NOTICE BOARD

(Including CASTME Newsletters)

The information on the Notice Board is provided in good faith for promoting the aims, objectives, and values of CASTME.

CASTME does not take any financial or legal liability for losses/damage to property/persons or inconvenience caused by using the Notice Board.

contact:

Dr Balasubramanyam Chandramohan PhD, FHEA

(Bala)

CASTME Vice Chair (Website)

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CASTME

Chisman Memorial Lecture, 6pm, 12th March 2024

For further details, click the link below:

2024

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The Association for Science Education

Nominations now open for the ASE Alexander Award

[click to open the link]

The prize (of £500) is awarded annually to a woman or group of women who has made a significant contribution to the scientific, technological, engineering or mathematical (STEM) education of girls or women, in situations of scarce resources

If you are a woman or group of women teaching science, technology or mathematics, who has made a significant contribution to the scientific, technological or mathematics education of girls or women in situations of scarce resources please do apply.

To apply or submit a nomination please complete the form.

https://www.ase.org.uk/ase-alexander-award-application-form

[click to open the link]

Please include details of the project lead, location and details of how the nomination meets the criteria of the award (ie the project or nominee must be contributing to the STEM education of girls and women in situations of scarce resources).

Deadline date for applications 10th November 2024

Winners will be announced at the ASE Annual Conference 2024

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Webinar launch of the Report - Progressing to be an Engineer – the Approach.

10th October 2023, 4-5pm

Click the link for details.

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CASTME Awards 2023

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The Ramphal Institute - Patsey Robertson Memorial Prize 2023

Submission deadline - 15 Sept 2023

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Royal Commonwealth Society -- The Queen's Essay Competition 2023 – Closing date - 30 June 2023

Click to open

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A Special Tribute

Tribute to

Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth Association of Science Technology and Maths Educators (CASTME) is deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

CASTME mourns the loss of the Head of the Commonwealth. We are proud to be members of the Commonwealth, of which she was so supportive. CASTME extends sincere condolences to the Royal Family.

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from CASTME members

Memories of King George and Queen Elizabeth II

Denise Balmer

I clearly remember the picture of Prince Charles sitting next to his Grandfather King George, which was, I think, a birthday photo for the Prince taken in the November before the King’s death. I was in school the day the King died – for some reason I think it was a Thursday, but I have no idea why and could well be wrong. I must have been aged about 9 and I can see our teacher now standing in front of the class wearing a flowery dress, telling us, and saying that we needed to go home. The following day the newspapers had black edges and I clearly recall the picture of Her Majesty the new Queen arriving home by plane. She looked such a tiny figure in black. Of course, we did not have television, but my memory of that occasion has been rekindled by the newsreels later.

The Coronation was an historical event from many angles. Television was piped to rural Dorset for the occasion. One family in our village had a TV set, and we were invited to see part of the ceremony. The picture was in black and white – well grainy grey really with pouring rain, but we could make out the coach and horses. Our village had a fancy dress parade, and a tea for us children in a large barn, where we were given our Coronation mugs – which I still have today. I remember it as a very joyful time.

I was lucky enough to meet both Her Majesty and Prince Philip during their Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 2002. Locally these were held at Ardingly Show Ground in Sussex on an absolutely dreadful day in June. The rain came down in bucketsful and we had to stand on the wet grass where horse carriages had been parading. I was representing SATRO, an education charity, and had taken two infant children from a school in Cobham (year 2) and their teacher. The little boy had on a clean white shirt but had managed to spill something down it at the last minute which we could not wipe off. The little girl’s mother had given me a pair of clean white socks, but we didn’t change them as the ground was so dirty. I wore a smart suit but because it was so cold I had put a huge jersey on underneath so looked like a teddy bear. We had taken a working lighthouse and breecher’s boy to demonstrate part of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch story, but had to set it up on the wet grass. The Queen came to speak to us and asked the children to demonstrate the lighthouse and breecher’s boy. She was wearing wellington boots and a raincoat but still had a pretty hat on, and she crouched down to be at the children’s level to talk to them. Fantastic! The children were thrilled. Somewhere I have some photos of the day but they were not needed, Her Majesty’s approach was amazing showing total understanding of young children, and my memory is very clear.

Denise Balmer, UK

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… among the host of school children on October 1 1960, Nigeria

Peter A. Okebukola

Queen Elizabeth II who passed on September 8, 2022 is remembered for the role she played as the British monarch in the independence of Ghana, Nigeria and other countries in the British Commonwealth. I recall being among the host of school children on October 1, 1960, lining up the route in Lagos, waving the Nigerian flag to welcome her.

