Sentinus Christmas 2014 Newsletter[1]

STEM in Action
Merry Christmas
Design
by
Bethany Wallace (Age 10)
Congratulations to Bethany Wallace who has
brought Santa right up to date with her ideas on
how science can help him deliver all those presents.
Spare a thought for poor old Rudolph though, who
is being retired to Hawaii! As overall winner of our
Christmas card competition, Bethany wins an iPad
Mini for her school.
Another year is drawing to a close and the Christmas
festivities will soon be upon us. As we look back at 2014,
surely one of the most amazing science and engineering
achievements of the year was that the European Space
Agency’s Rosetta mission managed to land a probe on a
comet, ten years after leaving Earth’s atmosphere.
Sentinus Building
19a Ballinderry Road
Lisburn, Co Antrim
BT28 2SA
T:
F:
E:
W:
from
from
Christmas
2014
Sentinus
Edwards Primary School, Castlederg
Meanwhile, back on our own planet, the Ebola virus
threatens to spread across the globe, climate change
gathers pace, species loss continues at unprecedented
rates, antibiotic resistance poses a threat to human health.
These, and countless other challenges, are what inspire
young people to become our scientists and engineers of
the future. It is, therefore, imperative, even in these times
of budgetary constraint, that we continue to engage them
in exciting and rewarding programmes to promote STEM
and nurture the next generation of problem solvers.
Sentinus would like to wish everyone a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year, and hope that 2015
will bring you much joy and reward.
028 9262 7755
028 9262 7744
angela.kelly@sentinus.co.uk
www.sentinus.co.uk
IT’s a Real Opportunity
At a recent Sentinus breakfast briefing, held at
Queen’s University’s Riddel Hall, young people
heard about opportunities in the ICT sector. The
sector is experiencing current skills shortages
and projections for new jobs in the sector over
the next five years are really significant.
In the last year, Sentinus has been delivering the “IT’s Your
Choice” programme to engage young people, from 9 – 17 years
old, in hands on computer programming activity, as part of the
Bring IT On campaign. Supported by the Department of Education, the Department for Employment & Learning and
Invest NI, in its first six months the programme engaged more than 12,000 pupils, providing them with an opportunity
to build coding skills using html, java and basic languages.
Bill Connor, Chief Executive Sentinus said: “IT’s Your Choice aims to help address the current and future skills needs
of the ICT sector in Northern Ireland by encouraging local companies to get involved with school children of all ages
and to encourage more to pursue a career in ICT. The initiative provides local ICT companies with a platform to
witness and encourage the innovation, talent and enthusiasm amongst students.”
“The ICT industry has the potential to grow by almost 4% in Northern Ireland over the next decade, making the
sector pivotal to our overall knowledge economy. We would appeal to ICT business leaders to show their support
for the future success of the sector by becoming Sentinus ambassadors. Through interacting with school pupils and
providing them with experience in hands-on computer programming and software development we are inspiring the
next generation to consider career options in a growing industry.”
PASSIONATE ABOUT SCIENCE?
FAMELAB NEEDS YOU!
nireland.britishcouncil.org
If you think you can explain a concept in science, maths, engineering or technology in just three
minutes, enter our Northern Ireland FameLab competition!
Follow us on
@famelabUK #famelab
facebook.com/FameLabInternational
Sentinus Smart Technology
More than 120 trainee teachers and 2,000
primary school pupils throughout Northern
Ireland to enhance teaching and learning
in STEM. Sentinus’ Smart Technology
programme, supported by the Department
of Education, will reach almost 100 primary
schools in 2015.
Sentinus works closely with Stranmillis University
College, St Mary’s University College and Ulster
University to train student teachers to deliver a series of STEM workshops in the classroom, over
several weeks. The focus of these workshops is electronic sensors and how these can be incorporated
in wearable technology and programming of microbots to allow pupils to explore the world of computer
coding. Smart Technology will conclude with a celebration day when schools will have an opportunity
to display their work and participate in exciting STEM workshops and shows.
