There are plenty of organisations keen to see more STEM activity in primary schools. While much of it is, not surprisingly, aimed at teachers, here’s a list of websites you might find interesting or useful.
Remember that School Gate SET is here to support you and we’ve had personal experience of engaging with schools. So whether you are looking for specific advice or just someone to be a sounding board, please keep in touch.
1) STEM Clubs and also take a look at the Teach Primary article with practical hints for setting up a club in a primary school.
2) Code Club is a very easy way to get involved – the materials are provided, and it is specifically aimed at 9-11 year olds. They are currently trying to recruit more parents to get involved, so will love to hear from you.
3) Young Engineers have activities suitable for clubs, classrooms or one off events. They are very experienced at supporting ongoing engineering activities and competitions in schools.
4) The Bloodhound Project is using a 1000mph world land speed record attempt as STEM inspiration.
5) British Science Association are behind CREST Star activities, British Science Week and some excellent packs full of ideas for things to do. You can dip into these, or do themed activities – eg Spaces for Science: Science in Spaces, Move It, Colour Chaos, Cracking Chemistry, Accidental Discoveries. They also have Super Science which has accessible activities and investigations adapted for children who have difficulty following instructions given purely in text or find it hard to remember verbal instructions.
6) First Lego League is run in the UK by the IET. In 2016 they are launching Junior FLL for 6-9 year olds. (Free entry for the first year …)
7) NRich has a wealth of fascinating and engaging maths enrichment ideas and activities. Also take a look at wild.maths.org
8) Primary Engineer is a well supported high quality programme with activities mapped to the curriculum introducing ‘STEM by Stealth’ which inspire and enthuse children. They also run the STEM leaders award programme for age 5 upwards.
9) Practical Action have a series of challenges for schools. Their website includes descriptions of how the resources were used in schools, eg Beat the Flood and the popular Squashed Tomato challenge.
10) Your local STEMnet contact – they are likely to know what is going on in your area, for example SETPointHerts. Also check out their STEMNetworking pages for STEM Ambassadors.