May her soul rest in perfect peace. We wish King Charles III a successful reign.

Prof. Peter A. Okebukola, Nigeria

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… valued the dedication and unique qualities of Queen Elizabeth

Margaret Linton

CASTME members were very sad to hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and we offer to King Charles and to the Royal Family our deepest condolences.

Queen Elizabeth always has been a devoted supporter of the Commonwealth, seeing its growth from a few members to a worldwide organisation of fifty-six members. She regularly attended CHOGM, Commonwealth functions and travelled widely across the constituent countries. Interest in the Commonwealth was one of the cornerstones of her reign.

We have valued the dedication and unique qualities of Queen Elizabeth, who for seventy years carried out her promise to serve her people. She is one of the greatest monarchs

The many tributes from senior figures across the world bear witness to the respect and affection in which she was held. We shall not see her like again.

We wish King Charles a long and fulfilled reign, particular.as he takes on his mother’s role as Head of the Commonwealth.

Margaret Linton, UK

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… the Bangladeshi flag and Union Jack at half-mast

Pat Kerr

I am sure that the UK has one focus at the moment. We have the Bangladeshi flag and Union Jack at half-mast and had a 1-minute silence in assembly.

Pat Kerr, Overseas Director, Sreepur Village, Bangladesh

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Meeting the Queen a number of times over the years

Lady Sue Tunnicliffe

In the February of 1952 the King died, I was few weeks short of my 6th Birthday. When I arrived home from infant school, I must have been told so no Children’s Hour on the TV. The television (a very small screen, 9 “screen, black and white, and in a wooden case) on which there was only one programme because there was only one channel. There was a black screen with very solemn music and the words. ‘In memoriam King George VI’ and his dates in white print on it. My younger brother and I made up a dance on a Persian mat with a square pattern.

In the run up to the Coronation my infants class, in the Parish rooms as the school in the town (Bakewell in Derbyshire) had no room - we were the immediate post World War II bulge, we had to learn the various songs, Lands of and Glory, Rule Britannia and the National Anthem. We acted out the coronation procession. Of course, we were all presented with a Coronation Mug. I recall watching with many other people in our sitting room the Coronation televised on the television.

Click - Image - Coronation Mug

I met the Queen a number of times over the years. Particularly memorable was at a reception In St James Palace when I and the Vice Chair Awards were invited to a reception for High Commissioners. We were presented to the Queen, as we lined up an adjunct took our name and association badges (We were representing The Commonwealth Association for Science Technology and Maths Educators). We were announced, the official passing our badges behind the Queen to another official who then announced us to Prince Charles. Prince Charles was very interested, asking us a few questions and telling us we should go and visit Birkhall and see the science playground he had built for children. He did relate enthusiastically with what we explained. I’ve been privileged to attend the State Opening of Parliament a number of times and seen her wearing the crown.

Lady Sue Tunnicliffe, UK

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… heartfelt Condolences from Mauritius

Jayantee Naugah

Our heartfelt Condolences from Mauritius on the passing away of the Queen who was also Head of Commonwealth. As a member of CASTME Dr Lady Sue Dale Tunnicliffe and I attended a function at Marlborough House on Commonwealth Day back in 2010. The Queen together with Prince Philip, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla were present. Prince Philip addressed us and asked us about CASTME and STEM education. I said that I was from Mauritius. Lady Camilla then showed an interest and stated that she has been to Mauritius twice. Incidentally Sue and I were dressed in saree just to attract the interest of the Queen and Royal family.

The Queen and her husband have been to Mauritius back in 1972.

The flags on public buildings will be flying at half-mast on Monday 19th September as a sign of respect for the Queen.

May her soul Rest in Peace.

Best wishes

Jayantee Naugah, Mauritius

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Notice Board Item #23: 1 September 2022

Update and appeal for funds

Sreepur Village, Bangladesh - Flood Relief, August 2022

(For further details of Sreepur village, see the Innovative Activities - CASTME Partners page of the website)

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Item #22: 1 September 2022

Job Advert -

Executive Director - Quality Assurance Authority — Mauritius

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Item #21: date 27 June 2022

The Royal Society of Biology North-Western Branch

29th June 2022

SCHOOLS' QUIZ 2022

Contact: Jean Wilson MBE C.Biol FRSB

Email: premiumfarm@yahoo.co.uk

The Royal Society of Biology North-Western Branch will be presenting the 21st Annual Schools' Quiz at Myerscough College in Lancashire, it is primarily an agricultural college. 22 schools have registered for the Quiz so far this year, each school will bring a team of 4 Year 12 students (16–17-year-olds). The day begins at 10am and the students will attempt 10 challenges throughout the day each lasting approximately 20 minutes, the challenges are of a varied nature and are lead by members of the N-W branch committee, SeaLife Blackpool, Wyre Rivers Trust and Myerscough College.

