April 2005
Contents
Aventis Junior Prize judging, again!
National survey invites responses
sciZmic Space project seeks partners
'Science in Society' MORI survey published
New climate change CD-ROM from the Met Office and DfES
Awards UK-wide in the final round of ReDiscover grants
DIARY DATES: Science Communication Conference; Visitor Studies Group event; ECSITE annual conference
NEWS FROM THE ECSITE-UK OFFICE
Aventis Junior Prize judging, again!
For the fourth year, Ecsite-uk is assisting the Royal Society with the Junior Prize judging. We have selected a record 75 Junior Judging Panels across the UK to judge the six short-listed books. The overall winner, selected by the Judging Panels, will be announced on 12 May.
For more information about these prizes please visit www.aventisprizes.com [archived page - link removed]
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 1
National survey invites responses
The Centre for Studies in Science and Mathematics Education at the University of Leeds has been commissioned by NESTA (the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts) to conduct a survey of innovative projects in which students undertake scientific enquiries. The survey will contribute to the strategic planning of NESTA's Learning Programme, and provide a database to inform its support for work in this field, and potentially that of other funding bodies.
The focus of the project is on activity in which students are responsible for some elements of decision-making about key aspects of their work, such as aims, methods and outcomes. It is anticipated that a significant amount of activity of this kind occurs in connection with museums and science centres. Colleagues with knowledge about work of this kind are invited to contact the team with:
- a very brief indication of the type of activity, including a web address if appropriate
- the age range at which it is targeted
- a contact person whom we could approach for further information, as needed.
These details should be sent to Valerie Wood-Robinson, the Research Officer for the project: Valwoodrob@aol.com
or by post to: V. Wood-Robinson, CSSME, School of Education, University of Leeds, LEEDS LS2 9JT
Further information can be found at [archived link - may not work] www.education.leeds.ac.uk/research/cssme/projects.php?project=1&page=1
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 2
Finance Bill published
The Finance Bill with the new arrangements for Gift Aid has now been published. It can be viewed online by scrolling through the Act and related Notes.
The provisions are as expected, plus a helpful exemption for up to 5 Special Events days a year when the 'Annual free admission' version can be made invalid. This will enable eligible Charities that hold occasional events included with the normal admission price, to choose to exclude up to 5 such occasions annually.
Also, the related Benefits rules have been clearly specified.
The Finance Bill can be seen here (scroll to Clause 31 on Page 36):
[archived link - may not work] www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ cm200405/cmbills/092/2005092i.pdf
The Treasury/Inland Revenue Notes on the Finance Bill wording can be found here: (scroll down to Clause 31, on Page 22):
[archived link - may not work] www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/CFF/2D/finbill05_noteonclause_022-031.pdf
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 3
sciZmic Space project seeks partners
sciZmic space activities for Girlguiding UK
Following on from the 'Go For It! with sciZmic Science' project, Ecsite-uk, in partnership with Girlguiding UK, the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, and PPARC, is seeking 11 other partner science centres and museums to help develop and run space and astronomy Go For It! Challenge days for Guides.
The project will also include the development of resources and training for Guiders to help support the new Go For It! space and astronomy award and, subject to securing additional funding, the updating and relaunch of the Brownie Stargazer badge.
If you are interested in finding out more please contact Louise Webb louise@scizmic.net or on 07732 626771.
We are also interested to hear
- from science centres and museums that already run activities for Girlguiding UK members and other similar youth organisations
- about successful local/regional youth projects that you'd be interested in developing to reach nationwide.
Free sciZmic activity packs for Ecsite-uk members
Over the next few weeks all Ecsite-uk members should receive a free sciZmic activity pack, sent to their education department. These packs were developed for use by science and discovery clubs and contain activities aimed at 10-14 year olds. Some of these can also be found on the sciZmic website ([archived link - may not work] www.scizmic.net) along with some new challenges and project ideas. If you have any other activities that you would like us to add to the sciZmic site please let us know!