Bill Connor, Chief Executive of Sentinus, said, “Smart Technology aims to engage young people in hands
on, exciting STEM activities while, at the same time, developing the skills of both student and classroom
teachers in the delivery of science and technology in the primary school. During its first three years it
has been hugely successful and we hope to have even higher levels of participation in 2015.”
To see the dancing penguins created by pupils involved last year please go to:
www.sentinus.co.uk/programmes/smart-technology/
For further information please contact Sentinus.
The Big Bang Near Me 2015
Sentinus is planning a series of Big Bang Near Me events to take place
throughout Northern Ireland in 2015. These events will allow young people
to be involved in the Big Bang at a local level, with the opportunity to
progress to the Big Bang Northern Ireland Regional event at the Odyssey
Arena, Belfast on 23rd June, 2015.
The Big Bang Near Me events will include:
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A series of 15 Inspire Me roadshows in schools;
Ten Big Bang @ School events;
A local Big Bang event in Ballymena, Derry and Belfast;
Big Bang Northern Ireland Fair as part of Sentinus Young Innovators at
the Odyssey Arena, Belfast.
Each event will include displays of STEM project work, inspirational shows
& workshops, careers activities and engagement from local business.
Watch out for more details of these events in the New Year.
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RESEARCH IS KEY: Sentinus Projects Director Outlines How
Biomedical Engineering Can Mean Global Opportunities
DR ROCHELLE O’HARA, PROJECTS
DIRECTOR, SENTINUS
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EDUCATIONAL /
PROFESSIONAL ROUTE TO THIS POST?
I studied Biomedical Engineering at the University
of Ulster after which I decided to undertake a PhD
at Queen’s University Belfast which focused on
developing a treatment for traumatic spinal fractures.
After graduating with my PhD I gained employment
as a research and development engineer at Boston
Scientific, Galway, working on the development of
cardiovascular stents. My current role is as a Projects
Director for Sentinus, where I am responsible for the
creation, management and effective delivery of projects
focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) enrichment and enhancement
activities tailored to primary and post‑primary schools
in Northern Ireland.
WOULD YOU SAY THAT BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
REPRESENTS A GOOD CAREER?
Absolutely, biomedical engineering gives you the the
opportunity to not only work in the UK and Ireland, but
also overseas for many well-established medical device
companies. Companies at home and abroad typically
offer competitive salaries that are comparable to those
found in advanced life sciences and the pharmaceutical
sector and offer holidays that accommodate a good
work / life balance. These are also a diverse range
of job opportunities available within the biomedical
engineering sector, from product innovation and
manufacturing, to project management and research
and development.
HOW DOES BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING MAKE THE
WORLD A BETTER PLACE?
Having worked in the medical device industry, I have
first‑hand experience of the opportunities and rewards
available to young biomedical engineers. I get an
immense amount of job satisfaction by providing
engaging projects through the work of Sentinus that
will enthuse and encourage the next generation of
young engineers to pursue jobs in this exciting field of
medical innovation and research, Moreover there is a
perception that there are not as many jobs for women in
engineering, which I find not to be the case.
It is important that I can draw from my own personal
experiences and successes within the field of
bionedical engineering to help educate school-age girls
in particular to the jobs available to them in all STEM
industries.
HOW DOES WHAT YOU DO IN STEM HELP THE
SCHOOL GOING POPULATION?
Sentinus works with every post-primary school
and about 450 primary schools each year,
and by linking with business and industry,
the organisation supports classroom learning
through engagement in activities which
demonstrate the relevance of the STEM subjects
in the work place. Ultimately we hope the STEM
outreach we provice can develop and enhance the
life skills of the young people involved.
DID YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL IN MIND WHEN
YOU CHOSE YOUR DEGREE?
