Tag: STEM subjects

Thales Alenia Space launches MARSBalloon 2024

Thales Alenia Space, a joint-venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), harness students’ curiosity for space, science and life on Mars with the launch of MARSBalloon 2024.

Led by Thales Alenia Space graduates and apprentices in the UK, MARSBalloon is a hands-on science project for primary and secondary students and shows how exciting and varied career opportunities in space, engineering and science can be – without putting on a space suit.

Students work together to create experiments to test the response of electronics, materials, plants and even food to the harsh conditions in space.

Experiments fit inside a small capsule and fly on the high altitude balloon, rising to an altitude of 30km, more than twice the height of commercial airliners where conditions are very similar to the surface of Mars – including temperatures of -50°C and pressures 1/100th that of sea level.

This year’s MARSBalloon will also have a competitive element, with prizes awarded for primary and secondary categories for Best Innovation, Best Decoration, Engineers Choice and VIP Judge’s Choice award.

The deadline for registration is 8th March 2024 with the launch of the balloon in May.

Teachers can find out more about the MARSBalloon and download the information pack here: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/futuremartians

Key dates for this year’s MARSBalloon:

  • 8th March: Last day for Registration. The process take five minutes and can be done here.
  • 30th April: Deadline for experiment delivery to Thales Alenia Space
  • May / June: MARSBalloon launch (depending on weather conditions)

Ballymacash Primary school has already signed up. Primary teacher, Susan Brown, said: “We are so excited to be involved in such an amazing activity. The students can’t wait to start dreaming up their own experiments.

“We’re looking forward to having our very own MARSBalloon workshop in March – so watch this space to see what the children come up with!”

Drashti Shah, Thales Alenia Space Engineer and MARSBalloon Project Manager, said: “We are delighted to have launched MARSBalloon 2024. We had a record number of participants last year, flying over 200 experiments into the stratosphere, and this year we have changed the dates to allow more schools to get involved. I

“t is a fantastic fun, free of charge that really gives young student experience of deigning their own experiments and first-hand experience learning more about space, widening their future career horizons”

Visit thalesgroup.com/futuremartians to sign up.

About Thales Alenia Space:

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures.

Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth.

A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 2.2 billion euros in 2022 and has around 8,500 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US.

To find out more about MARSBalloon, visit www.thalesgroup.com/en/futuremartians.

Schools STEM event success

Over 2,500 pupils got an invaluable insight into STEM-based careers thanks to Edinburgh Science’s annual schools event

Soon to celebrate 10 years, just-finished Careers Hive 2023 is hailed as a huge success with over 2,500 pupils from secondary schools all across the central belt visiting National Museum of Scotland to get hands-on with science.

They heard from young STEM professionals about their careers – and sometimes more unusual paths to their dream jobs – and took part in various workshops and activities, including performing keyhole surgery, assembling a model of a space satellite, programming a robot or insulating a home.

Initially developed in 2016, Careers Hive inspires S1-S3 pupils to pursue a STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and maths) career through hands-on activities, discussions with STEM professionals and workshops to equip them with skills and confidence to progress in their chosen field. 

Careers Hive addresses the problem of young people not choosing STEM subjects by encouraging and showcasing where they will lead.

A teacher participating in Careers Hive said: “One pupil told me as we entered the Museum: ‘to be honest, I’m here for the day out of school’. Come the end of the visit, he was telling me which STEM careers he was interested in, and how the event changed his perceptions about STEM!

“It opened all the pupils’ eyes to the wider range of STEM jobs rather than just a scientist or an engineer.”

Careers Hive is supported by a range of funders, please see below for a full list for 2023. Edinburgh Science Learning projects reach around 35,000 people every year.

Mark your calendars:

Careers Hive is back in 2024 at the National Museum of Scotland for schools between Monday 28 October and Friday 1 November with the Public Open Day on Saturday, 2 November.

If your school is interested in attending in 2024, please contact:

careershive@scifest.co.uk.

Edinburgh Science’s Careers Hive returns next week

Assemble a space satellite or perform a surgery: Edinburgh Science addresses the problem of pupils not choosing STEM subjects by getting them hands-on with science

Schools only 6 – 10 November

Public Open Day on Sat 11 November

www.sciencefestival.co.uk

#CareersHive

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Edinburgh Science is pleased to announce the return of its annual Careers Hive, a week-long free schools event with a Public Open Day on Saturday, 11 November.

Initially developed in 2016, Careers Hive inspires S1-S3 pupils to pursue a STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and maths) career through hands-on activities, discussions with STEM professionals and workshops to equip them with skills and confidence to progress in their chosen field. Careers Hive addresses the problem of young people not choosing STEM subjects by encouraging and showcasing where they will lead.

Between 6 and 10 of November at the National Museum of Scotland, Careers Hive can be accessed by pre-booked school groups only with a Public Open Day on Saturday, 11 November.

Thursday will also see the return of Teacher CLPL (Career Long Professional Learning) Session which will provide activity ideas and discussions to take back to the classroom. The session is free to attend for any educators (e.g. teachers, youth group leaders) and doesn’t require them to have attended Careers Hive itself to benefit from.

Pupils will be able to experience:

  • Grand Gallery Interactive Exhibition with four themed zones where they engage with STEM professional and try out different hands-on activities related to real jobs, e.g. perform a keyhole surgery, insulate a house, build a robot or assemble a model of a space satellite.
  • Panel Discussions in the Auditorium during which they hear from STEM professionals about their education and career stories;
  • Workshop in the Learning Centre where they explore how the skills and interests they are developing at school help them face the challenges in the future.

