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News from the Ecsite-uk Office: Aventis Junior Book Prize judged; Database review
Developments in the sector: Connexions Card
Resources: the Roberts' report, 'SET for Success'
Diary dates: September 10th Ecsite-uk AGM; November 14-16th Ecsite annual conference
News from the Ecsite-uk Office: Aventis Junior Book Prize
announced
sciZmic clubs in 31 schools, science centres and libraries across the UK were
the junior judges for the AVENTIS PRIZES for Science Books 2002, announced on
25 June in a glitzy ceremony at the Science Museum.
The 340 junior judges decided that the DK Guide to the Human Body, by Richard
Walker, should win: "It's colourful, easy to understand and tells you loads
of things you never knew about your own body and other people's."
Get a feel for the sciZmic clubs project at ecsite-uk.net/projects/
Find out more about the Aventis book prizes (senior as well as junior) at www.aventissciencebookprizes.com/intro.htm
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Ecsite-uk database review
We are in the process of reviewing our database of members and e-Newsletter subscribers and would like to ask your consent for us to pass on your details to other carefully selected organisations that might be of interest to you from time to time, for the purpose of publicising events, conferences, launches etc.
Under the 1998 Data Protection Act we are required to obtain your consent before we can do this: therefore if you would like to receive information from other organisations with whom we work please reply to rfenton@science-project.org stating that you give permission for us to pass on your details to other science related bodies.... or to tell us "no thanks"!
As an incentive, there will be a prize draw of all those who have replied by end July 2002. The prize is Dorling Kindersley's brand new, glossy 'The Way Science Works'.
Developments in the sector: Connexions Card
The Connexions Card is part of the government's initiative to encourage young
people to continue in some form of learning after the age of 16. It is a smartcard,
available free of charge to every 16-19 year old in England. Cardholders can take
advantage of the Connexions Card Loyalty Scheme which gives them access to on-the-spot
discounts from local shops, outlets and attractions where the Connexions Card
logo is shown. The Card can also be used as Proof of Age, as it carries the cardholder's
name, photo and date of birth.
Cardholders in learning can earn points (at school, college or work-based training),
and trade the points for a variety of products and experiences via the Connexions
Card website: www.connexionscard.com [ archived link - may not be active ]
Recent Rewards have included VIP concert tickets, meet the players at sporting
events, and a wide range of high street products. SDCs might consider a variety
of promotions, depending on their marketing objectives - from raising science
awareness to developing social inclusion.
By participating in the Connexions Card Rewards and Loyalty schemes, you will
be in direct contact with the elusive 16-19 year old age group, and will benefit
from coverage on the Connexions Card website.
For further information, call free on 0808 172 5555.
Resources: Report of Sir Gareth Roberts' Review
Colin Johnson (Chair of Ecsite-uk) identifies the Roberts' Review in this month's
'Think Bubble'.
In March 2001, Sir Gareth Roberts was asked by the Chancellor of the Exchequer
and the Secretaries of State at the DTI and DfES to undertake a review into the
supply of science and engineering skills in the UK. The final report was published
on 15 April, setting out a series of recommendations to the Government, employers
and others with an interest in fostering science, engineering and innovation in
the UK. The Government is currently considering Sir Gareth's report and recommendations,
and it is likely that education will receive a massive cash boost over the next
three years.
Science and discovery centres can of course help Government to deliver educational
objectives: they make the best teachers even more effective, particularly when
backed by laboratory and workshop facilities (that are unavailable, and uneconomic
in individual schools).
The Roberts Report is at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/Documents/Enterprise_and_Productivity/Research_and_Enterprise/ent_res_roberts.cfm
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Diary dates:
September 10th Ecsite-uk AGM
Ecsite-uk will hold its AGM at the National Space Centre, Leicester, on 10 September. This is the week of the BA's Annual Festival (9-13 September), also in Leicester this year - an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone!
The Ecsite-uk meeting (12noon to 5pm) includes free entry to visit the National Space Centre; the AGM business; and a panel session to explore the role of theatre in science communication. The panel is chaired by Gillian Pearson, Oxford Trust, who led the Wellcome Trust's 'Science Centrestage' project in celebration of Science Year.
Check the BA Annual Festival programme and register at www.the-ba.net
Details of Ecsite-uk's AGM programme will be posted on www.ecsite-uk.net/events
Thinking and planning ahead: Ecsite's
2002 Annual Conference will be 14-16th November, at South Kensington
For details download the (pdf) preliminary announcement on www.ecsite.net
Or follow the link from www.ecsite-uk.net/news/events.html [ archived link - content
has moved ]
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