The questions this year include:

1. 'Skullduggery', where students will be presented with a variety of skulls including dolphin, cow, sheep, dog, panther, pig and flamingo, questions will consider adaptations, selection, visual fields and dentition

2. 'Shark Bait', where students will have to use a dichotomous key to identify egg cases/ mermaid's purses, consider 3 methods of reproduction that are practised by cartilaginous fishes

3. 'Clean Rivers', students will identify freshwater invertebrates and analyse water samples for nitrates etc to establish the water quality of various local rivers, and

4. 'Forensic Flies', students will be required to establish the time of death of the murder victim by identifying which flies are present on the corpse.

These four Challenges give you a flavour of the day, other questions cover antibiotic resistance, disease, heart dissection and drugs!

The winning team will receive a microscope for their school/college and the first four teams will each receive individual book prizes, all attendees will receive a RSB N-W mug and a Certificate of Attendance.

Teachers accompanying the students will be offered a CPD event and a tour of the College facilities. The day should close at approximately 4pm and hopefully we will have had a satisfying if not exhausting day.

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SCHOOLS QUIZ QUESTIONS 2022

1. Microbe Hunters Dr David Wareing 4 microscopes, Lab Students will evaluate clinical signs of infection, blood sample and microbial culture results to determine the cause of a life threatening infection and determine which antibiotics can be used for the treatment of a patient. The exercise represents the cycle of diagnosis that is commonly used in clinical diagnostic microbiology while undertaking a learning exercise.

2. Skullduggery Jean Wilson Lab, 2 teams simultaneously Students will be required to use their powers of observation and knowledge to address adaptations related to features of skulls from a variety of vertebrates. Adaptations will be related to feeding, seeing and breathing.

3. The Birds and the Bees Michael Clapham Room with Smartboard Teams will be shown colour images of a range of animals and asked questions related to their evolution, ecology and physiology. Success will rely on logical thinking, deductive reasoning, good observational skills and an understanding of biological concepts, not knowledge of facts! Teams are unlikely to be able to answer questions from existing knowledge. An answer that is completely wrong can still get full credit if it shows good biological logic and application concepts, so even good guesses can get the points!

4. Time Flies Dr Alan and Hilary Bedford Lab, 4 dissecting microscopes In murder investigations, estimating time of death is vital but much more difficult once the classic indicators like Rigor mortis have passed. Various flies however, will colonise bodies quickly and Forensic entomologists can use these to estimate the Post Mortem Interval (PMI). In this exercise, you will need to identify the age of fly larvae, identify adult flies reares from these maggots to species (using a dichotomous key) and, together with other information provided, draw conclusion about the time of death.

5. Shark Bait Katie Seddon

Students will be required to evaluate and determine the different ways in which sharks, rays and skate reproduce. Success will rely on good observational skills to determine species, biology and each step of egg development by looking at the given information and working towards a good understanding of these methods, with particular emphasis on egg laying (oviparous) species. This quiz also touches on predator adaptations in relation to a physical jaw specimen of a Tiger shark.

6. Healthy Rivers Dr H Stott, Lucy Brookfield Lab with sink access, 2 dissecting microscopes, 16 petri dishes, 2 wash bottles, 2 forceps

Use of keys and water analysis- an investigation into water quality using ID of macro invertebrates.

7. Bounty of Nature -Plants and Medicine Liam Blacklock No special laboratory or equipment required Plants produce an astonishing array of compounds that help them survive tough environments. This can be to deter herbivores, protect against harsh climates, or hinder their competitors. Many of these same compounds are used in common medicines today.

The use of plants in medicine has had an important role in human history. Beginning in the 19th Century, scientists became interested in plants for their medicinal properties. The scientific study of products found in nature as sources of medicines is called Pharmacognosy. Since long before then, plants have been in use in traditional and folk medicine.

Students will be provided with photographs and descriptions of plants, and the drugs derived from them. Their task will be to match the drug to the plant it is derived from, by relating information about its function in nature, medicinal effect, historical use in human health and society, and place of origin.

8. Inside out - dissection challenge: Myerscough

Test your dissection skill and knowledge of the heart structures with this dissection challenge.
Students will have the opportunity to get hands on and reinforce their biological systems learning with a practical session.

