PLANET SCIENCE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 08 Stardate: Friday 1st November 2002 Did you know you can choose to receive this weekly news update free by email? sign up here Welcome to a newsletter of truly international dimensions. From Singapore to Switzerland, to the events coming up in European Science Week… stopping off for some space-action, a polar bear joke and some other top news items too. Feeling giddy? Don't worry - we've secured a personal GPS navigator to help you get around. Here's what’s going on: 01. EUROPEAN SCIENCE WEEK 02. FANCY A TRIP TO GENEVA? 03. ... ok then, how about A TRIP TO SINGAPORE? 04. Get in position with our: WHERE IN THE WORLD QUIZ 05. ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK - Fizzy fizzy bang bang 06. MOUSES AT THE READY - science shows at Science Museum 07. BRIGHTSPARKS - more help needed 08. Has your school lab been REFURBISHED lately? 09. SCIENCE HERO NOMINATIONS 10. GRANTS available for sci projects 11. SCIENCE BEHIND THE NEWS – what ARE opiates? 12. 3 x Recommended WEBSITES OF THE WEEK 13. JOKE OF THE WEEK 14. A.O.B. EUROPEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY WEEK As you may remember from the 'Scibus' news alert last week, European Science and Technology Week begins on Monday 4th November. This is an EU initiative, and the aim is to demonstrate that science and technology are not just confined to the lab but are all around us... There are events planned in each country, and you can find out all about them by clicking on this link for the official website. Just select UK to find out what’s going on. If you can't get to any of these events though, don't worry, you can still get involved and take advantage of the week, thanks to Science Line. Science Line, as you MUST know by now, is a free science information service which undertakes to answer all science-related questions FREE, whether on the phone or via their website. They've always got a strong team of question-answerers at hand - but during the coming week, Science Line's ranks will be swelled by an extra workforce of 'real' ie. day-to-day working scientists who have all been recruited to answer questions specific to their area of work. There's a chosen topic each day, as follows: Monday 4 November: What might the effects of global climate change be? Tuesday 5 November: What are the possible dangers of electromagnetic radiation? Wednesday 6 November: What are the possibilities of cloning technologies? Thursday 7 November: How can new technologies be used to overcome disability? Friday 8 November: Why do allergies seem to be on the increase? So if you've ever wanted to know when you'll be able to have your own Mini-Me or whether using a mobile is affecting your brain, give them a ring... they're just a phonecall away - and standing by for your question. Go on, make them as busy as a BT callcentre after the bills go out... Their phone number is 0808 800 4000, open between 1pm - 7pm during the week. The Science Line website can be found at http://www.sciencenet.org.uk Back to top PHYSICS TEACHERS - HERE'S YOUR REWARD! If you're a physics teacher, and you DIDN'T go on the freebie particle physics trip to Geneva last year, here's another AMAZING opportunity. Here's the background: CERN is the largest particle accelerator in the world, located on the Swiss/French border near Geneva. It's effectively an international working village of 6500 scientists from 60 countries, all concerned with uncovering the inner secrets of the nature of matter... And in their spare time, they're well known for their sociable and friendly lifestyle too. It's a great place to visit - no unsatisfied customers have ever been reported - and they're currently on the hunt for a number of physics teachers to come out and attend an event they're organising. It's called 'Physics teachers at CERN 2003', and it's a conference for teachers from across Europe, taking place between 21st-23rd February 2003. They say, "The programme will include talks from leading physicists and visits to areas of the centre normally closed to the public. The idea of the conference is to give teachers the chance to meet colleagues from different countries, get bang up to date on current physics learning new insights into the world of contemporary physics and have fun - leaving you ready to return to your pupils fully re-enthused about the world of physics!" "Sounds great but what's the catch?...there isn't one!" Planet Science and PPARC (the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council) are joining forces to provide grants to help pay teachers to attend. This money can be used for travel and even provide for teacher cover while you are away. Funding of up to £225 will be available for 20 teachers and a random selection will be made from all successful UK applicants (if more than 20 are selected by CERN)." Details of the conference programme can be found here and you can read an account of last year's event - and peruse loads of very entertaining photos here. Closing date for applications is 20th November 2002 and successful applicants will be notified by CERN by the end of December. Back to top SIMILARLY FAB SINGAPORE OFFER If you're not a physics teacher, or you've simply been to Switzerland (yawn, yawn) toooo many times already darling ... what about Singapore then? You still need to be a science teacher, and there's only one place available, but it still night be worth a shot. Basically, the Association for Science Education have been asked by the British Council to nominate one teacher to attend the Singapore International Science Teachers' Programme in April next year. It's a biggie too - a three week programme, running from 1st-19th April, and they'll pay for travel and accommodation (though sadly not for supply cover). You can find out more about it here. Applications must be submitted to Derek Bell by 8th November 2002. If you're interested, email Derek at the ASE or phone 01707 283014 for more details and an application form. They say: "Apologies for the short timeframe but we have only just received the request from the British Council." So if you think this is for you: hurry hurry hurry! Back to top WIN A GPS PERSONAL NAVIGATOR Many thanks to everyone who entered the 'Magnetic Mayhem' quiz on the Planet Science website... There were SO many all-correct answers that the prize draw for the Levitation Kits will have to take place next week and we will reveal the winners on Friday. Meanwhile, 'Where In the World?'