FEBRUARY 2008
Contents
The Funding of UK science centres
Government Science and Society Consultation
DIUS-funded Enrichment Activities
Wellcome Trust Impact Assessment
Ecsite-uk meet with the LHC Promotion Advisory Group
Royal Society Prizes for Science Books 2008
The UK Marketing and PR Forum for Science Centres
IOP's Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2008 Round 2
Learning Outside the Classroom
National Science and Engineering Week
Scottish Seabird Centre events
FREE magazine on innovation in education
New section: Vital statistics - A level entry figures
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 1
A very warm welcome to our February newsletter!
It’s been a busy and interesting start to 2008. January saw the publication of the Government’s Response to the Select Committee Report and several other meetings with Government officials. Education managers from science centres and museums across the UK also met in Cardiff to share ideas, knowledge and best practice. We will offer many more opportunities in 2008 for professionals within our field to meet one another and work together, learn from one another and open up new potential for the future.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 2
The Funding of UK science centres
January 16th saw the publication of the Government’s Response to The Select Committee Report into the Funding of Science and Discovery Centres.
The five page Government report can be viewed on Select Committee section of our website.
In summary, Ecsite-uk noted “We would of course have liked to have seen some financial commitment to our sector for the future”. However, in general we welcomed the DIUS commitment to commission research in early 2008 as a step in the right direction as the dialogue continues, stating:
“We are confident in the work we do as a sector and that we offer excellent value for money as places where our nation’s children, students, teachers, families and others can be truly inspired by science, spending time together with professionals engaging in science in its widest context.”
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 3
Government Science and Society Consultation
On behalf of the sector, Ecsite-uk has been asked to take part in the consultation to develop the new science and society strategy along with other STEM providers.
Both Nick Winterbotham (Ecsite-uk Chair) and Penny Fidler will take part, and will keep you updated on the progress.
Next month we will also meet with Ian Pearson, the Minister for Science and Innovation.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 4
DIUS-funded Enrichment Activities
A year ago the DIUS funded 14 science centres approximately £50,000 each to take part in five collaborative pilot projects; engaging adults and many thousands of children with the wonders of science right across England and Wales.
The projects have been a huge success producing new partnerships, collaborations and funding opportunities for all involved, as well as engaging new audiences for each centre. All of which ensures the project will have effects that extend long beyond this funding provision.
Science Centre Enrichment Activities page
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 5
2008 Membership fees
To centralise our financial management, the membership fee invoicing will now be handled by our generous hosts, the BA.
There will be a 3% increase in membership fees from last year and 2008 membership fees are as follows:
Full membership: 1410 Euros (~£1010)
Sustaining membership 705 Euros (~£505)
Associate membership 340 Euros (~£243)
Remember, this fee is for membership of both Ecsite-uk and Ecsite Europe.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 6
Wellcome Trust Impact Assessment
This Wellcome Trust summary reveals the findings from the impact assessment of five Trust funded millennium science centres on public engagement with science and science education. The study’s overall objectives were to look at how science centres promoted public engagement with science in a defined number of ways.
The Executive summary of The Millennium Science Centres impact assessment report (PDF) can be found on our website.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 7
Ecsite-uk meet with the LHC Promotion Advisory Group
The LHC (Large Hadron Collider) is an international project in which the UK has a leading role. Based at CERN in Geneva, this 27km particle accelerator is one of the world’s largest experiments and is asking some very big questions about the nature of the universe we live in.
The LHC Promotion Advisory Group (LPAG) has been set up with funding from STFC to bring news of this exciting experiment to a public audience. Hence, LPAG invited Ecsite-uk to their most recent meeting in London at the end of 2007 to explore how they could engage science centres in their mission.
Particle Physics Groups across the UK are keen to build relationships with their local science sentres in order to create opportunities for promoting dialogue between their research scientists and family or school audiences.
The LHC is due to go live in Summer 08, with initial results expected early in 2009.
For more information on the LHC visit www.lhc.ac.uk, or to get involved with LPAG contact Dr. Penny Fidler at Ecsite-uk, penny.fidler@sciencecentres.org.uk.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 8
Royal Society Prizes for Science Books 2008
Does your science centre or museum have a regular club for young people? Would they like to form a Junior Judging Panel for the Royal Society Prizes for Science Books? Ecsite-uk is seeking 75 judging panels to select the winner of this prestigious prize. The panels will receive a copy of the books, a judging pack and thank you certificates.
