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Local activities that can be accessed through Cumbria STEM Centre Ltd. Robolab Workshops:  The Robolab workshops are a Cumbria STEM Centre led initiative to support delivery of the System and Control elements of the Key Stage 2 ICT curriculum. Robolab uses a Lego RCX 'smart' brick (built onto a Lego Mindstorms buggy) that can be programmed by a computer, via an infrared tower, using Robolab software. The software uses simple icons. The brick has three outputs that turn on motors and/or lamps or buzzers, along with three inputs that receive information from, for example, touch or light sensors. During the workshop the children will develop their own programmes to move the buggy around the room whilst turning on lamps or buzzers as and when required. It's really good fun! Evaluating the impact of robotics activities in Cumbrian schools Click here to view 'Robolab' report Robodance Competition: Use LEGO Mindstorms kits to build your own mini Robot to compete in a Disco Dance Competition. Bright Sparks Electricity Workshops: The 'Bright Sparks' electricity programme is supported by both United Utilities and Cumbria STEM Centre Ltd. This programme supports the Key Stage 2 curriculum and consists of a Professional Development Session for the class teacher of your nominated class plus an electricity day in your school for this class of pupils' both are delivered by an experienced electrical engineer and member of the Cumbria STEM Centre Ltd team Keith Clarkson. The programme has been running very successfully in Cumbria for over 6 years now, with over 17,000 pupils and 300 teachers having taken part with positive feedback such as the following quote from one teacher. "Last week Keith Clarkson, a STEM Ambassador, came into our school to lead a 'Bright Sparks' session on electricity. It was fantastic, he had a great attitude and manner, and the children really got engaged. I can't believe how much they learned. We certainly don't have the resources in school to do this type of activity, and I will now definitely be using STEM Ambassadors again. Fiona Doran Year 4 Teacher Ireleth St Peters CE Primary School Cumbria K'Nex Challenge  The K'Nex Challenge is a fun design and build construction competition open to classes of primary children of all abilities. Pupils work in pairs to produce a specific design solution for a real-life problem such as building a bridge, carrying a load or demonstrating a mechanism. The challenge allows their imagination, creativity, and ingenuity to run wild and many absolutely fantastic models are seen every year. During 2009 we hope to have worked with over 1000 pupils. KS3/4 STEM Challenge Activities: These events are to encourage students to be more aware of a range of Science & Engineering skills and occupations. The activities are all 'hands on'and will carry some learning content as well as being fun to take part in. The activities have been developed by Cumbria STEM Centre as a simple introduction to a range of Science & Engineering opportunities and skills. The activities will be run by Science & Engineering Ambassadors from companies in local area. There will be two engineers to run each activity. The Science & Engineering Ambassadors have received full training to work with young people and have also received clearances from the Criminal Records Bureau. Some of the activities run are: flight activity, technology challenge, mobile phone challenge. KS2 STEM Activity Days: Opportunities for pupils to take part in hands on challenges with elements of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, structural engineering. All days have elements of problem solving and team working. RED HOT MATHS: A Partnership Initiative between Cumbria STEM Centre & Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service to provide teaching and learning resources which support KS3 National Numeracy Strategy. These workshops have proved to be very popular with school groups with activities including Road Traffic Collisions, Pumping and Delivering of water on the fire ground and Use of Breathing Apparatus. (Currently only running in Kendal & Barrow in Furness) Bee-Bots Workshops:  Award winning programmable floor robot, the Bee-Bot's simple and child friendly layout is a perfect starting point for teaching control, directional language and programming to young children. (Currently under development.)Please click here to view comments made by teachers. CREST in a day events: These day's have been developed to support the British Science Association CREST Awards scheme.
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