SEPTEMBER 2006
Contents
Chair's letter to the Financial Times
Insurance cover for science centres
Institute of Physics Grant Scheme
Science in School: 2nd issue is out
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK
Chair's letter to the Financial Times
"It is time science centres gained official support" is the editor's headline to the letter Linda Conlon (Chair, Ecsite-uk) wrote to the Financial Times, 30 August.
She argues that “if it the government believes that science matters as much as the arts, and wants others to be convinced of this, it is time for government departments to offer support to organisations such as science centres that are making a positive effort to maintain the interest of young people in contemporary science.”
For the full text, see the cutting (PDF, 250K)
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK
Fundraising made simple
Thanks to generous support from the Potential Trust, Ecsite-uk is able to invite participants to a free 36-hour workshop, 14-15 November 2006, at Hawkwood College, Stroud.
‘KISS Fundraising’ is an inspirational course delivered by Sir Christopher Ball who has led, planned or advised over 20 successful fundraising campaigns in the last 25 years in the fields of education, social welfare, medicine and the arts. It is designed for ‘fundraising newbies’ – people near the middle of larger organisations or near the top of smaller ones, whose job includes a fundraising remit.
The course is in three parts:
- The fundamental principles of fundraising
- Some examples of success
- Planning your fundraising project.
KISS guarantees that you will raise at least £10,000 within a year, provided you put into practice what you learn.
The event is free to participants as the Trust will pay for meals and accommodation, plus a fee to Christopher. In exchange the Trust asks that any participating organisation that manages to raise over £5,000 within the year makes a donation of £500 to the Trust. It should be a win-win situation!
For details and to book a place, contact us
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
Insurance cover for science centres
This deal comes '‘highly recommended' by Magna, who recently swapped over to SBJ UK. Read on, then check it out!
SBJ UK Limited is the UK corporate risks broking arm of SBJ Group Limited, probably the largest provider of insurance to the sport, leisure and visitor attraction sector in the UK, placing over £600 million of premium each year.
SBJ UK Limited have developed an exclusive Leisure product together with Hill Dickinson which will benefit Ecsite-uk members specifically. The product includes a bespoke claims management system incorporating an anti-fraud screening database, to filter out spurious claims, which has a proven success record. The policy wording is designed by SBJ UK Limited, features a wide wording and is warranty free.
As market leaders, SBJ UK Limited is not only able to offer the most competitive premiums available, but also a superior service carried out by a dedicated team.
Please call either Rob Davies or Graham Murray on 0161 429 9032.
Alternatively you can e-mail them at rob.davies@sbjuk.com or graham.murray@sbjuk.com to discuss matters further.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
Institute of Physics Grant Scheme 2007
Are you a great communicator? Do you have a fantastic idea for making physics accessible? Can you inspire other people with your enthusiasm? Do you need some support to make your outreach activity happen?
If you answered yes to all four questions, then why not apply for a Public Engagement Grant from the Institute of Physics? The grants are worth up to £1000 and aim to support individuals organising physics-based outreach activities throughout 2007.
Closing date: 3 November 2006
Application forms and guidelines for the grant scheme are available online at
[archived page - link removed]
Or email physics.society@iop.org
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
Consultancy needed in Dublin
From its opening in Summer 2007, the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin will provide a home for science in Ireland, engaging the public in the big scientific issues that are shaping our future.
The first venue of its kind in Ireland, and one of only a handful in Europe, this flagship project will be an important symbol of Ireland’s commitment to science.
The Gallery will combine a 150-seat theatre, studio spaces, a café and an exhibition area catering for a range of events and activities from regularly changing exhibitions to large-scale evening debates.
While the construction of the building is well underway we are looking to bring specialist exhibition consultants/designers on board to look at the space and advise on a number of key areas – most importantly, to advise on the main exhibition space, theatre and studio space from both a logistical and aesthetic point of view and provide a detailed proposal on the execution of recommended plans.
We would be keen to hear from any interested parties with an expertise in science centre consultancy or similar.
If interested, please contact Elizabeth Allen at eallen@tcd.ie for further information.
RESOURCE
Science in School: 2nd issue is out
Science in School is a new European journal to promote inspiring science teaching. It covers not only biology, physics and chemistry, but also maths and earth sciences, highlighting the best in teaching and cutting-edge research, and focusing on interdisciplinary work. The contents include teaching materials; recent discoveries in science; education projects; interviews with young scientists and inspiring teachers; education research; book reviews; and European events for teachers.
Favourite feature in issue no.2 describes a floating exhibition (on a barge), touring Germany.
