Dear Colleague Welcome to the first 2010 edition of the LSIS STEM Programme update. The intention is to use this ecast to keep you abreast of the latest STEM news and developments on a regular basis. If you have any comments and/or would like to share information with STEM colleagues in your region or indeed across the UK then please do not hesitate to contact us on info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 1 LSIS Cascading Professional Development Fund 2 STEM Programme Spring Network Meetings 3 STEM in Space Master Classes 4 STEM Brain Games Needs You 5 Thinking Through Mathematics 1 LSIS Cascading Professional Development Fund LSIS are pleased to invite bids from providers across the learning and skills sector for its new Cascading professional development fund. Approximately 500 small projects of £1,000 each are available to LSC funded providers to run professional development or training sessions based on LSIS Teaching and Learning Programme resources or methodologies. The fund can be used flexibly, for example, for the release of staff time or venue costs and all CPD sessions must be capable of contributing to the IfL 30 hour (or pro rata) CPD requirement and include opportunities for reflection. Click here for more details <http://www.subjectlearningcoach.net/funding/cascade_funding.aspx> 2 STEM Programme Spring Networks Booking is now open for the LSIS STEM Programme spring networks which will take place across the UK during March 2010. With a varied and stimulating agenda being planned for each of the 3 subject areas (science, engineering and mathematics) and benefits including access to free resources, these events offer a unique opportunity to network and share ideas and experiences with colleagues from like-minded organisations across the UK. Click here for more details <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5K58SLQ> 3 STEM in Space Master Classes On behalf of the LSIS STEM Programme, the National Space Centre and University of Surrey have developed a range of new activities and innovative teaching approaches that use GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) topics as contexts for post-16 science and mathematics curriculum areas. Current GMES scientists have worked with Advanced Skills Teachers and other outstanding educators to produce a series of intensive, all-day masterclasses and extra resources to help bring GMES into the classroom. These events will take place in Birmingham, Scunthorpe and Leicester in February and March 2010 and booking is now open. Click here for more details <http://tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/stem/images/stories/GMES_CPD_Session_Details_2010.pdf> or see STEM news on the Excellence Gateway <http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/stem> 4 STEM Brain Games Needs You Brain Games is a new software engine, developed by LSIS, which gives learners a quick and easy way to practise their literacy and numeracy or their STEM skills. It aims to engage and motivate learners to succeed by building their skills and confidence as they progress through the game, and tackle incrementally harder challenges. The resource contains a literacy and numeracy challenge, and has recently been developed further to include a new STEM challenge. In 2010 LSIS is making available project funding for provider organisation to contribute to the further development of the game and that's where you come in. Click here for more details <http://tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/stem/images/stories/Brain_Games_funding_181209.docx> 5 Thinking Through Mathematics The extremely popular "yellow ring binder", aimed at mathematics teachers whose learners are working at around Entry 3 / Level 1, has now been adapted as an online resource. It promotes and supports active learning approaches, and combines cpd activities for teachers and resources for learners. Click here for more details <https://www.ncetm.org.uk/reflective-learning/ttm> If you have any comments or suggestions on the LSIS STEM Programme we would love to hear from you on info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To find out more about the LSIS STEM Programme and to find your regional contact click here <http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/stem> This ecast has been sent to you because of your involvement in STEM education. If you would rather not receive any future updates from the LSIS STEM Programme please reply to this email stating 'unsubscribe'. Stuart Robinson IEng MIET Regional Manager, STEM Business Unit LSIS STEM Programme East of England, East Midlands, London Tribal St Mary's Court, 55 St Mary's Road, Sheffield, S2 4AN T +44 (0)114 281 6100 M +44 (0)7827 977 291 F +44 (0)114 281 6021 stuart.robinson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:stuart.robinson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> www.tribalgroup.com <http://www.tribalgroup.com/> Tribal Education Limited. Registered office: 87-91 Newman Street, London W1T 3EY. Company registered in England and Wales No. 4163300. This email and any other attachments are not guaranteed to be free from viruses, and are for the intended addressee(s) only and may contain confidential and/or privileged material, so if you are not a named or intended addressee, do not use, retain or disclose such information. Any opinions expressed are those of the sender and not necessarily the company's. Help save trees - print less. The LSIS STEM Programme is part of the LSIS Teaching and Learning Programme and is delivered on behalf of LSIS by the STEM Consortium: the National Science Learning Centre, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) and Tribal Education.