This year’s speakers include an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer Laura Young aka Less Waste Laura who started, and continues to lead, the campaign to see single-use disposable vapes banned across Scotland and the UK;

Zoe Clark, Mission Manager within launch team for Spire Global, a space company harnessing the world’s largest constellation of 100+ multipurpose satellites collecting data to enable organisations to make smarter, better, faster decisions in a rapidly changing world impacted by climate change.

Zoe started at Spire Global through an apprenticeship programme, working alongside attending college and is very passionate about inspiring young minds to pursue a career in STEM;

Documentary director, tv presenter and wildlife photographer Libby Penman whose new documentary Back from the Brink, showcasing the amazing work of conservationists fighting to save wildlife across Europe, is now available on BBC iPlayer.

Laura McLister, Head of Learning at Edinburgh Science said: “Our world is facing some of its toughest challenges yet and whether it is tackling the climate emergency, harnessing the capabilities of AI or responding to global health crises, skills in STEM have never been so useful.

“However, despite so many inspiring opportunities out there many young people believe STEM subjects and jobs are not for them. Careers Hive challenges this perception head on.  

“Over 2,500 young people from across Scotland will visit the National Museum of Scotland where we will help them discover what a job in STEM really entails and share the incredible opportunities that exist if they continue to study STEM topics at school.

“Aimed at inspiring the next generation of problem solvers, Careers Hive offers a unique chance for S1–S3 pupils to try hands on activities and speak directly to career professionals working in STEM industries, who will showcase some of the fascinating jobs available and inspire the young people to think about what problems they want to solve to help build a better world.”

A teacher participating in Careers Hive said: “One pupil told me as we entered the Museum ‘to be honest, I’m here for the day out of school’.

“Come the end of the visit, he was telling me which STEM careers he was interested in, and how the event changed his perceptions about STEM. It opened all the pupils’ eyes to the wider range of STEM jobs rather than just a scientist or an engineer.”

Careers Hive is supported by a range of funders.

Edinburgh Science Learning projects reach around 60,000 people every year.

Empowering the future of medical research

MEDICAL RESEARCH SCOTLAND INSPIRES OVER 1,400 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH LIVE-STREAMED EVENTS

Medical Research Scotland, Scotland’s largest independent medical research charity, has helped over 1,400 young people across Scotland connect with the country’s leading scientists and academics to learn about further education and careers in medical science.  

The Medical Research Scotland virtual academy has had a significant impact on the education and career prospects of pupils across Scotland. With participation from over 1,400 students from 36 schools spanning from Aberdeen to the Scottish Borders, the academy has successfully engaged students with an interest in STEM subjects. The primary goal for the academy is to address the shortage of STEM skills in Scotland by providing students with interactive experience and exposure to medical research. 

S4, S5 & S6 pupils from schools across Scotland joined each Friday morning for a month of live streamed weekly interactive lessons, which were broadcasted straight to their science classrooms, allowing pupils to watch from the comfort of their own learning environments. Throughout the course, students were treated to a range of inspiring and insightful presentations from scientists, lecturers, and PhD students whose studies were funded by Medical Research Scotland.  

The academy is a free tool that was delivered virtually and is also available to be streamed on demand making it a versatile resource that can be utilised throughout teaching schedules.

One school that benefitted from the Medical Research Scotland Academy virtual webinar series was James Gillespie’s High School in Edinburgh.

Pupils here gained the opportunity to learn about medical research into viruses, pharmaceuticals, how medical research was an integral part of combatting the global pandemic and much more from previous and present PhD students from the University of St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Dundee.  

Iain Coltart, Head of Science at James Gillespie’s High School, said: “I am thrilled to see the incredible impact of the Medical Research Scotland Academy on our pupils.

“Through this programme, our students have gained invaluable insights into cutting-edge medical research, engaging with leading experts in the field and deepening their understanding of scientific concepts.  

“The learning experience and exposure to real-world medical research has ignited their passion for science. We are grateful for this unique opportunity that has empowered our students and inspired them to pursue careers in the field of medical research.” 

Professor Heather Wallace, Chair of Medical Research Scotland, said: “As Chair of Medical Research Scotland, I take pride in Scotland’s rich heritage of producing world-class research scientists who have made ground-breaking discoveries and contributed to global health advancements.  

“The goal of the Medical Research Scotland Academy is to inspire and foster connections between the next generation of aspiring medical professionals and valued academics in Scotland. We have witnessed the immense enthusiasm for medical science among school leavers from various schools across the country, and it is truly gratifying to see.” 

Medical Research Scotland is dedicated to advancing health in Scotland and beyond through the support of cutting-edge research aimed at enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.  

To join us in our mission, please visit our website at: 

medicalresearchscotland.org.uk 

and explore ways to contribute. 

If you would like to view this year’s Medical Research Scotland academy webinars, please visit: medicalresearchscotland.org.uk.  

Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

Disadvantages as a result of deprivation, gender and rurality need to be addressed to improve learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to a new Holyrood committee report. Continue reading Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

Scottish students gain STEM Skills Experience with TCS’ Digital Explorers

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation, announced that it engaged more than 900 Scottish pupils from over 20 schools in Lothians, Central, Strathclyde and Fife, in its renowned Digital Explorers Programme.

At the event, students aged 11-18, were joined by a host of volunteers from TCS and Lloyds Banking Group, as well as special guest, Minister for Public Finance & Digital Economy and MSP, Kate Forbes. Continue reading Scottish students gain STEM Skills Experience with TCS’ Digital Explorers