While studying at university, one of my op professors
had a huge impact on my career. The late Proessor
John Anderson was the co-founder of a very
succesful local medical device company, HeartSine
Technologies, who are the world leaders in the
development of Automated External Defibrillator
(AED) technology. He really opened my eyes to the
potential of translating academic research into the
development of a commercially available medical
device. It always astounds me that we have such
brilliant academic and business leaders in the field
of engineering and medicine here in Northern Ireland
that are not celebrated more often.
WHAT DO YOU REALLY LIKE ABOUT WHAT YOU
DO?
I genuinely have a passion for the STEM subjects. I
feel really lucky to have a job that not only lets me
retain and develop my knowledge with the world of
STEM, but that I can also encourage and enthuse the
next generation of budding engineers and scientists.
Not only are our programmes really fun and enjoyable
for the pupils, but I also enjoy delivering them as well!
CAN YOU SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE FUTURE
JOB PROSPECTS IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Without a doubt we need more people with STEM
related qualifications and the demand for such is
increasing yearly. It is estimated that by 2020 the UK
will require 830, 000 graduate level STEM experts
and 450, 000 STEM technicians in order to meet
demand from industry.
WOULD
YOU
RECOMMEND
BIOMEDICAL
ENGINEERING TO YOUNG PEOPLE STARTING OUT
ON THEIR CAREER?
Most definitely. This degree provides its graduates
with a range of personal, technical and professional
skill-sets which will enable them to gain employment
in a variety of engineering career paths. Biomedical
engineering graduates can gain employment in the
medical device and pharmaceutical industry, hospital
trusts, government and regulatory agencies, and
universities.
OPAL is now in Northern Ireland!
OPAL Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) is a
community-focused education and research
programme about the environment. The basic
concept is to engage members of the public of all
abilities in environmental research and outdoor
learning, to inspire exploration and a better
understanding of the places where people live
and work. The OPAL project began in England
in 2007, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and
lead by Imperial College London in partnership
with museums, Universities and environmental
organisations.
Fairview Primary School pupils participate in the Air Quality Survey in Ormeau
Park, Belfast.
Since 2007, over 850,000 people have carried out OPAL surveys. This level of engagement would not have been possible
without the user-friendly survey packs that have been specifically designed by academics and researchers to assist ordinary
people to carry out scientific research in their own neighbourhoods.
In early 2014, the Field Studies Council and the School of Education, Queens University Belfast became delivery partners
for OPAL in Northern Ireland. The key focus in Northern Ireland is to encourage Key Stage 3 pupils to complete surveys in or
near their school grounds. OPAL employees are available to support schools to carry out these surveys and upload the data
onto the National database.
The survey topics include:
Bugs count survey – which invertebrates are brave enough to live near human habitats?
Tree health survey – carry out a tree health check, just what does tree disease look like?
Biodiversity survey – just who eats what in your local hedgerows?
Water survey – what lives in the local pond or stream and what does that tell us about water quality?
Air survey – how clean is your air?, can you find any bio-indicators such as lichens or tar spots?
Soil and earthworm survey – all you need to know about soil property and worm identification?
Northern Ireland Curriculum Links
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Scientific methods of enquiry – planning fieldwork, surveying, data recording and analysis
Creative/critical thinking and spiritual awareness – development of wonder at the natural environment
Develop a range of practical skills – spelling, numeracy, organisation and communication
Environment and human influences – understanding of how we affect the environment
Respect and cooperate with others – teamwork, organisation and cooperation
Cross–curricular skills – numeracy, literacy, scientific knowledge and ICT
Thinking skills and personal capabilities – problem solving, working with others and managing information.
OPAL as part of the CREST programme
It is possible to carry out one OPAL survey to earn a CREST Discovery Award. This will involve planning your survey including
identifying a suitable site, carrying out the survey, uploading your data and completing the Crest Registration and Evaluation
forms.
In order to earn a CREST Bronze Award a student will need to carry out at least 5 surveys of their choice and complete the
CREST Registration and Evaluation forms.
