STEMNet – Learning from the GamesSTEMNet
Cisco´s Inspired thinking
As a part of Cisco´s commitment to building a brilliant future for the UK after London 2012 – they have formed a partnership with STEMNet – an education scheme funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills and the Department for Education.
This program aims to encourage young people across the UK to engage in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and take their first steps towards a career in technology.
The STEM Challenges
STEMNet developed the STEM Challenges as part of its aim to provide a contextual and cross-curricular approach to studying STEM subjects at Key Stage Three. The 10 challenges do this by focussing on different aspects of preparation for the London 2012 Games. They involve a mixture of hands-on testing, experimental work and research.
Cisco has worked with STEMNet on two of these challenges: The Cisco Website Challenge with gold-winning Paralympic GB handcyclist Rachel Morris, and the Maths and Science Challenge 2012.
The Cisco Website Challenge: Rachel Morris
STEMNet and Cisco invited 11-14 year olds to design a new online presence for Rachel. The judges had to whittle down 80 entries from schools across the UK to just eight finalists, who were asked to present their ideas in person on July 6th 2011 at Ravensbourne College, London. This was a fitting location because the college’s students already use Cisco technology and benefit from the company´s support.
Each team was given the opportunity to present their ideas to Rachel and was quizzed by a panel of judges. As part of the day, there were group discussions about the behind-the-scenes Cisco technologies that make television and the internet work. Plus, there was lots of advice and encouragement for the finalists to consider a career in the digital economy.
One finalist summed up the experience: “I´ve had such an exciting day and learned loads, but it was incredibly nerve-wracking presenting a website about Rachel to Rachel herself.”
The judges awarded first place to Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College. As a reward for their hard work, the students won £1,000 worth of equipment for their school's STEM Club plus a trip to the World Skills 2011 Conference, courtesy of Cisco.
The Maths and Science Challenge 2012
This is the final STEM Challenge in the lead up to London 2012 and will culminate in an exciting final at Cisco House, London on Friday 6th July. STEMNet and Cisco are challenging 11-16 year olds to use their maths and science skills to plan a major sporting event in their local area.
The challenge is to plan an event that will excite, inspire, transform the local area, and showcase local and national talent. Students will choose a sport and a venue or location, and work out what resources, facilities and equipment they will need for the event. They will also need to provide enough evidence to convince a panel of judges that their event is accessible and sustainable, and that it will leave a lasting legacy for their local area.
Find out more about the Maths and Science Challenge 2012 here: www.mathsandscience2012.co.uk/
Full details about STEM Challenge 10, including how to register your teams, can be found below.