For more information on the prizes visit http://royalsociety.org/sciencebooks and to register your interest visit royalsociety.org/survey/juniorjudgingpanels
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 9
The UK Marketing and PR Forum for Science Centres
Watch this space … news about this event to follow shortly on the Ecsite-uk website!
NEWS FROM ECSITE EUROPE
Ecsite Annual Conference 2008
This is a reminder that the Ecsite Annual Conference will take place from 29 - 31 May 2008, and will be hosted by the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary.
The central focus of the conference will be to investigate the commitment of science centres and museums for a sustainable society. Discussions will include our role, our actions, and our impact in the coming decades.
Registration for the Ecsite conference opens on 14 February, and Early Bird registration closes on 15 March 2008.
For forthcoming announcements visit the Ecsite conference website: www.ecsite-conference.net, or contact the Ecsite Executive Office at: info@ecsite.net.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 1
Institute of Physics' Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2008
Round 2
Are you a great communicator? Do you have a fantastic idea for making physics accessible? Can you inspire other people with your enthusiasm? Do you need some support to make your outreach activity happen?
If you answered yes to all these questions, then why not apply for a Public Engagement Grant from the Institute of Physics? The grants are worth up to £1,000 and aim to support physics-based outreach activities throughout 2008.
Closing date: 2 May 2008.
Application forms and guidelines for the grant scheme are available online at www.iop.org/activity/outreach
or email physics.society@iop.org.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 2
Learning Outside the Classroom
The Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto is gathering momentum as we enter 2008. The more organisations and individuals that sign up to this and/or make a pledge to the Manifesto, the greater the impact it will have on young people's learning.
All who support LOtC are invited to endorse the campaign by signing the Manifesto and joining the Manifesto Partnership – the coalition of organisations working together to support and provide high quality LOtC experiences for young people. Go to: www.teachernet.gov.uk/ teachingandlearning/ resourcematerials/ outsideclassroom
Ecsite-uk represents the sector on two LOtC working groups: heritage and the natural environment.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 3
Futurelab Ideas Incubator
Futurelab needs your ideas to support learning outside school!
Futurelab opened its Ideas Incubator in January to help find new ideas to support learning outside school. Successful submissions to the scheme will receive a range of expert support and funding to develop their idea further.
Every day young people develop their skills and knowledge in activities outside of school - whether with family, friends and online communities, or by taking part in formal and informal activities at clubs and community groups, or as part of a hobby. Only 15% of children's time is spent in school so Futurelab are looking for ideas to support and showcase the learning that takes place in the other 85%.
Ideas Incubator is open from 21 January until 29 February 2008.
For further information, go to: www.futurelab.org.uk/ideas
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 4
National Science and Engineering Week
The planning for National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW), which runs from the 7 – 16 March 2008, is well underway and a prime opportunity for science centres to promote their programmes and events!
Enter your events on the online programme now
Throughout NSEW, thousands of people use the BA’s online events system to look for events, activities, shows and exhibitions to attend. The programme is also used to highlight events for national and regional press and media enquiries. www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/nsew/
Make sure your events don’t miss out by registering them online at www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/nsew/
Free marketing materials available
The BA now has a range of marketing materials available to help promote your event(s) as part of NSEW. For more information about the materials email nsew@the-ba.net or call 020 7019 4963/37.
Can YOU help answer the Big Questions?
As part of NSEW this year, the BA is currently challenging the public to pose the most difficult, profound and perplexing questions about science and engineering. During the week, they will be answering a range of these questions online and in a series of live events across the UK.
[archived page - link removed]
How you can get involved?
1) Can you help us promote the Big Questions project by either including some text in a newsletter, linking to the webpage, or by asking your visitors for questions?
2) If you have expertise in a field of science or engineering and could help us answer some of the questions posed by the public, the BA would like to hear from you! It shouldn’t take much of your time and is a great way to communicate science or engineering to the public, participate in the week and get your name up on our NSEW website!
If anyone can help with either of these things, please contact the BA on nsew@the-ba.net or by calling 020 7019 4937/63
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS 1
Scottish Seabird Centre events
The Scottish Seabird Centre has a number of exciting events and exhibitions planned for the start of 2008.
