Sentinus Christmas 2014 Newsletter[1]
Transcription
Sentinus Christmas 2014 Newsletter[1]
STEM in Action Merry Christmas Design by Bethany Wallace (Age 10) Congratulations to Bethany Wallace who has brought Santa right up to date with her ideas on how science can help him deliver all those presents. Spare a thought for poor old Rudolph though, who is being retired to Hawaii! As overall winner of our Christmas card competition, Bethany wins an iPad Mini for her school. Another year is drawing to a close and the Christmas festivities will soon be upon us. As we look back at 2014, surely one of the most amazing science and engineering achievements of the year was that the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission managed to land a probe on a comet, ten years after leaving Earth’s atmosphere. Sentinus Building 19a Ballinderry Road Lisburn, Co Antrim BT28 2SA T: F: E: W: from from Christmas 2014 Sentinus Edwards Primary School, Castlederg Meanwhile, back on our own planet, the Ebola virus threatens to spread across the globe, climate change gathers pace, species loss continues at unprecedented rates, antibiotic resistance poses a threat to human health. These, and countless other challenges, are what inspire young people to become our scientists and engineers of the future. It is, therefore, imperative, even in these times of budgetary constraint, that we continue to engage them in exciting and rewarding programmes to promote STEM and nurture the next generation of problem solvers. Sentinus would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and hope that 2015 will bring you much joy and reward. 028 9262 7755 028 9262 7744 [email protected] www.sentinus.co.uk IT’s a Real Opportunity At a recent Sentinus breakfast briefing, held at Queen’s University’s Riddel Hall, young people heard about opportunities in the ICT sector. The sector is experiencing current skills shortages and projections for new jobs in the sector over the next five years are really significant. In the last year, Sentinus has been delivering the “IT’s Your Choice” programme to engage young people, from 9 – 17 years old, in hands on computer programming activity, as part of the Bring IT On campaign. Supported by the Department of Education, the Department for Employment & Learning and Invest NI, in its first six months the programme engaged more than 12,000 pupils, providing them with an opportunity to build coding skills using html, java and basic languages. Bill Connor, Chief Executive Sentinus said: “IT’s Your Choice aims to help address the current and future skills needs of the ICT sector in Northern Ireland by encouraging local companies to get involved with school children of all ages and to encourage more to pursue a career in ICT. The initiative provides local ICT companies with a platform to witness and encourage the innovation, talent and enthusiasm amongst students.” “The ICT industry has the potential to grow by almost 4% in Northern Ireland over the next decade, making the sector pivotal to our overall knowledge economy. We would appeal to ICT business leaders to show their support for the future success of the sector by becoming Sentinus ambassadors. Through interacting with school pupils and providing them with experience in hands-on computer programming and software development we are inspiring the next generation to consider career options in a growing industry.” PASSIONATE ABOUT SCIENCE? FAMELAB NEEDS YOU! nireland.britishcouncil.org If you think you can explain a concept in science, maths, engineering or technology in just three minutes, enter our Northern Ireland FameLab competition! Follow us on @famelabUK #famelab facebook.com/FameLabInternational Sentinus Smart Technology More than 120 trainee teachers and 2,000 primary school pupils throughout Northern Ireland to enhance teaching and learning in STEM. Sentinus’ Smart Technology programme, supported by the Department of Education, will reach almost 100 primary schools in 2015. Sentinus works closely with Stranmillis University College, St Mary’s University College and Ulster University to train student teachers to deliver a series of STEM workshops in the classroom, over several weeks. The focus of these workshops is electronic sensors and how these can be incorporated in wearable technology and programming of microbots to allow pupils to explore the world of computer coding. Smart Technology will conclude with a celebration day when schools will have an opportunity to display their work and participate in exciting STEM workshops and shows. Bill Connor, Chief Executive of Sentinus, said, “Smart Technology aims to engage young people in hands on, exciting STEM activities while, at the same time, developing the skills of both student and classroom teachers in the delivery of science and technology in the primary school. During its first three years it has been hugely successful and we hope to have even higher levels of participation in 2015.” To see the dancing penguins created by pupils involved last year please go to: www.sentinus.co.uk/programmes/smart-technology/ For further information please contact Sentinus. The Big Bang Near Me 2015 Sentinus is planning a series of Big Bang Near Me events to take place throughout Northern Ireland in 2015. These events will allow young people to be involved in the Big Bang at a local level, with the opportunity to progress to the Big Bang Northern Ireland Regional event at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on 23rd June, 2015. The Big Bang Near Me events will include: • • • • A series of 15 Inspire Me roadshows in schools; Ten Big Bang @ School events; A local Big Bang event in Ballymena, Derry and Belfast; Big Bang Northern Ireland Fair as part of Sentinus Young Innovators at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast. Each event will include displays of STEM project work, inspirational shows & workshops, careers activities and engagement from local business. Watch out for more details of these events in the New Year. Songs in your pocket MP3 players mean you can carry thousands of songs with you wherever you are. Just one example of how engineers are helping , , us to enjoy music, wherever whenever and and however we want. k now ? Did you illion 158.6 m In total, re acks we single tr 2010. itally in sold dig www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk RESEARCH IS KEY: Sentinus Projects Director Outlines