - workshop leaders for Engineering sessions and Green Energy construction 
sessions
Dates with schools to suit Ambassadors 

Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales has developed a series of workshops for Yr 8 and 9

They would value STEM Ambassadors as facilitators to lead on line workshops with teachers
and pupils.
They seek support for STEM Engineering workshops in hydraulics and also in welding.  

In addition we are looking for support for STEM Construction Green Energy workshops.

Here is a link to the HaG kit which shows the different kits on offer: 

https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/

The Hydraulics workshop can be seen here
 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LtZco9e_Hx7MT_OQhL36i4cY3OFjbBQI/edit#slide=id.p1
 

Energyquest STEM Ambassador profiles

Flexible dates


Energy Quest workshop on behalf of Engineering UK are looking for Engineers from all over the country to take part in videos to be shown as part of the workshops. 

The function of this film is to:

·      Show some real engineers who work in the energy engineering sector, ideally with their work environment in the background of the film (e.g. wind farm, turbine)
·      Link to the practical activities students will carry out (TBC – but likely to include biomass, wind, solar)
·      Reflect diverse backgrounds e.g. upweighting of female / BAME  
 
 The content would include 

1.     Role and organisation, site location 
2.     How they use the engineering design process in their work