Partnering existing activities
The addition of "Engineering" to the event title of "National Science Week" (to become National Science and Engineering Week – NSEW) took place in 2006. The change involved the formation of a partnership between the British Science Association and EngineeringUK in order to highlight more engineering events as part of the week.
National Science Week has been coordinated by the British Science Association since it began in 1994. It is endorsed and supported by Government through The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The programme involves ten days of science and engineering events and activities across the UK aimed at people of all ages. During the week, activities are organised by a wide range of organisations and individuals including hospitals, schools, industry and museums. Venues range from shopping centres to science centres. EngineeringUK works to support and promote the engineering component of the week.
Purpose
The main aim of NSEW is to stimulate and support scientists, engineers and the general public, on an individual or company/institution basis, to organise science and engineering events across the UK. The idea behind the programme is to raise awareness, spark enthusiasm and celebrate science, engineering and technology to the young and old with varying (or no) levels of knowledge and understanding and from all walks of life.
Every organiser has their own unique reasons and benefits for taking part in National Science and Engineering Week, whether it is the additional publicity or just the pleasure of being part of such a large project. Additional benefits can be a raised profile, listing of your event in the NSEW programme and building stronger links with the local community.
Furthermore, organisations can benefit from participating by improved organisational and communication skills of staff and volunteers, reaching new and larger audiences as well as giving a positive reflection on the organisation. By taking part in one the largest science and engineering experiences in the country the organisation may only be participating in one small event, but NSEW is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
Aims and targets
National Science and Engineering Week includes everyone from children and adults to decision makers and investors. It aims to:
• Promote discussion and understanding of what science, engineering and technology can and cannot achieve
• Promote knowledge of the scientific method, i.e. how scientists go about their work and reach their conclusions
• Promote science, engineering and technology studies beyond the age of 16 and science, engineering and technology as career options.
By working on NSEW, EngineeringUK aims to promote the vital contribution that engineers, and engineering and technology, make to our society. Furthermore, EngineeringUK aims to increase awareness of the wide variety of engineering careers on offer and the benefits and rewards they can bring by engaging with young people and with those who influence them.
Previously
In 2009, over 1.4 million people took part in 3,500 events throughout the UK. In 2009 the NSEW theme was ‘change’. This topic was chosen to complement and work alongside both the celebrations of Darwin200 and International Year of Astronomy occurring throughout 2009.
A total number of 528 engineering events were registered in 2009, a significant increase.
Current and future developments
In 2010 NSEW runs from 12 – 21 March and the theme will be ‘Earth’. This theme is designed to coincide with International Year of Biodiversity. We would like to encourage organisers to celebrate this during National Science and Engineering Week 2010. This could be anything from its wildlife to Earth's place in the Universe or its people.
Sponsored by EngineeringUK, the British Science Association is for the second year, offering five event awards as a way to nationally recognise brilliance in public engagement during National Science and Engineering Week 2010. If you have an extra special event for 2010, make sure you nominate it by 1 February 2010. Prizes of up to £1000 will be awarded to winners in the following categories:
• Best Engineering Event
• Best Science Event
• Outstanding Contribution
• Best Primary School Event
• Best Secondary School Event.
The National Science and Engineering Week team produce a range of free activity packs full of science and engineering hands-on activities and projects. There are currently 13 activity packs, including the new ‘What on Earth?’ pack which encourages students to take on the role of weather scientists, engineers, farmers and botanists. EngineeringUK have also created a new engineering activity pack, suitable for secondary-age children, called ‘Rockin’ Crystals’ which is full of activities about materials. To access the free activity packs you can register on the National Science and Engineering Week website.
For full details visit www.nsew.org.uk
Date Published: November 20, 2009
