the-BA : Activities

Image of a science and engineering club activity in progress.

Variety is the spice of life and this is certainly true for club activities. So, try to include different types of activities in your club. For example:

Award Schemes Try one of the award schemes from The BA, where you complete a series of investigations to gain accreditation. Also look at the list of popular and successful awards in the Shape the Future (PDF 482KB) directory.

Challenges or Competitions Set a challenge that can run over a number of weeks, provide resources and encourage research using the library and internet. Keep an eye out for National or Regional competitions that your club could enter.

Debates Debate a popular science issue; try nuclear energy, healthy eating or stem cell research/cloning. Keep an eye out for current news topics that could make interesting debates. Debate ideas can also be found at www.scizmic.net, www.neweconomics.org/gen/democs.aspx or www.at-bristol.org.uk/cz/

Experiments and Activities These are what most clubs do in their meetings. The Internet has lots of sources of good ideas and activities. Try them first as you can’t guarantee that they will work!

Field trips Take your club to visit a local environmental site or places where they can see science and engineering in action.

National Research Opportunities There are lots of national research opportunities and projects that your club can get involved with. Examples include the Kew Millennium Seed Bank, BBC Springwatch and Autumnwatch, RSPB bird surveys.

Outreach to Primary Schools Try getting your members to design and then deliver an activity session for local primary children.

Projects Long term projects can give club members firm focus and goal. Encourage members to chose there own theme.

Science and the Arts Try linking science and engineering and the arts together. Explore ideas using dance, drama, sculpture etc.

Talks from outside speakers Find an engaging speaker on STEM issues, remember to leave time for questions at the end. For help finding a speaker try you local SETPOINT.

Visits to Industry Arrange a trip to visit local industry:
You could try water treatment plants, food producers, recycling plants or university science departments. The Industrial Trust and your local SETPOINT may be able to help.

National Science and Engineering Week Don’t forget National Science and Engineering Week, which is always a great time to arrange visits and special events. Visit the National Science and Engineering Week homepage.

Visits to Science Centres There are many Science Centres and museums throughout the UK that provide educational activities for schools and clubs. Contact Ecsite-uk to find out where your local centres are.

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