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Until 15 January 2009: Germany
Competition: Siemens school competition

This year's Siemens school competition in science, engineering and mathematics is all about water. How can we reduce our water consumption? How can we avoid water pollution? What technologies are available for acquiring drinking water and treating sewage? Students in Years 11-13 are invited to compete.

The deadline for registration is 31 October 2008. The submission deadline is 15 January 2009. The competition language is German.

More information: www.siemens.de/generation21/schuelerwettbewerb

28 January 2009: Jemeppe-sur-Sambre, Belgium
Conference: Playful Sciences 3

Science on Stage Belgium invites secondary-school teachers and trainee teachers to join them in a day of playful sciences: presentations, experiments, games, a competition and a bag of experimental material to take home!

The introduction is in English; the rest of the events in either French or Dutch (with translation available if necessary). There are places for 200 participants and the event is free. To register, email info@scienceonstage.be by 1 November 2008.

More information: www.scienceonstage.be

28 - 30 January 2009: Turin, Italy
Training course: European Molecular Biology Laboratory in collaboration with the Fondazione per le biotecnologie, ELLS LearningLAB

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility which brings secondary school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools.

ELLS will be running a unique 3-day LearningLAB in collaboration with the Fondazione per le biotecnologie at the Molecuar Biotechnology Center (MBC) in Turin. 
The course is open to 20 European high-school science teachers and will be run in English. The course, including course materials, catering and accommodation, is free of charge; participants are expected to meet their own travel costs.

More information: www.embl-monterotondo.it/training/ells/learninglab

Contact: ells@embl.de

15 - 17 February 2009: London, UK
Training course: Physics in Perspective

This study course for 6th formers and college students (aged 16-19) offers insights into the many aspects of modern physics, including cutting-edge physics topics, technological applications, as well as some 'fun' physics. The programme of six lectures is designed to counteract misconceptions that physics is a dry, narrow subject concerned only with certainties and remote concepts, and to demonstrate how physics is used to help us understand our environment, our planet and our universe.

Organised by the UK’s Institute of Phyiscs, the course costs £20.

Contact: Leila Solomon (leila.solomon@iop.org)

By 2 March 2009: Austria
Competition: Fascination Experiment

In this nation-wide competition run by Education Highway, which wants to foster the joy of experimenting, all Austrian secondary school students are asked to develop a science experiment in one of the following three categories:

• best science centre experiment
• best video experiment
• best virtual online experiment

In each category, three prizes money will be given, with € 200,- € 300,- and € 500,- each.

Registration before 2 March 2009: www.schule.at/experiment

Contact: office@eduhi.at

9-22 March 2009: University of Cambridge, UK
Science festival: discover centuries of science

The Cambridge Science Festival is the UK's largest free science festival, with 170 events taking place in and around the University of Cambridge during National Science and Engineering Week. A schools' roadshow is also offered, visiting 60 local schools, and schools' masterclasses which bring GCSE pupils from 15 schools in to the University.

More information: www.admin.cam.ac.uk/sciencefestival
Contact: csf@admin.cam.ac.uk

16 March - 3 April 2009: Worldwide
Workshops for students: Hands on Particle Physics
Masterclasses

Would you like to discover the secrets of particle physics? This spring, the
fifth international Hands on Particle Physics Masterclasses will give more
than 5000 high school students and teachers from around the world the
opportunity to work with a particle physicist to unravel the hidden secrets
of high energy physics. More than 80 universities and laboratories in 23
mostly European countries will host these international research days at their home institutions.

Participants will visit a research institute near their schools and work
with data gathered at CERN, the world's largest particle physics laboratory. They
will examine the collisions of electrons and positrons travelling at close
to the speed of light, using computer programs to analyse data. Results will
be compared and discussed with participants in other countries via video
conference.

The event is centrally co-ordinated by Physics Professor Michael
Kobel at TU Dresden. To apply, contact the participating institute closest to you - a list can be found on the website.

More information: www.physicsmasterclasses.org
Contact: masterclasses@physik.tu-dresden.de

18-20 March 2009: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
Training course: ELLS LearningLAB

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility which brings secondary school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools.

The three-day course is designed to enable the participating teachers to explore a range of activities, which they can practice in the lab and then take back to the classroom.

The course is open to 24 European high-school science teachers and is run in English. The course, including course materials and catering, is free of charge; accommodation costs will be partially subsidised. However, participants are expected to meet their own travel costs.