Science in School is freely available. Online articles are published in many European languages; a print version is distributed in English.
More details and the first two issues are available at: www.scienceinschool.org
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Three win PPARC funding
PPARC has announced funding for three science centre projects linking astronomy, space or particle physics with 11-16 year olds.
The National Space Centre, Leicester, won £18k for Live Videoconferencing Development producing three videos with supporting website; At-Bristol has £16.5k for ‘Earth and Beyond: Inspiring Science’ including teacher CPD and activities for Gifted & Talented youngsters; and W5 in Belfast have won £9.8k for ‘Alien Autopsy Incident’ in which teenagers investigate a (sadly deceased) alien visitor’s home environment.
These are funded from PPARC’s ‘Science Centres 11-16’ scheme, which was launched at an Ecsite-uk Specialist Seminar last year. There are two round per year; next closing date 21 October 2006.
Full details of projects and contact information are at [archived - link removed]
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
BIG seeks 2007 host
The British Interactive Group is now accepting expressions of interest from organisations interested in hosting the annual BIG Event in 2007.
By hosting the BIG Event organisations have the opportunity to showcase their venue to national and international guests and participate in a forum of new programmes and exhibitions. The event is managed by the British Interactive Group executive and there is no direct financial cost to the hosting organisation
We are looking for venues that:
- Are within the UK
- Are actively involved in science communication and interactivity
- Have a large plenary discussion room (70-150 delegates) with 3-4 breakout rooms (40-60 participants)
- Have a demonstration space for shows and/or workshops
- Have catering facilities
- Fulfil general accessibility requirements
Potential organisations are asked to identify a staff member who would be willing to act as an on-site liaison (September 2006 – July 2007).
Expressions of interest will be accepted until 12 September 2006 and should be addressed to Savita Custead, BIG Event Coordinator, at event@big.uk.com. Please get in touch with any questions!
DIARY DATES
Clore Leadership Short Courses
Monthly through to 2008
Based on the highly effective residential element of the Clore Fellowship Programme, these intensive two-week courses develop the skills of emerging leaders in the cultural sector.
They have been designed for people in the middle ranks of larger cultural organisations or those at or near the top of smaller ones, and who have a minimum of 5 years’ work experience. The teaching is a potent mixture of the practical and the academic, providing a large measure of intensive personal development, an examination of the nature of good leadership and an introduction to key areas of expert knowledge essential to effective cultural leadership.
For dates, more details about course content and to apply on-line see www.cloreleadership.org
Ecsite-uk AGM
7 September, Norwich
This Ecsite-uk Annual General Meeting is being held in Norwich this year, to coincide with the BA Festival of Science, taking place at the University of East Anglia in the same week.
The AGM gives members of Ecsite-uk the opportunity to vote for candidates standing for the Executive Committee, as well as the chance to visit Inspire science centre, to discuss current issues and network with other members.
Facilitation Skills Workshops
19 September; 4 October, 11 October
The Facilitation Skills Workshop is designed to teach new skills and build confidence in those leading debate and discussion activities with young people. This participative three hour session examines facilitation styles, stimulating and managing discussions, and dealing with challenging behaviours. It has been developed in consultation with science centre educators, engagement specialists, and professional facilitators. This is a foundation level workshop.
Dates/locations:
19 September, Glasgow Science Centre
4 October, Techniquest, Cardiff
11 October, the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
Free to Ecsite-uk members. For further details, and to book a place,
contact seminars@ecsite-uk.net
Visitor Research Summer School
21-22 September, Bristol
The Visitor Studies Group (VSG) 2006 Summer School, hosted by At-Bristol, focuses on evaluation research, with speakers, presentation of practical case studies, and provocative debate.
How can we evaluate the power of experiential learning against a backdrop of an obsession with the virtual, push-button, touch-screen world. Methods of evaluation have been developed separating these two domains, and considering these as mutually exclusive environments, but are they? Are the methods used to research and evaluate the virtual world transferable to the experiential domain? Can an interactive exhibit be evaluated using methods designed for experiential learning environments?
Visitor Research Summer School flyer (PDF, 20K)
To book a place please contact Mary Phelps, VSG Administration
mary@mary-phelps.com
T 020 8392 2357
Education/Programming Managers Meeting:
Digital Technologies
26-27 September, Glasgow Science Centre
This event is designed to provide a forum for managers to discuss issues relating to education and programming in the sector. Following requests from the inaugural meeting last year in Liverpool, the theme for day-two of this meeting is 'digital technologies'.
Although this meeting is free to Ecsite-uk members, in the first instance places are limited to one per institution. Applications from other institutions will be considered. NESTA will reimburse reasonable travel/accommodation costs for participants attending from outside Glasgow.
