September 2004
Contents
PPARC funding for science centres
Star tracking exhibition for sale
Interactive and flexible, off the shelf…
Making the Modern World online
Diary Dates: Ecsite-uk AGM; Ecsite Annual Conference
NEWS FROM THE Ecsite-uk OFFICE
Sharing shows
Ecsite-uk is facilitating the sharing of science shows and demonstrations between centres and practitioners in the UK. The show resources include all the materials needed to allow you to produce your own show.
Two sets of show resources are now available at:
[archived link - may not work] www.ecsite-uk.net/resources
Noses Are Red
A show about allergies and the immune system, written and developed by W5, Belfast.
Sweet Science Show, Chocolate Factory and Explozone live science area
A show and suite of event activities, written and developed by Life Science Centre, Newcastle.
If you have a show to share, please contact:
[archived link - may not work] www.ecsite-uk.net/contact
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
PPARC funding for science centres
Members may like to know of the Small and Large Awards Schemes for communications projects, run by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council. Projects need to include some aspect of our science or technology areas, ie astronomy, space science, solar-system, cosmology, and high-energy particle physics.
SMALL AWARDS SCHEME
The next closing dates are 10 October 2004 [funding results by end Nov] and 10 April 2005. Anyone can apply, for sums of £500 - £15k per project. Applications for projects that address 11-16 year olds or their influencers, and non-traditional audiences are welcome; as are timely and topical applications relevant to current science projects or major communications 'themes' such as Einstein Year. Note that the upper limit has been increased from £10k to £15k.
LARGE AWARDS SCHEME
PPARC will run a 2004 round as a two-stage process. The likely Stage 1 closing date will be 5 November 2004, with shortlisting early Dec and funding results at end Feb 2005. Anyone can apply, for sums of £15k - £100k, but project teams must demonstrate clear and excellent links with the research community. Partnerships eg between science centres, researchers, secondary-level educationalists, media companies, etc are encouraged.
Application materials for both schemes are at
[archived link - may not work] www.pparc.ac.uk/Rs/Fs/Pu/funds.asp (where there are examples of
previous funded projects).
Contact Malcolm.Booy@pparc.ac.uk at PPARC, Tel 01793 442098 for more information.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
Star tracking exhibition for sale
This exhibition on astronomy through the ages uses photographs, working models and replica equipment. It will appeal to children and adults and covers navigation, the use and construction of sundials, understanding tides, measuring latitude and longitude and the changing phases of the moon.
The exhibition requires a minimum clear floor area of 350sqft. The layout is flexible as panels can be arranged in 3 or 4 way combinations. Power requirements are 6 x 13amp sockets, extension leads and cable protectors may also be required. Available for purchase for £2,000 ONO, own collection required.
For more information and images contact Stephen Lowy on 01245 244612 or Stephen.lowy@essexcc.gov.uk
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
Interactive and flexible off the shelf…
OptiMusic Ltd have developed a unique interactive switching system controlled by 'breaking' beams of light, where visitors and staff activate audio, video, lighting, relay and other digital applications in all real-time!
The system comprises: OptiBeams - interactive light units, control hardware and a very user-friendly software that offers the flexibility of updating exhibit content in-house. It takes no floor space as the lights are typically suspended from above in any desired shape and location, leaving the floor free from obstructions.
Most systems are available for delivery within 2 - 4 weeks.
OptiMusic offers a fun experience for children of all ages, adding a wow factor to any exhibition. Can be used as a teaching aid, a challenging game, a musical experience and more. It stimulates, empowers and encourages physical activity, while also promoting inclusion of those with special needs. The system can be used as a permanent or temporary exhibit either with or without explainers.
For further details please contact mishka@optimusic.com
Or visit [archived link - may not work] www.optimusic.com
RESOURCE
Making the Modern World online
[archived link - may not work] 
www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk is a pioneering e-learning publication and carries powerful stories about science and invention from the eighteenth century to modern day, looking at how innovations have impacted our everyday lives.
www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk has been developed through a unique collaboration between mwr, Peter Symonds College and the Science Museum which brought together the digital publishing and design experience of mwr with expertise of skilled teachers and curators. It uses pioneering multimedia and animation techniques and is one of the biggest and most advanced e-learning publications in the UK:
- Over 3,000 images
- Over 400 objects from everyday life
- Over 225 biographies
- Over 100 icons from the Science Museum's gallery
- 19 learning modules with over 150 interactive activities
- 25 stories with over 80 rich media and 120 text and image scenes
- 8 guided tours
- 9 multimedia personal accounts
[archived link - may not work] www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Glasgow Tower turns!
The Glasgow Tower, a 100m high aerofoil incorporating a viewing platform at the summit, is the world's first structure to rotate through 360 degrees. It also has in-built sensors to detect changes in the wind and ensure that the Tower turns to point directly into the wind. But it was only open for 30 days before it had to be shutdown in March 2002, when the main bearing, the size of a coffee table, on which it rotates, failed.
Now the bearing's been replaced and the tower is open and turning again! On a clear day, visitors can see for about 20 miles from the top.
CEO Brian Weddell says he hopes Glaswegians will take the tower to heart as Parisians have the Eiffel Tower and people in Sydney the Opera House!
[archived link - may not work] www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
DIARY DATES
Ecsite-uk AGM
8 September, Plymouth, 10am thru lunch
This year's AGM is hosted by the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, a hop-skip-jump from the campus of Exeter University where this year's BA Festival of Science will be held.
Our meeting in Plymouth will combine essential AGM business with an examination and discussion of opportunities for sector-wide collaboration - informed by the Government Spending Review (announced 12 July) and the new OST Grant Scheme, 'Sciencewise' (formally launched by Lord Sainsbury at the BA Festival of Science on 6th September at Exeter University).
Details and registration at www.ecsite-uk.net/agm [archived page- link removed]
BA Festival of Science details at www.the-ba.net
Ecsite Annual Conference
4-6 November, Barcelona
The Ecsite Annual Conference 2004 will be held in the new Museu de la Ciència de la Fundació "la Caixa" opening in September 2004 - a perfect opportunity to discover a brand new building!
The conference is preceded by a two-day workshop (2-3 November): 'Informal Education Workshop - Schools and Museums: designing for a difference.' The workshop will include the official launch of NUCLEUS - the new European Science Education Initiative consortium.[archived link - may not work] 
For details of the workshop and the conference, visit [archived link - may not work] www.ecsite.net and contact Michaël Renvillard, Conference Manager, mrenvillard@ecsite.net
Ecsite-uk
Dr Melanie Quin, Executive Director Ecsite-uk: the Science and Discovery Centre Network
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