Time to Start Planning your British Science Week!

British Science Week takes place from the 6-15 March 2020.

Now’s the time to get stuck in and start planning what your school will do!

If you’re looking for funding, the British Science Association is now taking applications for its Kick Start grants.

These grants allow you to run an event, buy materials or equipment, pay for a speaker or presenter during British Science Week, and they are available to schools in challenging circumstances.

See if your school meets the criteria here.

Now’s the time to think outside the box! The BSA is particularly keen to hear from teachers who are planning events which will engage children and young people of all abilities, especially those who do not typically choose to do science.

It’s also keen to fund more events that are cross-curricular and challenge the stereotype of science.

There are four different grants to apply for:

• Kick Start Youth grant: A grant of £150 for your school to run an activity organised by students aged 10-19
• Kick Start grant: A grant of £300 for your school to run an activity for students at your school
• Kick Start More grant: A grant of £700 for your school to run an activity which involves your students and the local community
• Kick Start grant + Youth grant: A grant of £450 for your school to run an activity for British Science Week as well as an additional activity organised and delivered by students aged 10-19.

Deadline for grant applications is 5pm on 11 November 2019. There’s still plenty of time, so submit your application before half term.

The British Science Association also offers support and advice to help make your British Science Week a success.

One of the primary school teachers that received funding last year, commented that although some of the planning was time consuming and tricky to manage, the support she received from the BSA helped her to showcase a range of role models for her students:

“Organising science week, as a part-time teacher, was interesting but sometimes difficult. Fortunately, I was able to enlist some fantastic local speakers (a doctor, a radiographer, a secondary school science teacher and some STEM ambassadors) as well as a paid workshop from Junior STEM (which was paid for by out Kick Start Grant). The enthusiasm from the children will definitely encourage me to organise another science week in the future.”

The BSA also has further inspiration and useful tips to help you plan your British Science Week, whether you’re looking at its activity packs to inspire the classroom or if you need advice on promoting your event. It also has marketing material available to use to help you spread the word!

Find out more at britishscienceweek.org.