More information: www.embl.de/ells
Contact: ells@embl.de

By 20 March 2009: UK
Fuchs Foundation Antartica Expedition 2010

Do you aspire to be an inspirational teacher of science and geography?
An opportunity of a lifetime for personal development. Can you challenge yourself by an exceptional chance to go to the Antarctic?

The Fuchs Foundation is planning a second Antarctic expedition on which there are places for four science or geography teachers. You must be a full time teacher, but there is no restriction as to nationality. Be prepared to undertake a science project in the harshest of conditions and temperatures down to -40°C. Be prepared to raise a five figure sum to contribute to the expedition’s costs. Write up your science project and produce teaching materials, all of which will be published on the web.

For a Science in School article about a previous expedition in the planning, see Teaching on ice: an educational expedition to Antarctica.

Register before 11 January 2009 atwww.fuchsfoundation.org or
www.bullexpeditions.com.

Contact: janinehider@bullexpeditions.com, tel: +44 (0)0623 884322

23-27 March 2009: Palermo, Italy
XIX Scientific and Technological Culture Week and 'Lauree Scientifiche' project: The School Adopts an Experiment

In the framework of the yearly nationwide Sceintific and Technological Culture Week, in this event, seven secondary schools of Palermo and its province are collaborating with the Astronomical Observatory and the Department of Physical and Astronomical Sciences of the University of Palermo.

The schools have each selected a group of students who have 'adopted' an experiment in one of the participating research labs. University scientists will teach them to act as guides for other students and teachers visiting the XIX Scientific and Technological Culture Week, during which the labs will be open to the public.

More information: www.fisica.unipa.it/ladif
Contact: pls@fisica.unipa.it

23-29 March 2009: Venues across Belgium
Science festival: Science Spring - Evolutions, Revolutions

The Science Spring offers a wide range of free educational activities across Wallonia and in Brussels. It aims to interest young people in science through a playful, concrete and interactive approach. All disciplines are covered, from biology, chemistry and physics, to earth sciences, mathematics and technology.

There will be guided visits to museums and labs, hands-on acitivities, conferences, lectures, exhibitions and much more.

For a number of events and activities, registration is required, especially for (school) groups.

More information: www.printempsdessciences.be

26 March 2009: Berlin, Germany
Panel discussion: Education as a motor for innovation - groundbreaking concepts in and for Europe

In the context of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation, Science on Stage Germany and the representation of the EU Commission in Germany organize a panel discussion with representatives of politics, education and industry on 26 March from 11:00 to 14:30 in Europäisches Haus Berlin.

Practical teaching examples from Germany and Europe will be presented which have already been successful at Science on Stage 2008.

Participation is free of charge and the registration deadline is22 March 2009 (by email).

More information: www.science-on-stage.de
Contact: info@science-on-stage.de

Until 31 March 2009: Austria
Competition: Hands-on X-Netz

The interactive travelling Science Center Network exhibition 'Erlebnis NETZ[werk]E' (The Net[work] Experience) is touring Austria since June 2007. To enhance the exhibition, a competition is run for Austrians up to the age of 26, who can submit ideas for interactive exhibition stands on the topic of nets/networks. Selected ideas will be realized and added to the exhibition.

Both the science area and the type of activity (game, experiment, model, hands-on activitiy, computer animation, quiz, etc.) can be chosen freely. If the jury is convinced your idea is feasible and suitable, you will be awarded €300 as an individual or €500 as a group to run the required research on your project, plus material costs, and you have three months to complete your proposed project, for which you can get help from a list of cooperation partners.

The closing date is 31 March 2009.

More information: www.science-center-net.at/x-netz
Contact: office@science-center-net.at

Until 31 March 2009: Worldwide
Competition: The Plus magazine new writers award

Plus magazine is again looking for the science writers of the future, who can make mathematics lively and interesting for a general audience. There are three categories to this writing competition: school students; university students; and the general public. In the first category, secondary-school and sixth-form students are invited to write a piece of up to 900 words about the life and/or work of any mathematician, living or dead.

The winning entries will be read by an international audience of over 100,000 in the June 2009 issue of Plus. There are also prizes for the best submissions, including signed copies of popular science books and an Apple iPod. The closing date is 31 March 2009.

More information: http://plus.maths.org/competition

31 March - 4 April 2009: Geneva, Switzerland
Conference: Show Physics 2009

The annual EPF conference Show Physics will focus on informal science education in the form of physics shows - physics roadshows featuring demonstration experiments. This conference will bring together physics shows from across Europe to exchange ideas and experiments.

The conference is organized by the PhysicScope group in the context of the EuroPhysicsFun network of physics shows. The registration deadline for the conference is 1 February 2009.

More information: www.physiscope.ch/ShowPhysics2009.html
Contact: Olivier Gaumer, sp@unige.ch

2 April 2009: Nottingham Trent University, UK
RSC Young Analyst Competition

CELS, the Centre for Effective Learning in Science at the Nottingham Trent University aims to create a more relevant, accessible and achievable image for science within both the higher education and school communities.

The RSC Young Analyst Competition allows AS (or equivalent) students to demonstrate their skills in practical chemistry and team work. Judging will take place throughout the day and the winners will go on to represent the East Midlands at the RSC Young Analyst Competition National Finals. There should be three pupils per team, and initially only one team per school is allowed. There is space for twelve teams in total.

Whilst students are taking part in challenges set by the RSC, their teachers will have the opportunity to participate in a CPD workshop.

The event is free of charge. Prior registration is required.

More information: www.ntu.ac.uk/cels
Contact: Georgina Westbrook (georgina.westbrook@ntu.ac.uk) or Natasha Neale (natasha.neale@ntu.ac.uk)

2-5 April 2009: Worldwide
Various events: 100 Hours of Astronomy

The 100 Hours of Astronomy Cornerstone Project is a worldwide event consisting of a wide range of public outreach activities, live science center, research observatory webcasts and sidewalk astronomy events. One of the key goals of 100 Hours of Astronomy is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope, as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago.

100 Hours of Astronomy will take place from 2-5 April when the Moon goes from first quarter to gibbous, good phases for early evening observing. Saturn will be the other highlight of early evening observing events.

More information: www.100hoursofastronomy.org
Contact: Jennie McCormick (farmcoveobs@xtra.co.nz)

3 April 2009: Worldwide
Live 24-hour Research Observatory Webcasts: Around the World in 80 Telescopes

The Research Observatories webcast organized by ESO, the European Southern Observatoriy, will be a unique live webcast over 24 hours, following night and day around the globe to some of the most advanced observatories on and off the planet. The tour will show a snapshot of life at many different observatories where astronomers will present exclusive images and talk about their work. All of them will have a different story to tell, and viewers can find out what's happeneing at a research observatory in their country, or on the other side of the planet, and discover what astronomers are doing right now! Who is observing? What are they researching? What do they hope to discover?

The 24-hour webcast begins with the telescopes on Mauna Kea in Hawaii at 09:00 Universal Time (UT/GMT), before moving westwards around the planet.

More information and webcast: www.100hoursofastronomy.org
Contact: Douglas Pierce-Price (dpiercep@eso.org)

By 9 April 2009: UK
Research Expeditions for Teachers: Earthwatch Educator Expeditions

The Earthwatch Institute, a UK environmental charity, runs an Educator Programme which fully funds a professional development opportunity (CPD) for secondary stage educators in the UK teaching Science, Geography and Citizenship Education.

Teachers generally go on a 1 week expedition with Earthwatch scientists, to get in touch with current conservation research and environmental science happening in the field. Teachers engage in facilitated learning sessions, helping them to create learning resources and to integrate environmental themes into their teaching.

The application deadline for Summer 2009 expeditions is 9 April 2009.

More information: www.earthwatch.org/europe/educators
Contact: education@earthwatch.org.uk

15-16 April 2009: Ratnieki, Latvia
Conference: Third Forum Physics and Society

The European Physical Society will organise the third forum on Physics and Society focusing entirely on the issue of pre-university physics education and teaching under the headline

A new deal between science teaching and science and society: Physics in schools

The purpose of the meeting is to bring together science teachers and researchers from universities and industreis, scientists involved in teacher training, as well as decision makers in science policy for an information exchange and discussion to reach an agreement on the role and the aims of pre-university science education in Europe.

The registration deadline is 27 February 2009. The participation fee is 250€ including transport from Riga airport, accommodation and meals.

More information: http://fps.epscommittees.org
Contact: Martial Ducloy, martial.ducloy@univ-paris13.fr

15-18 April 2009: Joensuu, Finland
Festival: SciFest 2009

Targetted at school students, this festival of science and technology features popular lectures, game drives, workshops, robotics competitions, and interactive exhibitions. Some workshops will be run in English.

Workshop topics include:

• Build your own robot
• Genes and epilepsy: extract DNA and search for errors in it, including those that may cause epilepsy
• Space, the final frontier.

More information: www.scifest.fi
Contact: scifest@cs.joensuu.fi

Spring 2009: Ireland
Mass experiment for schools: Greenwave, Signs of Spring

It is said that if we look at Europe from outer space we will see a green wave moving up across the continent in springtime. It should begin in the south of Europe in February and move up across the continent as temperatures rise, at about 160 km per week, and if this is true, it should take about three weeks to move across Ireland.

Discover Science & Engineering invited all schools registered for Discover Primary Science to become involved in a pilot mass experiment which sets out to see if this is true. Your observations can show how the cycle of the seasons responds to our changing climate. Two trees were chosen for examination, the horse chestnut and the hawthorn tree.

Register online and submit your sightings! The website provides teaching resources to embed the project in the curriculum.

More information: www.greenwave.ie
Contact: Caroline Mooney (greenwave@forfas.ieo)

March and June 2009: UK
Online science event for teachers and students:
"I'm a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here!"

"I'm a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here!" is an online science event that gets scientists and young people talking. Science classes meet cutting-edge researchers and science professionals, live and in real time, on the I'm a Scientist chat rooms and question forums.

The winning scientist gets £500 for science communication, students dive into real science that matters, and teachers unlock the secondary science curriculum in way that is fun, memorable and exciting.

All teaching materials are available to download, free, on the I'm a Scientist website. The event is designed to help teachers deliver the 'How science works' curriculum and bring real science to life for your students.

Students can

• ask questions
• chat to scientists
• and vote for the one they agree with.

More information: www.imascientist.org.uk
Contact: Sophia Collins sophia@imascientist.org.uk

Until 20 April 2009: German-speaking countries
Competition for teachers: Astronomy 2009

Exactly 400 years after Galileo Galilei first directed his telescope upwards, it's the International Year of Astronomy. THINK ING. and Science on Stage Germany have therefore teamed up with the science and career magazine Life & Science to look for innovative and creative teaching concepts on the topic 'Sternstunden für Ihre Schüler!' (magic moments for your students).

Teachers from all German-speaking countries and all subjects and disciplines are asked to submit their inspiring and practical teaching concepts and school projects on astronomy. The submissions can involve any school subject, if the connection to science is clear.

The registration deadline is20 April 2009 (via Science on Stage Germany website), and the deadline for submission is 20 May 2009 (application form on Science on Stage Germany website).

More information: www.science-on-stage.de
Contact: info@science-on-stage.de

23-26 April 2009: Ifema, Madrid, Spain
Science fair: X Feria Madrid por la Ciencia 2009

Four intense days of workshops, experiments, talks, debates, demos, exhibitions, games and more, focusing on science research and technology, organized by universities, science institutes, museums, the city of Madrid and various companies and associations, the tenth edition of the science fair is a free event open to the general public, with a special programme for kids.

Teachers and students were asked to submit proposals for stands and experiments on the two topics 'From Heaven to Earth' (referring to the International Year of Astronomy), and 'Science and Consumerism' by 31 October 2008. Teams of up to three teachers and 25 students will present hands-on experiments for the public to participate, with students taking on the leading role.

More information: www.madrimasd.org/cienciaysociedad/feria
Contact: madridesciencia@madrimasd.org

30 April 2009: Berlin, Germany
Life science and careers day for students: Schüler-Bionnale

In the context of the VII Bionnale der Biotechnologie meeting on biotechnology in Berlin-Brandenburg, the Technologiestiftung Berlin this year organises the first Bionnale for school students. On this day, there will be lectures and presentations of experiments in ecology, genetics, physiology and microbiology. In addition, there will be presentations of different job opportunities in the life sciences, as well as information on university and vocational training possibilities, financing them and tips for successful applications. Teachers should register with their class beforehand.

More information: www.biotop.de/bionnale2009
Contact: Beate Mitzlaff (mitzlaff@biotop.de) phone: 030-318 62 211

4-17 May 2009: Göteborg, Sweden
International science festival: Folk Forever

With hundreds of activities and over 100,000 visitors, the International Science Festival Göteborg is the only one of its kind in Sweden, now in its 13th year. This year's theme, Folk Forever, is about civilisations across history and countries.

