Giving Voice: Stories of STE(A)M through the technology of radio
A new project for Primary and Secondary School Students: November 2022 to June 2023
We are launching another new science, technology and computing project for primary and secondary schools. This year, the project celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the BBC and Essex as the birthplace of radio!
We are looking for participating schools across Essex to become new CSES Affiliate Schools whose student teams will:
- Gain an understanding of the basic technology of radio transmission and develop hands-on electronics skills by constructing both a simple crystal set and a more sophisticated FM receiver.
- Research the history, roles and activities of key participants in the development of radio broadcasting (or other areas where arts and technology combine), especially highlighting the roles of women and others from under-represented groups.
- Develop and record a short 5-minute podcast introducing their chosen role model, which they will share within the classroom using a short-range FM transmitter and more widely with other schools through audio streaming.
- Prepare a poster, which together with their podcast will be judged at our annual TEXPO in June 2023.
To maximise the success of these student-led projects, additional competitive funding may be available from our CSES STEM Club Bursary.
There will be PRIZES for the most innovative, best research and greatest impact entry in each age group, presented at our annual awards ceremony at Anglia Ruskin University in July. In consultation with your CSES Champion, teams may be funded to enter their project for an appropriate level National CREST Award.
We are now looking for schools across Essex (including the unitary authorities) to become CSES School Affiliate Members and discuss how they would like to be involved in this exciting project.
Please contact our Vice President for Education, Professor David Humber, for further information (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
CSES has a long record of supporting STEM in schools with talks, competitions, hands-on workshops and awarding bursaries to support STE(A)M activities. We now have funding to support another major annual project in partnership with primary and secondary schools.
CSES will provide equipment to construct both a solder-free crystal set and a FM radio together with a short-range FM transmitter and, when approved, other appropriate materials and equipment (via our bursary fund).
Each partner school will also have a dedicated CSES STE(A)M champion who will not only help design and execute the student-led project but also facilitate access to university and commercial STEM resources if required. The CSES champion will supply regular support and encouragement, virtual or face-to-face as appropriate.
If appropriate, student teams will be encouraged to develop their own project(s) around the theme and submit for a CREST Award. The CSES champions also have access to a wealth of relevant background information and hands-on activities that can be adapted and modified to develop rewarding projects.
The aim of this project is to encourage curiosity and creativity, develop research skills and teamwork, and increase young people’s awareness of the breadth of opportunity across the STE(A)M spectrum, while building on core curriculum topics.
During the project, students will be expected to maintain a project log and, at the end, produce a poster to accompany their podcast, which will be assessed by CSES judges. Prizes will be awarded to the best projects within each age group. All participants will be invited to our annual Awards Ceremony to receive prizes and certificates of achievement.
We are now looking for schools across Essex (including the unitary authorities) to become CSES School Affiliate Members and discuss how they would like to be involved in this exciting project.
Please contact our Vice President for Education, Professor David Humber, for further information (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).