The deadline for bookings is 15 September.
For further information, and to book a place for your institution, please email seminars@ecsite-uk.net
Conference of Visitor Attractions
11 October, London
The Third National Conference of Visitor Attractions, will be held at the QE11 Centre on 11th October.
The main themes are: ‘Attracting Tomorrow's Customers’ and ‘Improving our Attractions’.
Before and after the main plenary sessions there will be four specialist Seminars, addressing the topics: The Cultural Olympiad, The Law and Attractions, Gift Aid reviewing how to succeed under the new rules, and a chance to compare performance with the latest Industry Data.
This is not a commercial conference, it is run by the industry, for the industry. It is a prime networking opportunity: around 400 delegates attended on each of the first two years.
More details of the event and arrangements for booking can be found here on the website: www.vac2006.co.uk
Creativity: Seeing the Light
12 October and 17 November, West Midlands
The Science Learning Centre West Midlands are pleased to present:
WMC1034 Creativity: Seeing the Light
By Linda Atherton, whose multi-sensory approach is enhanced by the use of drama, art and ICT. She also interweaves subjects such as history and literacy into her work so as to develop an imaginative approach that challenges scientific thinking.
Dates/Venues
12 Oct 2006 Berrington Hall, Hereford, 9.15am-4.00pm
17 Nov 2006 St Mary's RC School, Hereford, 9.15am-4.00pm
Subsidised cost for Maintained Schools and Science Centres: £145.00
Be empowered to embed citizenship into science!
Creativity: Seeing the Light course flyer (PDF, 650K)
www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk/westmidlands
Futurelab conference
Spaces, Places and Future Learning:
Using innovative technology and practice to re-imagine learning spaces
1-2 November, London
Rich Mix, London (www.richmix.org.uk)
This two-day conference organised by Futurelab will provide an opportunity to challenge our preconceptions of the places in which we learn, both in and outside of school, and to re-imagine how they could be designed through the use of technology and innovative practice. With projects such as Building Schools for the Future (BSF) currently on the horizon, the conference will give delegates a timely opportunity to re-examine what we want our schools to be in the future and to ensure that any new set-up, in terms of both building and infrastructure, will fulfil learners’ needs now and in the future. It will also provide an opportunity to consider potential learning environments outside of school as well as to discuss learners of all ages.
Speakers include Lord David Puttnam, former film producer and BAFTA Academy Fellow for 2006; Bruce Jilk, Educational Consultant and CEFPI Planner of the Year for 2005; Edith Ackermann, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); Jeffrey Revoy, Senior Director of Yahoo! Europe Search and Local; and Steve Moss, Partnerships for Schools (Building Schools of the Future).
For further information and to book your place please contact Futurelab on 0117 915 8200 or go to www.futurelab.org.uk/events/learning_spaces where you can book online.
GEM-SET Conference
23 November, Newcastle
Gender & Ethnic Minority Issues in Science, Engineering and Technology: This high profile conference aims to bring together ESRC Science in Society researchers, HE ESF National Programme members, other academics, practitioners, industrialists and policy makers to discuss, understand and identify the benefits, barriers and solutions related to greater participation of women and ethnic minorities in Science, Engineering and Technology, both in public and private sectors, as well as discussing wider and emerging themes.
One theme is specifically concerned with the role of Science Centres/Museums in promoting greater participation of girls and members of the ethnic minorities in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).
The conference is hosted by Life science centre.
More information is available at www.ncl.ac.uk/seru/conference2006.htm
Abstracts should be mailed to seru@ncl.ac.uk
before 31st of July
Science and Society: Closing the Gap
19-21 January 2007, Boston MA
A conference to explore the critical role of science and technology in today’s world and develop strategies for better informing and involving the general public.
Science + Society: Closing the Gap is an important addition to the international calendar of science-related conferences. It's one of the first to involve the public in a high-level conversation—with scientists, educators, media professionals, policymakers and others—about effective and practical ways to improve science communication and enhance science literacy. Rather than target a specific group or membership, Science + Society invites the widest range of stakeholders to the table, recognizing that success depends on cooperation and conversation not only across disciplines but also between the scientific community and the public it serves.
The conference is free, but space is limited.
Details and registration at:
www.scienceandsocietyconference.com
Ecsite-uk
Dr Melanie Quin, Executive Director
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
Contact us with news or feedback >
Want to know more about Ecsite-uk? Find out about Ecsite-uk >
Ecsite-uk members include science and discovery centres, museums and companies providing services to the sector. Join Ecsite-uk >