British Science week: resources and ideas
Above all, British science week was developed to raise awareness and encourage education, training and careers in STEM subjects. It lasts 10 days and celebrates science, technology, engineering and maths. Did you know that research suggests that there are a shortage of STEM teachers? In addition to the shortage, certain communities are underrepresented in STEM jobs.
Dr Hilary Leevers, CEO, Engineering UK (2020) spoke about aspects of shortages. Firstly, she said that there was a need to work together to understand what causes under-representation of certain groups of young people in engineering. Above all she said that it should be to tackled it at every stage. In addition, she felt that there was a need to improve knowledge of engineering through the curriculum. Also there was a need to support teachers and schools to deliver high quality STEM education and careers guidance. She ended by saying that the education system needs cultivate the skills needed for the UK, now and in the future.
Importantly, British Science week offers teachers resources, ideas, competitions and activity packs to focus learning on STEM topics. Although each year has a different theme, resources from previous years are available all year round. This year’s theme is ‘growth.’ We have put together some ideas and resources for teachers in early years, primary and secondary schools to access.
In addition, we have listed link that celebrate scientists from certain groups of society. You will find that this is a good way to increase awareness of underrepresented groups. Therefore we have listed links to websites about influential scientists from LGBT, Black, Asian communities, as well as women.
Ideas and Resources
Smashing stereotypes: You can look at what pupils think working in science looks like and then what it does entail. Usefully, we have a list of stories about young people who work in STEM jobs. You can access them by clicking here https://www.britishscienceweek.org/plan-your-activities/smashing-stereotypes/
Here we have Activity packs for early years, primary, and secondary schools. You can view them by clicking here
Competition. You may remember that this year’s theme is ‘growth.’ You may want to encourage pupils to enter the poster competition which has a range of prizes for the winners. It can be carried out individually or in groups; each school is allowed 5 entries. You will see that there are 4 age categories from early years to seniors. Remember the closing date is 15th April 2022. Further details can be accessed by clicking here
Underrepresented communities. Why not take a look at female, Black, Asian or LGBT influential scientists?
Why not click on the following link to find 6 LGBT scientists who made a significant impact. You can view them by clicking here
Click here to find great female scientists :10 of the most influential British female scientists
You can click here to see women in science from the Natural Science Museum which includes a virtual tour.
To find out more about Influential black and Asian scientists, click here