9. Bugs N Blood: Myerscough

This 'bug' just loves feasting on your pet's blood... slides, microscopes and associated questions.

10. Galloping through evolution: Myerscough

A whistle-stop tour of evolution, with a particular Equine slant.

End of document

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Item #20: 14th March 2022

New Children’s Interest Group Formed

Click here

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Item#19; 4th March 2022

Early Years Childhood —

Free Professional Development Opportunity

May 16-20, 2022

Karlene Desplanes

Department: Corporate

Contact#: 876-427-2004

The Early Childhood Commission
Shops 44-49, 8-10 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston, Jamaica
876-618-2769 / 876-922-9296

Visit our social pages and website:
http://www.ecc.gov.jm

Click here

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Item #18; 11th February 2022

CASTME Chisman lecture

The 2022 CASTME Denis Chisman Memorial Lecture

Wed 16 March, 6pm — on Zoom

Speaker Professor Peter Okebukola, Lagos University Nigeria, CASTME adviser and colleague of late Dennis Chisman

Our Children, Our Future: STE(A)M from the Lens of Babies

STE(A)M: Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts) and Mathematics.

The lecture will trace the growth of STE(A)M over the last two decades especially in the Commonwealth and describe the ferment and tensions within the field.

Between these two realities, lies a narrow corridor which positions children to reshape our outlook for a more secure world of the 21st century.

· What do we know about how children learn science?

· What do we need to know?

· How do we intervene to assure that our children today grow up to contribute more meaningfully to solving emerging global problems especially those relating to STE(A)M?

Exemplars of projects in the Commonwealth addressing these and other questions will be narrated.

Details of the Zoom link will be sent to you as soon as you have registered by returning this invitation to:

Dr the Lady Sue Dale Tunnicliffe at

S.tunnicliffe@ucl.ac.uk

Jonathan Ling at

j.g.ling@btinternet.com

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Item #17; 12 January 2022

Royal Commonwealth Society, London

We are delighted to share the latest edition of Commonwealth Voices with you and hope you enjoy reading about how the Society has been working to make a positive impact across the Commonwealth over the past year.

This latest edition spotlights The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021, which despite COVID-19 interruptions to education around the globe, saw a record-breaking 25,600 children enter. It was the highest level of entries since the competition began in 1883! We are delighted to include an article from the Junior Winner, Ethan Charles Mufuma from Uganda, as well as a piece on the winners and their Award Ceremony at St James's Palace with our Vice-Patron HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

This issue also features articles from the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network, inclusions from business, civil society and government on amplifying Commonwealth voices at COP26 and a piece on the launch of The Queen's Baton Relay.

In line with the Commonwealth's commitment to protect our oceans, our Christmas appeal focused on our goal to remove one million pieces of rubbish from the Commonwealth's waterways and oceans by 2025. We hope that you'll consider supporting us:
for every £1 donated, we will pick up one item of plastic waste

On behalf of all of us at the Royal Commonwealth Society, we wish you and your family a safe and Happy New Year!
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Item #16; 14 November 2021

Blending of Culture and Science Conference

A UH Innovation Virtual Conference

November 15, 16 and 17, 2021

Both culture and science have sought to answer the questions about who we are, where do we come from and where we are going. However, as science became more technologically advanced, the role and significance of culture experiences in this quest of has diminished—often at the expense of losing precious indigenous knowledge and scientific innovations.

Recognizing that creating a balance between culture and science is essential to a sustainable future in Hawai‘i and around the world, the University of Hawai‘i (UH) is hosting this timely three-day conference that will bring together a wide range of subject matter experts to discuss the path forward.

Sponsored by the University of Hawai`i Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

https://research.hawaii.edu/blending-of-culture-and-science/

Click for details:

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Item#15; 14 October 2011

EQUALS Tech4Girls Mobile App Workshop (Commonwealth)

GSMA Tech4G (edukadu.com)

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Item #14; 19 October 2021

The Royal Aeronautical Society

RAeS Conference: Cutting Aviation's Climate Change Impact

19 October 2021 - 20 October 2021

No.4 Hamilton Place and Virtual, 12:00-17:45 BST

Conference

climate-change-programme-101021.pdf (aerosociety.com)

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Item #13; 12 August 2021

The National Council of Women (Malta)

Annual General Meeting

22 July 2021

‘towards a regeneration for the future’

Doris Bingley … highlighted the current and future role of the National Council of Women.

