STEMNET Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network

Challenge children to work in teams and build a simple wind powered machine to lift a cup of pennies off the floor. Great hands on and brains on activity requiring little more than pencils, string, card and a hair dryer. Practical Action's most popular resource already tried and tested in hundreds of schools

Bee Hotels!

This is a simple, fun activity which is ideal for younger children. By getting them to make something they can keep, they are immediately more interested. It also provides an opportunity to talk about bees in a more positive light!

All that's required is a plant pot, clay, cut pieces of bamboo and straw.

1) press the clay into the bottom of the pot, covering any holes at the bottom
2) press the pieces of bamboo (around 5 per pot) upright into the clay
3) fill gaps in the pot with straw
4) place horizontally somewhere in the garden that is quite sheltered

If bees use the hotel, they will block off the bamboo after laying their larvae. Using the metaphor of a hotel where the bamboo sticks are the 'rooms' really captures the children's imagination. A common thing for children to say is 'I don't want bees in my garden, they sting!' which creates the chance to talk about how there are lots of different types of bee and the solitary mason bees which are most likely to use the nest are unlikely to sting unless provoked. You can also talk to the children about why bees are important as pollinators.

Step-by-step photos are in the attachment.

These are the standard induction slides (August 2011) produced by STEMNET which are used by STEMNET Contract Holders UK-wide to deliver the STEM Ambassadors induction. All STEM Amabassadors are required to attend a STEM Ambassadors induction as part of the STEM Ambassador registration process. Your STEMNET Contract Holder will most likely tailor the inductions slightly to be more relevant to the sub-region in which you, as a STEM Ambassadors are registered. The standardised slides can also be useful as a reference for all STEM Ambassadors.