How Biomedical Engineering Can Mean Global Opportunities DR ROCHELLE O’HARA, PROJECTS DIRECTOR, SENTINUS WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EDUCATIONAL / PROFESSIONAL ROUTE TO THIS POST? I studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ulster after which I decided to undertake a PhD at Queen’s University Belfast which focused on developing a treatment for traumatic spinal fractures. After graduating with my PhD I gained employment as a research and development engineer at Boston Scientific, Galway, working on the development of cardiovascular stents. My current role is as a Projects Director for Sentinus, where I am responsible for the creation, management and effective delivery of projects focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) enrichment and enhancement activities tailored to primary and post‑primary schools in Northern Ireland. WOULD YOU SAY THAT BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING REPRESENTS A GOOD CAREER? Absolutely, biomedical engineering gives you the the opportunity to not only work in the UK and Ireland, but also overseas for many well-established medical device companies. Companies at home and abroad typically offer competitive salaries that are comparable to those found in advanced life sciences and the pharmaceutical sector and offer holidays that accommodate a good work / life balance. These are also a diverse range of job opportunities available within the biomedical engineering sector, from product innovation and manufacturing, to project management and research and development. HOW DOES BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE? Having worked in the medical device industry, I have first‑hand experience of the opportunities and rewards available to young biomedical engineers. I get an immense amount of job satisfaction by providing engaging projects through the work of Sentinus that will enthuse and encourage the next generation of young engineers to pursue jobs in this exciting field of medical innovation and research, Moreover there is a perception that there are not as many jobs for women in engineering, which I find not to be the case. It is important that I can draw from my own personal experiences and successes within the field of bionedical engineering to help educate school-age girls in particular to the jobs available to them in all STEM industries. HOW DOES WHAT YOU DO IN STEM HELP THE SCHOOL GOING POPULATION? Sentinus works with every post-primary school and about 450 primary schools each year, and by linking with business and industry, the organisation supports classroom learning through engagement in activities which demonstrate the relevance of the STEM subjects in the work place. Ultimately we hope the STEM outreach we provice can develop and enhance the life skills of the young people involved. DID YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL IN MIND WHEN YOU CHOSE YOUR DEGREE? While studying at university, one of my op professors had a huge impact on my career. The late Proessor John Anderson was the co-founder of a very succesful local medical device company, HeartSine Technologies, who are the world leaders in the development of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) technology. He really opened my eyes to the potential of translating academic research into the development of a commercially available medical device. It always astounds me that we have such brilliant academic and business leaders in the field of engineering and medicine here in Northern Ireland that are not celebrated more often. WHAT DO YOU REALLY LIKE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I genuinely have a passion for the STEM subjects. I feel really lucky to have a job that not only lets me retain and develop my knowledge with the world of STEM, but that I can also encourage and enthuse the next generation of budding engineers and scientists. Not only are our programmes really fun and enjoyable for the pupils, but I also enjoy delivering them as well! CAN YOU SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE FUTURE JOB PROSPECTS IN YOUR INDUSTRY? Without a doubt we need more people with STEM related qualifications and the demand for such is increasing yearly. It is estimated that by 2020 the UK will require 830, 000 graduate level STEM experts and 450, 000 STEM technicians in order to meet demand from industry. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING TO YOUNG PEOPLE STARTING OUT ON THEIR CAREER? Most definitely. This degree provides its graduates with a range of personal, technical and professional skill-sets which will enable them to gain employment in a variety of engineering career paths. Biomedical engineering graduates can gain employment in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry, hospital trusts, government and regulatory agencies, and universities. OPAL is now in Northern Ireland! OPAL Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) is a community-focused education and research programme about the environment. The basic concept is to engage members of the public of all abilities in environmental research and outdoor learning, to inspire exploration and a better understanding of the places where people live and work. The OPAL project began in England in 2007, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and lead by Imperial College London in partnership with museums, Universities and environmental organisations. Fairview Primary School pupils participate in the Air Quality Survey in Ormeau Park, Belfast. Since 2007, over 850,000 people have carried out OPAL surveys. This level of engagement would not have been possible without the user-friendly survey packs that have been specifically designed by academics and researchers to assist ordinary people to carry out scientific research in their own neighbourhoods. In early 2014, the Field Studies Council and the School of Education, Queens University Belfast became delivery partners for OPAL in Northern Ireland. The key focus in Northern Ireland is to encourage Key Stage 3 pupils to complete surveys in or near their school grounds. OPAL employees are available to support schools to carry out these surveys and upload the data onto the National database. The survey topics include: Bugs count survey – which invertebrates are brave enough to live near human habitats? Tree health survey – carry out a tree health