Click here for details

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Item #12; 20 July 2021

GE Summit 2021 | Mobilising resources for education: the crucial role of Commonwealth countries

Link

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Item #11; 11 July 2021

A STEM Discussion Event in Nigeria on 12 June 2021

Click here

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Item #10; 27 June 2021

Commonwealth of Learning Internships

deadline: 11:59pm (PDT) June 30, 2021

Full details

The Commonwealth of Learning Internship Programme offers internships, of up to 12 months, to young citizens of the Commonwealth countries, in support of learning for sustainable development. These internships will be available remotely, at COL headquarters located in Metro Vancouver, Canada or the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), New Delhi, India, or as a combination of both remote and on-site. A COL internship is a non-compensated, full-time engagement. Interns will be expected to work on various activities within the framework of COL’s Strategic Plan.

…COL_Internship_Programme_Application_0.pdf

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Item #9; 09 June 2021

ICASE Newsletter

(page 12- item on CASTME)

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Item #8; 09 June 2021

National Association for Environmental Education (UK)

Newsletter

Email: info@naee.org.uk Web: http://naee.org.uk

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Item #7; 23 May 2021

Association of Science Education (UK) membership page

https://www.ase.org.uk/membership

Along with the update to the resources pages earlier this month, we've now revamped the membership section of the ASE website. We've tried to simplify things in order to make it easier for prospective members to find exactly the right membership for them, so please do share the new link with any non-members within your professional network.

We're particularly keen to promote our institutional membership packages over the coming months, and to that end are offering every school/college that joins up in the next four weeks a free pass for the upcoming ASE Summer Conference in June

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Item #6; 23 May 2021

CASTME Members News Update No.2, May 2021

Details

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Item #5; 11 May 2021

Indigenous Science Network Bulletin

Promoting First Nations' science, teaching & education

Vol. 22, no. 2 (May 2021)

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Cross reference - Post#8: 20 Feb 2021 (Resources Page)

February 2021 (Volume 22, Number 1) ISSN 1449-2091

Click for Bulletin copy

Coordinator: Mark Linkson

Email: IndigenousSciNet@yahoo.com

Aims of the Indigenous Science Network

Originating from a meeting in 1998 of science educators and Indigenous community members in Darwin, Australia. We agreed that there should be a central place for Indigenous knowledge in any science curriculum. We have grown to cater for scientists, educators and Indigenous community members from across the world

To promote First Nations science, teaching and education
To support all educators who would like to improve their knowledge and understanding of indigenous science and how to access and use it in their teaching
To involve Indigenous scientists, educators and community members who support the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in teaching science and are open to dialogue and sharing about their own experiences.

…

We have a great issue with two submissions from members looking at efficacious pedagogy for Indigenous students, one based in a Canadian university teaching chemistry remotely, and the other in Australia considering the use of Kriol to enhance understandings in Yr 11 high school biology. Big thanks to Michelle Hogue and Genevieve Firmer for allowing us to share their valuable and important stories. Item 6: 18 April 2021

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Item #4; 11 May 2021

Hack the Planet Competition

Call for entries: £10k prize for ocean sustainability/satellite solutions idea

Commonwealth Secretariat and Satellite Applications Catapult Ltd.

Details

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Item #3; 21 April 2021

Putting STEAM into Policy — Event

The STEAM INC project is funded by the Erasmus+ programme for three years. The partnership consists of six higher education institutions and one cultural organisation, all currently delivering STEAM approaches.

As we develop thinking and strategy for advancing the STEAM agenda in Higher Education internationally, we are hosting this public event on Zoom with 3 experts from leading policy, science and arts organisations around Europe.

Our speakers include:

Stephen Bennett - Policy Lab
Mikael Sokero - Demos Helsinki
STARTS Program – Ralph Dum

There will be a question and answer sessions after the presentations. During the second part of the event, participants will be invited to join a collaborative work session on how STEAM methods can influence and support policy making within Higher Education and beyond.

Further details

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Item #2; 11 April 2021

Twelve years’ education for every Commonwealth child: Finding the money

Date: 29 April 2021 | Time: 12:00 | Venue: Virtual

Join this engaging webinar with Commonwealth partners: Council for Education in the Commonwealth (CEC); Commonwealth Consortium for Education (CCfE); International Parliamentary Network for Education (IPNEd) and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

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Item #1; 27 March 2021

Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA)

International Online Conference 22– 24 June 2021

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Item #0; 27 March 2021

National Science Museum, London

Starter and plenary ideas, Climate Talks for Earth Day in April and more

Contact address: info@sciencemuseum.ac.uk

Further details: