Your guide to key STEM events in the region and throughout the UK.
STEMNET and the Paralympic Torch Relay Team are challenging 11-14 year olds to create a spark to light the Paralympic Flame by the energy of human endeavour.
The top 8 teams from across the UK will be selected to compete in the National Final on Saturday 17th March 2012 at The Big Bang: UK Science and Engineering Fair at the NEC in Birmingham.
Teams of 3 to 6 young people working together are challenged to design and build a radio controlled 4-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicle, to set specifications, that can successfully negotiate a series of obstacles and tasks. The vehicles will be tested on a specially designed test track that emulates real life and what a full scale 4x4 vehicle can do. Teams entering the challenge will spend a number of weeks designing, researching, building and project managing their 4x4 vehicle to enter it into a regional heat to compete against other schools from their area. Regional winners will be selected through a judging process to go through to the national final in March 2012.
Maybe you're a teacher with a great idea for a science project? Or perhaps a scientist or an engineer who would like to be more involved with your local school? The Royal Society's Partnership Grants scheme could be just what you're looking for.
The scheme offers up to £3000 to support teachers, scientists and engineers like you in working together to inspire young people. Fantastic projects can be created by partnerships like these, allowing teachers to increase their scientific knowledge and giving scientists and engineers the chance to develop their communication skills and engage with enquiring young minds. Perhaps most importantly, these projects give school students a taste of science and engineering today, and their relevance for society.
Spring round open 3rd January to 24th February 2012