March 11th - 20th - British Science Week

British Science week is a celebration of all thing's science, engineering and maths.  

The main theme of this year's event is ‘Smashing Stereotypes’ and thinking about our own biases when it comes to everything science! For example, this covers preconceptions of what a scientist might look like, and the wide range of jobs involved STEAM.  

STEAM is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics to develop children into curious learners, creative problem solvers and critical thinkers. For many educators and parents though, understanding how to implement STEAM into everyday learning can be tricky. Especially understanding it’s impact for their future. 

Here are a few ways that you can involve your children in British Science Week this year – especially when it comes to smashing up those stereotypes. 

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Sharing books and stories 

Stories can be inspirational for young children. They can turn their previous perceptions on their head, and stem and foster new and previous interests. Here are few books that could be shared with your child on the subject of science, what it can do for us and unravelling stereotypes of what a scientist is.  

1) Fantastically Great Women Who Saved the Planet - By Kate Pankhurst

To buy (via Amazon): https://amzn.to/3tKZIB5

2) Mary Anning - By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

To buy (via Amazon): https://amzn.to/3HX6qZy

3) Little People, Big Dreams: Women in Science: 3 books from the best-selling series! Ada Lovelace - Marie Curie - Amelia Earhart - By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

To buy (via Amazon): https://amzn.to/3vWlxjI

4) Rocket Girl - By Didi Dragon

To buy (via Amazon): https://amzn.to/3pMChG7

5) Super Cool Space Facts: A Fun, Fact-Filled Space Book for Kids - By Bruce Betts

To buy (via Amazon): https://amzn.to/3tHOqxx

Grow something 

You could have a go at planting something at home as this is a great way of your child understanding growth, adaptations, scientific concepts and progress. You could plant a bean in a clear plastic pot and push the bean close to the side of the pot so that you can see it. As beans shoot quickly, you will be able to see it stem and sprout. You could take daily photos of the progress to discuss and compare. Or drop a new one in a different pot every day for the week to see how much they change every day. 

Speak to somebody involved in STEAM 

STEAM covers a wide range of jobs and careers. A great way to foster an interest in this is to arrange for you and your child to speak to somebody involved in STEM. This could be a friend who teaches science, a family member who is an engineer or mechanic, or somebody you know who is involved in an environmental service. You could even plan a visit to a science museum or encourage your child to recognise STEAM happening in the world around them such as at a car garage or construction site near your home.