. On the Planet Science website of course! Thanks to our super-generous friends at Geomatics.org.uk we have an eTrex 'personal navigator' to give away to someone geo-astute enough to get all 10 quiz questions correct. Got your bearings? Well, have a go then! Back to top ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK "We want more explosions!" That's the feedback we've been getting from Activity of the Week fans... So here's a classic from Science Line: It's called: FIZZY FIZZY BANG BANG Of all the experiments you can do with those good old kitchen science staples of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, this one definitely gives the best return for only a small amount of effort. NB: Remember, never go back to a swelling plastic bag. What you'll need: A small zip-lock style sandwich bag Paper kitchen towel Bicarbonate of soda (sodium bicarbonate) Vinegar Water What you do: This experiment can get a bit messy, so it's best to do it outside, or somewhere you don't mind having to clean up. The vinegar can smell a bit too, so posh types might prefer to use balsamic rather than good old malt. Top tip: it's important that your sandwich bag is of the zip-lock type and can hold its seal well so that none of the gas can escape, otherwise it won't go pop. 1. Prepare your bicarbonate of soda charge. Take a sheet of kitchen towel and pile about 1.5 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda onto the middle of it. Fold the kitchen towel up like a small packet or envelope. 2. Prepare your vinegar solution. Pour about a third of a mug of vinegar in the sandwich bag and add about half the same amount of warm water. 3. Drop the bicarbonate of soda packet into the bag and quickly zip up the top. 4. Place the bag in position; watch it swell and wait for the bang! You may want to stand well back... What's happening: When the vinegar and the bicarbonate of soda mix they produce a gas, carbon dioxide. This gas rapidly fills the bag, which expands until it goes pop. In cooking, small amounts of bicarbonate of soda are mixed with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that help cakes and biscuits to rise. Baking powder is a mixture of bicarbonate of soda with a solid acid which react when they get wet, so you don't need to add any extra acid. Tips: Depending on the size of your bag you may need to alter the amounts. If the contents of the bag stop fizzing too early then the vinegar has probably all been used up - try adding some more. Putting the bicarbonate of soda in the paper envelope slows down the generation of the gas. Try just spooning it into the bag, then adding the vinegar and quickly sealing the top. What happens? Back to top MOUSES AT THE READY More more more for teachers! This time, back in the UK, at the London Science Museum. The Science Museum are launching three new science show events, and the first 10 teachers to email us back will get 10 free places each Here's what they say, "The Science Museum is pleased to announce a programme of special schools events for Spring 2003. The events, mainly in the form of 'Lecture demonstrations' last 45 minutes and cover specific areas of the national curriculum. Lecture demonstrations are a valuable teaching resource and present material in a dynamic, accessible and entertaining way. The demonstrations are performed by trained Museum Explainers and are full of experiments, audience participation and exciting visuals. Places are limited and shows sell out quickly. The venue is the Museum Lecture Theatre." There are three shows: FEEL THE FORCE (KS2) 19th - 21st November, 9th - 13th December and 7th - 10th April. Explores magnetism, gravity, friction, air resistance, upthrust and lift through lively demonstrations and audience participation. Learn how to make a rocket powered just by water and meet Phil the amazing stunt frog... THE ENORMOUS TURNIP STORYTELLING (KS1) 20th - 24th January and 4th, 5th March This is an engaging exploration of forces for KS1 through storytelling. The story is followed by a participatory workshop which reinforces the teaching points covered. This show covers KS1, Sc4 Physical processes: Forces and Motion. THE SUPERCOOL SHOW (KS3) 24th - 28th March This show investigates heat, temperature and the states of matter using more liquid nitrogen than you can shake a frozen stick at! Places cost £2.50 each - full information can be found here. To make a booking, phone the Education Booking Office at the Museum on: 0207 942 4777 or email on edbookings@nmsi.ac.uk And if you want those FREE tickets ... email Chloe Sheppard on chloe@planet-science.com. Quick quick quick! Back to top BRIGHT SPARKS NEEDED TO TEST QUIZ And here at Planet Science we're getting ready to launch our mega science revision tool, the BrightSparks Quiz. Suitable for all key stages, the designers at CAST Education are putting the finishing touches on the programme and ironing out any last-minute bugs. To help them out, we need some classes at all key stages to help test the content and provide advice before the full version is unleashed on the nation. Essentially, the questions come in an interactive format and ask players to match images against answers. All the content is linked to the curriculum, and each quiz comes with groovy images, a time limit and the ability to track the progress of students over the term.