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Becoming a STEM Enthusiast

These activities have been developed for the National HE STEM Programme to be used in conjunction with the video resources found at:

Target Audience: University staff and students acting as ambassadors for their respective disciplines

Activity 1: Researching STEM subjects

  • Introduce the purpose of activity i.e. raising awareness of University research.
  • Organise learners in to small groups (4-6 learners) and provide them with flip chart paper and marker pens to note down their ideas in the form of a mind map.
  • Promote the groups to discuss the question, “What kind of areas of research are Engineers / Physicists/ Geologists interested in?”
  • Take feedback from each group and then show the relevant subject related videos, Research in STEM subjects (Engineering: Professor Dragon Savic and Professor Chris Smith); (Physics: Dr Alistair Hibbins and Professor Peter Vukusic); (Geology: Professor Frances Wall)
  • Ask learners to add extra information to their mind maps based on the videos they have just seen.
  • If computer access is available, encourage learners to find out more about the research interests of the relevant groups in your respective University.
  • Ask learners, “How important is it that University teaching is linked to current research interests?”
  • Ask learners, “What have you learnt from this activity?” and “How has this activity altered your thoughts and opinions about University research?”

Activity 2: STEM subjects and employability

  • Introduce the purpose of activity i.e. raising awareness of the knowledge and skills that can be developed through studying a STEM degree.
  • Ask learners: “What careers can Maths / Physics / Engineering lead to?”
  • Show video clips, Outreach videos: Why Choose Physical Sciences?
  • Organise learners into small groups or pairs and ask them to read the job advertisements (See Appendices 2a-c) and write an application, highlighting the knowledge and skills that they could acquire through studying a STEM degree course. Alternatively learners could write their own job advertisement for one of the featured jobs, again highlighting the knowledge and skills that are required. (See Appendix 2d)
  • Take feedback from the groups; draw out and emphasise the knowledge and transferable skills that can be gained through studying a specific STEM degree.
  • Share with the learners some facts and figures about careers relating to specific STEM subjects

(The report of the findings from the Real Prospects 2011 survey found online at [Accessed May 2012] and ‘What Do Graduates Do?’ found online at [Accessed May 2012] are good sources of information).

  • Ask learners, “What have you learnt from this activity?” and “Has this activity changed any of your original ideas about studying STEM subjects at University?”

Other ideas: Use the featured video clips to support the following activities:

  • A modern day problem e.g. climate change; How are STEM subjects helping to tackle this?
  • Discuss how Physics / Engineering / Maths have contributed to today’s society. Where will these subjects take us in the future?
  • Produce a poster with series of links and connections to show how the STEM subjects are interlinked; discuss the careers and opportunities that could be born out of a multidisciplinary approach.

Appendix 2a

Organisation: It’s a small World is a leading, UK based, engineering company specialising in the field of micro and nano engineering

Job Title: Micro/Nano Engineer

Location: Devon

Salary: Up to 44K per annum

Job Description: We would like you to join our expert team in developing processes that can be used to produce components that are less than 1mm in size. The components we develop are then used in a variety of devices, including medical equipment; mobile phones; micro gears; printers and digital cameras.

Person Specification: Within this role you will be expected to work on some of the most sophisticated and complex machinery available in the World. You will be a good physics or engineering graduate and it is essential you have a strong understanding of maths and science. In addition, you will be expected to understand the physical, biological or chemical behaviour of fundamental processes, in order to develop components.

Requirements:

  • You should demonstrate a strong academic background
  • A passion to succeed in a target driven environment
  • You should be able to demonstrate persistence, resilience and tenacity
  • Graduates should be innovative and self starters with an overall drive and ambition to progress quickly

If this sounds like an opportunity and environment that you would thrive in then send your CV to admin@its a small world.com.

Appendix 2b

Organisation: Meditech, a giant in the world of medical physics equipment

Job Title: Medical Physicist

Location: Devon

Salary: 25-40K, depending on experience

Job Description: The role will involve developing, testing and evaluating our specialist equipment and procedures in many areas, including, radiotherapy; nuclear medicine and laser technology. For an exceptional applicant there may be opportunity to advise medical staff in the NHS on advances in our equipment and protocols.

Person Specification:

You will be a physics graduate or those possessing an electrical/electronic or computer engineering degree may also be considered. You should have a broad knowledge and interest in medical physics and be able to demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work independently.

Requirements:

  • You should demonstrate a strong academic background
  • An interest in healthcare and the functions of the human body
  • You should be able to demonstrate persistence, resilience and tenacity
  • A willingness to keep up with the latest scientific and medical research in this field

If this sounds like an opportunity and environment that you would thrive in then send your CV to .

Appendix 2c

Organisation: Hydrocarbon Explorations, a multi-national extraction company

Job Title: Seismic Interpreter

Location: Various

Salary: 25-75K, depending on experience, and a comprehensive range of benefits.

Job Description: The role will involve generating maps and cross sections of the earth’s structure to locate oil-bearing strata; analysing and generating scientific and numerical data; predicting any changes, movements and flow in the rock structure where hydrocarbons are present; conducting detailed analyses of current exploration fields.

Person Specification:

You should have a good honours degree in a physical, mathematical or applied science. You will also need to demonstrate resilience; good communication skills; excellent team working skills and the ability to work well alone. You should also be able to demonstrate strong numerical, analytical and logical skills. Applicants should be aware that at times this work may become dangerous due to the fact that oil is a politically sensitive commodity.

Requirements:

  • You should demonstrate a strong academic background
  • Good IT skills
  • You should be able to demonstrate persistence, resilience and tenacity
  • An appreciation of physical and cultural environments

If this sounds like an opportunity and environment that you would thrive in then send your CV to .

Appendix 2d

Organisation:

Job Title:

Location:

Salary:

Job Description:

Person Specification:

Requirements:

How to Apply:


  • Activity ideas for practitioners by Dr Tracey Sweet for the National HE STEM Programme is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.