To find out more about OPAL in Northern Ireland and what support we can offer you to carry out OPAL surveys in your school,
please contact: Gretta McCarron at School of Education, Queen’s University Belfast 028 9097 1496 email:
g.mccarron@qub.ac.uk or Anna Lavery, Field Studies Council at 074 1937 3968 email: Anna@ni-fieldstudiescouncil.org
Partnerships for Excellence in Science and Engineering
The Partnership Grants scheme is now open for applications for
the Winter round. Schools can apply for up to £3000 to work
with scientists and engineers on creative investigations that inspire
students with the excitement and wonder of cutting-edge science or
engineering research.
Since 2000, the scheme has awarded over £1.3 million to 770
schools and colleges, and has ignited enthusiasm for science among
young people across the UK.
Funds are available for projects working with students aged between
5-18, as long as the project involves a UK school or college, and a practising scientist or engineer. The next
round of applications closes on 5th February 2015. For more details about eligibility criteria and to find out
how to apply via our online application system, go to https://royalsociety.org/education/partnership/
What are the benefits?
A Partnership Grants project offers students the chance to get really ‘hands-on’ with science or engineering,
and develop their practical and critical thinking skills whilst enhancing their scientific knowledge.
“We find putting our science into the classroom, and bringing the school pupils out to see the science in
action, tremendously rewarding. The kids ask fantastic questions, frequently challenging us on our ability
to explain basic principles and often opening discussions on novel research topics.”
- Professor Jonathan Sharples, Liverpool University
Bringing a scientist or engineer into school can be a fantastic source of careers inspiration, and long-lasting
partnerships such as these can benefit schools for years to come. Partnership Grant projects allow teachers
to go beyond the curriculum, engage with cutting-edge research and access new equipment and skills.
“As a teaching staff we recognise that we were incredibly lucky to have such experienced and passionate
scientists come into our school to share their knowledge. I know that the scientists are passionate about
their jobs and this is something that really came across.”
- Claire Powell, Halton Community Combined School
What can you apply for?
Teachers, schools and their partner scientists and engineers from across the country have come up with
a whole range of different projects that have captured the imagination of students. A Partnership Grants
project is a real opportunity to exercise your creativity.
Find project ideas by reading the case studies at:
http://royalsociety.org/education/partnership/case-studies/
If you have a great idea for a project, but need help in finding a partner, then please contact us.
Royal Society staff are happy to discuss ideas for projects, and can be reached at:
education@royalsociety.org or by telephone on 0207 451 2574.
Nomination Time for Generation Innovation - February 2015
Dear School/College,
It is time to nominate two students to join us for the next Generation Innovation Night of Ambition,
which is happening on Tuesday February 24 2015 (17:00 – 20:30) in Belfast.
Generation Innovation (@GenInnovators) is run by NISP CONNECT, a non-profit organisation, supported
by the Northern Ireland Science Park. We believe every young person in Northern Ireland, with talent
and ambition, can make it big. Over the next 20 years our science and tech sector will need thousands of
new people, with diverse talents. We are seeking those 16 – 17 year olds most likely to succeed in this
new ‘knowledge economy’, regardless of their examination grades – be they engineers, scientists,
gamers, App developers, programmers, designers or budding entrepreneurs.
Why nominate students for Generation Innovation’s Night of Ambition?
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Attendees will hear from inspiring speakers (last year featured Jack Dorsey, co-founder, Twitter)
Attendees will meet some of the most exciting entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland
Alumni join an influential ‘Network of Ambition’ with links across Northern Ireland & beyond
Alumni get opportunities to run events eg. Create:2014 (@Create2014Co)
Schools/colleges become part of the Generation Innovation movement
The Generation Innovation Night of Ambition is held to welcome new members, plus an accompanying
parent/guardian. We now invite your team to nominate 1 - 2 young people to take part. Please RSVP to
claire.burgoyne@nispconnect.org by Friday December 19 2014, with the names of your nominees, their
favourite subjects and a few lines outlining the reasons for your nominations.
We very much look forward to hearing from you,
Claire Burgoyne, Generation Innovation (NISP CONNECT, Northern Ireland Science Park)
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