SET UP Science
Registered
Charity Number: 1060092
President
Claire Curtis-Thomas MP
Supported by
The British
Association for the Advancement of Science
Background
Information 2008
Next
year,
2008,
will be our thirteenth science week event and as always we strive to make
the week ever better. To achieve this,
the committee is looking for new presentations and, of course, new sources
of funding. Events are totally free
to the children and participating schools.
SET UP Science meets all the
costs, which in 2007 were nearly £9,000.
Everybody
needs science! SET UP Science is a local charity
formed in South Cheshire to offer young people the opportunity to interact
with Science, Engineering and Technology, and to stimulate and encourage their
continuing participation. SET UP Science is
most active during the National Science and Engineering Week that is coordinated
by the British Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2008 this week
is from March 7th to March 16th.
In
March 2007, SET UP
Science arranged for 114 presentations to nearly 3,000 local children,
either in their schools or at specially selected venues. Presentations taking place included:
·
How to make
Cheese
·
What do Bees
Do?
·
The
Chemistry of Happiness and Hatred
·
How a New
Car is Made
·
The Malaria
Epidemic
·
The Space
race
Visits
were made to places such as a Nature Reserve and Quarry, Techniquest Science
Discovery Centre, the Salt Museum and to see the wildlife at Cholmondeley
Castle estate. A terrific family
science show about electricity, motors and generators was given to the general
public and children. It was very
hands-on. It was entitled “Spark the
Imagination” with David Evans and was held at the Danebank Theatre at South
Cheshire College.
In
past years we have organized a SET UP
Science "Design and Make" Schools Competition for Secondary
Schools. The competition offered pupils the chance to gain recognition for
their projects, and to receive feedback from expert judges.
In 2007 we attempted to have a “Wind Turbine” Design and Make competition
for Year 6 in Primary Schools in July, but this is a busy time for Primaries
and we could not raise sufficient support.
We will consider a different month for 2008.
SET UP Science offers a great
opportunity for all involved in Science, Engineering or Technology to promote
their subject within the community. Help
us to make 2008 the best National Science and Engineering Week yet.