These include the Nature of Britain Photography and the Ferocious and Feathered Exhibitions.
For a full list of events go to:
www.seabird.org/events.asp
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS 2
Mapland Scotland
The launch of a giant walkover jigsaw map of Scotland took place at Our Dynamic Earth this January.
Mapland Scotland is a 167 piece jigsaw that is approximately the size of a badminton court (15m by 8m). The aim is to use the giant puzzle as part of hands-on interactive educational programmes in schools and with other audiences.
RESOURCES
FREE magazine on innovation in education
VISION is Futurelab’s bi-annual magazine that offers possible visions of the future of learning using digital technologies. The latest edition contains articles on subjects ranging from Every Child Matters and children as teachers to digital exclusion and assessment.
Copies are available to download from www.futurelab.org.uk/vision
To receive a hard copy of the magazine join the VISION mailing list at: www.futurelab.org.uk/subscribe.php
NEW SECTION: VITAL STATISTICS
A level entry figures
Each month we’ll include statistics or evidence that might help you build your case in fundraising proposals or for background for press and PR. Please send us any statistics you think the sector would benefit from knowing, with references or source.
These are the latest figures for A level science entries by young people in England in 2007.
| Subject | Entries in 2007 |
|---|---|
| Biology |
46,883
|
| Chemistry |
35,145
|
| Physics |
23,932
|
| Other Sciences |
3,926
|
| Psychology |
48,670
|
| Mathematics |
53,460
|
| Further mathematics |
7,258
|
Ref: www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/contents.shtml
DIARY DATES
Communicating the Beauty of Science
Edinburgh: 25 – 30 March
Communicating the Beauty of Science is a five-day residential science communication seminar organised by the British Council and directed by Quentin Cooper. The event is aimed primarily at an international audience of science communicators; however, a limited number of places are open to UK participants.
For further information, including an application form, please visit:
www.britishcouncil.org/seminars-science-0710.htm
or e-mail: BCV-Department@britishcouncil.org
Wellcome Trust Grants workshops
April - September 2008
Engaging Science is a grants programme - upcoming free grants workshops:
- Liverpool on Thursday 10 April 2008 (venue tbc)
- Bristol on Thursday 3 July 2008 (venue tbc)
- York on Thursday 18 September 2008 (venue tbc)
Please email engagingscienceworkshops@wellcome.ac.uk if you would like to attend a workshop, stating which one you are interested in attending.
You will find further information on our Engaging Science grant schemes at
www.wellcome.ac.uk/engagingscience
Adult Learners’ Week 2008
17 – 23 May
Adult Learners’ Week (ALW) is the UK’s largest celebration of learning. A new ALW website will be launched shortly, but further details about the campaign can currently be found at: www.niace.org.uk/alw/2008
Science Communication Conference
London: 19 – 20 May
The 2008 Science Communication Conference will take place on 19 and 20 May at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place, London.
Further details including conference strands, the draft programme and an online booking form will be available in early 2008.
To sign up for an e-lert please visit the conference webpages at:
britishscienceassociation.org
5th Science Centre World Congress
Ontario Science Centre, Toronto: 15 – 20 June
Registration for the 5th Science Centre World Congress is now open.
Visit www.5scwc.org to find out more.
Science and the Public Conference
Manchester: 21 – 22 June
The third annual conference on Science and the Public will take place on 21 and 22 June 2008, hosted by the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM) at the University of Manchester.
Call for papers - all submissions should be emailed to scienceandpublic@googlemail.com by Friday 14 March 2008. Any enquiries should also be sent to this e-mail address.
For further information about the conference please visit:
www.chstm.manchester.ac.uk/ newsandevents/conferences/ scienceandthepublic/
BIG Event
Techniquest@NEWI, Wrexham: 23 – 25 July
The BIG Event offers a great opportunity for people working with interactivity to meet, discuss and show off their latest work.
Join exhibit developers, performers, science centre and museum staff from across the world in the Event’s unique mix of thought-provoking conference sessions, entertaining live science shows and off the wall events, including the famous Best Demo competition.
For more information about the event and registrations details visit:
www.big.uk.com/events/
Ecsite-uk
Dr Louise Webb
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
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