check, just what does tree disease look like? Biodiversity survey – just who eats what in your local hedgerows? Water survey – what lives in the local pond or stream and what does that tell us about water quality? Air survey – how clean is your air?, can you find any bio-indicators such as lichens or tar spots? Soil and earthworm survey – all you need to know about soil property and worm identification? Northern Ireland Curriculum Links • • • • • • • Scientific methods of enquiry – planning fieldwork, surveying, data recording and analysis Creative/critical thinking and spiritual awareness – development of wonder at the natural environment Develop a range of practical skills – spelling, numeracy, organisation and communication Environment and human influences – understanding of how we affect the environment Respect and cooperate with others – teamwork, organisation and cooperation Cross–curricular skills – numeracy, literacy, scientific knowledge and ICT Thinking skills and personal capabilities – problem solving, working with others and managing information. OPAL as part of the CREST programme It is possible to carry out one OPAL survey to earn a CREST Discovery Award. This will involve planning your survey including identifying a suitable site, carrying out the survey, uploading your data and completing the Crest Registration and Evaluation forms. In order to earn a CREST Bronze Award a student will need to carry out at least 5 surveys of their choice and complete the CREST Registration and Evaluation forms. To find out more about OPAL in Northern Ireland and what support we can offer you to carry out OPAL surveys in your school, please contact: Gretta McCarron at School of Education, Queen’s University Belfast 028 9097 1496 email: [email protected] or Anna Lavery, Field Studies Council at 074 1937 3968 email: [email protected] Partnerships for Excellence in Science and Engineering The Partnership Grants scheme is now open for applications for the Winter round. Schools can apply for up to £3000 to work with scientists and engineers on creative investigations that inspire students with the excitement and wonder of cutting-edge science or engineering research. Since 2000, the scheme has awarded over £1.3 million to 770 schools and colleges, and has ignited enthusiasm for science among young people across the UK. Funds are available for projects working with students aged between 5-18, as long as the project involves a UK school or college, and a practising scientist or engineer. The next round of applications closes on 5th February 2015. For more details about eligibility criteria and to find out how to apply via our online application system, go to https://royalsociety.org/education/partnership/ What are the benefits? A Partnership Grants project offers students the chance to get really ‘hands-on’ with science or engineering, and develop their practical and critical thinking skills whilst enhancing their scientific knowledge. “We find putting our science into the classroom, and bringing the school pupils out to see the science in action, tremendously rewarding. The kids ask fantastic questions, frequently challenging us on our ability to explain basic principles and often opening discussions on novel research topics.” - Professor Jonathan Sharples, Liverpool University Bringing a scientist or engineer into school can be a fantastic source of careers inspiration, and long-lasting partnerships such as these can benefit schools for years to come. Partnership Grant projects allow teachers to go beyond the curriculum, engage with cutting-edge research and access new equipment and skills. “As a teaching staff we recognise that we were incredibly lucky to have such experienced and passionate scientists come into our school to share their knowledge. I know that the scientists are passionate about their jobs and this is something that really came across.” - Claire Powell, Halton Community Combined School What can you apply for? Teachers, schools and their partner scientists and engineers from across the country have come up with a whole range of different projects that have captured the imagination of students. A Partnership Grants project is a real opportunity to exercise your creativity. Find project ideas by reading the case studies at: http://royalsociety.org/education/partnership/case-studies/ If you have a great idea for a project, but need help in finding a partner, then please contact us. Royal Society staff are happy to discuss ideas for projects, and can be reached at: [email protected] or by telephone on 0207 451 2574. Nomination Time for Generation Innovation - February 2015 Dear School/College, It is time to nominate two students to join us for the next Generation Innovation Night of Ambition, which is happening on Tuesday February 24 2015 (17:00 – 20:30) in Belfast. Generation Innovation (@GenInnovators) is run by NISP CONNECT, a non-profit organisation, supported by the Northern Ireland Science Park. We believe every young person in Northern Ireland, with talent and ambition, can make it big. Over the next 20 years our science and tech sector will need thousands of new people, with diverse talents. We are seeking those 16 – 17 year olds most likely to succeed in this new ‘knowledge economy’, regardless of their examination grades – be they engineers, scientists, gamers, App developers, programmers, designers or budding entrepreneurs. Why nominate students for Generation Innovation’s Night of Ambition? ● ● ● ● ● Attendees will hear from inspiring speakers (last year featured Jack Dorsey, co-founder, Twitter) Attendees will meet some of the most exciting entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland Alumni join an influential ‘Network of Ambition’ with links across Northern Ireland & beyond Alumni get opportunities to run events eg. Create:2014 (@Create2014Co) Schools/colleges become part of the Generation Innovation movement The Generation Innovation Night of Ambition is held to welcome new members, plus an accompanying parent/guardian. We now invite your team to nominate 1 - 2 young people to take part. Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday December 19 2014, with the names of your nominees, their favourite subjects and a few lines outlining the reasons for your nominations. We very much look forward to hearing from you, Claire Burgoyne, Generation Innovation (NISP CONNECT, Northern Ireland Science Park) 1