Publications promote science careers

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 27, 2008

The absence of a single point of reference and a consistent approach to STEM promotions creates confusion and frustration within the education community.

The science, technology, engineering and maths communities were challenged to take part in a project designed to help teachers and lecturers across the UK encourage the next generation of young scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

The STEM Directories project was launched in London at the STEM Partnership conference, chaired by Lord Sainsbury, former Science Minister.

The STEM Directories, to be published in September, follow the path of The Royal Academy of Engineering's Shape the Future Directory.

They will provide a source of schemes and activities, to be published in a suite of three separate, printed directories - Science, Mathematics and Engineering and Technology.

"We're fortunate in the UK to have an extraordinary range of schemes and activities which have as their aim the support and improvement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in schools and colleges".

"They cover all aspects of STEM, from primary to upper secondary and beyond and range from competitions and master classes to clubs and events".

"I certainly believe that they can lead to memorable and positive experiences of STEM for young people across the country" said Dr Gail Cardew, Head of Programmes for The Royal Institution of Great Britain (The RI).

The RI, The British Association for the Advancement of Science (the BA) and the University of the West of England (UWE) are the three organisations running the project, along with strategic leadership from major players in the STEM community: The Royal Academy of Engineering, SCORE, ACME and STEMNET.

This wealth of resources is, however, compromised by a lack of effective communication.

Many of the activities are generally unknown to schools and colleges across the UK.

The absence of a single point of reference and a consistent approach on the part of providers of these schemes and activities, coupled with the sheer scale and variety of provision, creates confusion and frustration within the education community.

Recent consultation has shown that heads and managers in schools and colleges want a one-stop shop approach, clear co-ordination and signposting of support and resources and events that cannot be delivered with school contacts.

Schools also want ways to tie these events to the curriculum so that the impact and outcomes can be sustained.

"We're delighted to work with all STEM providers of schemes and activities across the country and are issuing an open invitation to them to take part in the project this week", said Juliet Upton, STEM Directories Project Manager".

"The online database is now open".

"By completing a questionnaire, your entry will be assessed against criteria created by the strategic partners in the project - The Royal Academy of Engineering, SCORE, ACME and STEMNET".

"If successful, you'll join other effective schemes and be promoted to teachers and lecturers across the country in a major campaign from September onwards".

The closing date for entry to the database is Monday 16th June and providers are also being offered the opportunity to win an iPod by recommending a relevant STEM provider.