RESOURCE 1
'Science in Society' MORI survey published
Following the publication of a new MORI research report, Science in Society, more people now, currently over 80%, think science makes a good contribution to society and that science will makes our lives easier.
On 14 March, DTI Secretary of State, Patricia Hewitt said: 'The UK has an excellent history of scientific achievement but with only four in ten people feeling informed about science and 8 out of 10 supportive of public consultation, now is the time for greater engagement and dialogue. And the public is keen for consultation to be followed by action on the outcomes.'
For the summary and full report, see
[archived link - may not work] www.mori.com/polls/2004/ost.shtml
RESOURCE 2
New climate change CD-ROM from the Met Office and DfES
The interactive, multi-media CD-ROM, 'Life in a changing climate', available from April, forms part of the growing range of Met Office products that teach meteorological and climatological issues to various key stage groups. The full product range can be found at [archived link - may not work] www.metoffice.gov.uk/education
The CD-ROM, when used with suggested extension activities, is designed to meet the requirements of the Geography curriculum for GCSE, A2 and AS level. Elements of the Science, Environmental Science and Education for Sustainable Development curricula are also supported.
A wide range of climatological topics are covered, including Signals of Climate Change, Effects of Climate Change and Changes in UK Climate.
To order your free CD-ROM, simply ring 0870 900 0100 or e-mail education@metoffice.gov.uk quoting 'Climate Change CD-ROM'.
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Awards UK-wide in the final round of Rediscover grants
Grants were announced for projects totalling £7.3 million from Eden to Inspire, Dundee to Winchester.
Clare Matterson, Director of the Medicine, Society and History Division at the Wellcome Trust, said, 'This latest round of funding encompasses some of our oldest museums and most recent science centres, where the public are discovering that science can be presented in entertaining and innovative ways.
From established historical collections, started by Victorian entrepreneurs, to interactive hands-on exhibitions and living aquatic displays, Rediscover is helping children and adults engage with science in a way they will never forget.'
For details of grants awarded in this fourth and final funding round, see
[archived link - may not work] www.millennium.gov.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1713&d=11&h=24&f=46&dateformat= %25o-%25B-%25Y%20%20=%20Rediscover%20Rd4
DIARY DATES
Science Communication Conference
23-24 May, London
This year's theme is 'Creating Strategic Partnerships' and the conference will include sessions on:
- Progress on the 2004 Science Communication Conference strategy recommendations
- Innovative ways of working with the media
- How to reward and recognise scientists for science communication
- Creating strategic partnerships to take public engagement forward
- Government strategy for science in society
- Implementing science in society policy
- Effective dialogue
The conference is jointly organised by the BA and the Royal Society
The conference will also include a poster session to allow delegates to share information and ideas on current projects.
For draft programme and on-line registration see [archived link - may not work] www.the-ba.net/scicomm
Bookings will close on Friday 13 May.
Visitor Studies Group event
12 May, Liverpool
The VSG's 'Meaningful Measures' event will look at the significance of performance measurement in museums and how different methods of evaluation can contribute to effective performance monitoring and understanding audiences.
When? Thursday 12 May 2005, 10.30 -16.30
Where? The Walker Art Gallery, Rex Makin Lecture Theatre National Museums Liverpool
Who for?
- Anyone involved in responding to government or local authority performance indicators
- Anyone wanting to learn more about regular demographic visitor research
- Anyone wanting to learn more about non-visitor research
For more information, contact:
Kate Pontin 01784 257375 - KatePontin@aol.com
Françoise Phillips 0151 478 4559 - francoise.phillips@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Ecsite annual conference
10-12 June, Helsinki-Vantaa
From 2005 onwards, the Annual Conference will be not in November but in June, making northern venues far more attractive to delegates. Our first early-Summer host is Heureka, the Finnish science centre: [archived link - may not work] www.heureka.fi/portal/englanti
The second announcement, preliminary programme, and registration information are available at [archived link - may not work] www.ecsite.net
Ecsite-uk
Dr Melanie Quin, Executive Director
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
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