… We think it's going to be a great tool, and this is your final chance to check it out before it goes live. If you've got some classes who would benefit from a sneak preview, send your name, school and phone number to Bobby ‘Brightsparks’ Cerini at bobby.cerini@planet-science.com Back to top HAS YOUR SCHOOL SCIENCE LAB BEEN REFURBISHED - OR REBUILT - LATELY? If so, please would you tell us all about it? We want to hear about the good, the bad and the ugly sides of the experience, whether you're a science teacher, head teacher, school bursar, LEA representative - or pupil. Our lovely colleague Jenni French is gathering together some information for a coming Planet Science project, and if you feel you can help, please email her on jenni@planet-science with all your comments and opinions. NB. She has a number of £25 CD vouchers just lying on her desk waiting to be sent out to helpful people, so don't be shy! Back to top MORE SUPERSTARS WANTED Thank you to everyone who's emailed with nominations for the science superstars Filofax competition! To win the daddy of all Filofaxes - kindly donated by lovely Paperchase - you had to nominate someone who has been a gem to your science department, above and beyond the call of duty. We've had headteachers, support assistants, technicians, and a science co-ordinator nominated so far and we think there must be many more stars out there who deserve a nomination. All science superstars nominations will be posted in Sci-Teach so the world will know how much you appreciate them even if they are not plucked from the hat to win the prize. And you never know, we might be able to come up with a little surprise something for everyone ;-) So send your nominations to Katie Walsh at katie@planet-science.com asap! Back to top MONEY MONEY MONEY - AVAILABLE What was that idea you had for a popular science project again? Well, quick quick, dust it off, polish it up! Copus have been in touch to say that grants of £500 to £20,000 are now available through the Copus Grant Schemes 2002/2003 for projects to engage people with the contemporary issues and ideas linked with science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine. There are two rounds of funding for the Copus Grant Schemes 2002/2003, and the closing dates are: Round 1: 5pm Thursday 21 November 2002 Round 2: 5pm Thursday 16 January 2003 Full details and application pack are available in the Terms and Conditions and Guidelines at http://www.copus.org.uk/grants_about.html. Printed application packs will be available from 30 October 2002 from: Copus The Royal Society 6-9 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5AG or can be ordered by phone on 020 7451 2582, or e-mail via grants@copus.org.uk. Individuals who have made enquiries about Copus grants in the past two years will be sent a pack automatically. Back to top SCIENCE BEHIND THE NEWS This week, in the light of the Russian theatre seige tragedy, Science Line have been finding out more about what opiates are, how they work, and why their use in that instance resulted in so many deaths. Can this really be the same substance that was a fashionable dabble in the 19th Century? Read all about it on the Science Line site here. Back to top RECOMMENDED WEBSITES OF THE WEEK First of all, AMAZING SPACE http://amazing-space.stsci.edu What a fabbo site for space lovers and armchair adventurers. It's full of interactive demonstrations that enable you to have a play about in space - check out black holes, have a go at lobbing different comets around and take a 10-minute time trip through the history of the universe... You'll need Java and Flash to make the most of this site - and it's well worth it! Secondly, JSH EDUCATION http://www.jsheducation.com/PlanetScience.html JSH have been beavering away to produce a PowerPoint slide show for KS2 teachers (or parents!) to download. Specially for Planet Science - bless em. The slide show covers the different systems in the human body that keep us ticking over physically, and uses all those PowerPoint tricks and animations to give a simple and very clear picture of the systems. It then has ways of testing your knowledge in a variety of different ways. And finally. Mad mad mad lovely fun mad mad ... and hopefully useful! It's the SCIENCE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION http://www.tranquility.net/~scimusic/SSA/ "The SSA," they explain, "was formed in 1999 for the purpose of promoting science through song. Most of our members are musicians who write songs about science and/or science teachers who use music in their classrooms. However, membership is open to all, regardless of occupation or background." And in the words of Karl Kimmel, PhD (who would appear to be quite famous?), "A song is probably the best all-around mnemonic device for facilitating a student's recall of facts, definitions, and concepts." They've got the tunes, they've got the lyrics, check it out, and get karaoking this weekend! Back to top JOKE OF THE WEEK A Polar Bear walks into a pub and says to the barman, "I'll have .......... er ........... um .......... hmmmm ........... um .......... a pint of lager please" The Barman say "Why the big pause?" With a puzzled look on his face, the Polar Bear looks as his paws and says "I can't help it, I'm a Polar Bear!" Back to top A.O.B. You don’t have to be Max to work here. But it does help. Special lovely welcome welcome welcome to our new Webmaster/cyberguru, Max Blackler who got his feet under the Planet Science desk this week and has been hard at work maintaining and enhancing the Planet Science site ever since. Hope you enjoy your stay here! One of Max’s favourite jobs so far, is putting together the online version of the newsletter – so please keep those contributions coming. Images are particularly welcome as they do make things look groovier. Send them through to Anne McNaught on anne@planet-science.com And have a great week! Back to top