The Science Festival is divided into three parts: The public programme, which will be made available in April; a school programme from 4 -15 May; and a specialist programme for invited guests.

For schools, there are hands-on activities, often with preparatory or follow-up materials, and a competition for school students. Registration via email is required for the school programme.

More information: www.goteborg.com/default.aspx?id=8691
Contact: Madeleine Koncilja (madeleine.koncilja@goteborg.com)

13 May 2009: German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
Student symposium: Initiative Youth and Science

The intiative Youth and Science is organizing the fifth symposium for students, to present their projects on science, technology and mathematics. There will also be lectures on astrophysics, and scientists will respond to the students' questions.

Students from grade 7 (aged 12 to 14) onwards can submit their projects. In addition, all interested teachers and students from grade 7 and above are invited to attend the symposium - they are requested to register via email.

The working language is German. The deadline for project submissions is 16 March 2009.

More information: www.explo-heidelberg.de/
lernlabor/Symposium_JuWi.htm
Contact: Fred Engelbrecht (engelbrecht@explo-heidelberg.de)

13-17 May 2009: Perugia, Italy
Science festival: Perugia Science Fest, Wonders 09 European Science Festival, EUSCEA Annual Conference

This year, the Perugia Science Fest will host the main events organised by the European Science Events Association (EUSCEA): the Wonders09 European Science Festival from 13 to 14 May, where European science festivals present themselves; a seminar on 'How to organise a special science event' on 14 May; and the EUSCEA Annual Conference from 15 to 16 May, to exchange ideas on organising science events all over Europe.

For the first time, the Perugia Science Fest will take place during term time, so that school groups will take part in a wide range of workshops, exhibitions, conferences and shows. They will also have the opportunity to join Wonders09. The Darwin Year and Galileo Galilei will be main topics of activities. Events will include workshops, demonstrations, lectures, debates, exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances and many more. At the end of the festival, the organisers hold science workshops in schools throughout the Umbria region to give continuity to the activities of the festival itself.

Thanks to a strong collaboration with teacher associations, the festival will also offer seminars and round tables to discuss new methods of science teaching.

More information: www.perugiasciencefest.eu
Contact: info@perugiasciencefestival.it

14-15 May 2009: Prague, Czech Republic
Conference: Changing research landscapes to make the most of human potential: 10 years of EU activities in 'Women and Science', and beyond

Organised by the European Commission, this conference will bring together human resource managers from universities and other research institutions, school-level science education experts, researchers, representatives from EU member states and non-European countries, policy makers and other stakeholders to look at how young people can be attracted into research in the first place, and then how research organisations can improve their working environments in order to keep these women and men in research careers.

Of particular relevance to teachers is the session 'How to attract young people into research? (measures at primary/secondary school level)'.

The conference is free of charge, and the registration deadline is 24 April 2009. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided from and into German, English, French and Czech during the plenary sessions.

More information: http://ec.europa.eu/research/science-society

14-16 May 2009: Seville, Spain
Science fair for students: Feria de la Ciencia de Sevilla

The Science Fair is designed to help teachers, students and the scientific communities share scientific experiences, as well as to promote science in society.

Throughout the three-day Science Fair, participating students from different educational levels present science projects that were previously prepared at school. The Science Fair is also a place where national private and public institutions present their current research.

This year's topics will be evolution, to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the formulation of Darwin's theories, and astronomy, to coincide with the International Year of Astronomy.

More information: http://cienciacompartida.org
Contact: sadc@cienciacompartida.org

Until 16 May 2009: throughout Europe
Competition: SESAME 2008 - 2009

SESAME is an international research project that incorporates a variety of disciplines to explore and study the ecosystem changes of the Mediterranean and the Black Seas as well as their surrounding environments. If you're a science teacher in Europe, participate in the SESAME school competition with your class!

The contest is divided into two age classes:

• Ages 6 to 11 (create a travel diary about an oceanographic expedition carried by the SESAME Project)
• Ages 12 to 16 (write a newspaper published onboard a research vessel during a SESAME oceanographic expedition)

1st prize : A computer for the class
2nd prize : A world mural map (National Geographic)
3rd prize : Teaching materials about marine environment and climate change

The submission deadline is 16 May 2009.

More information: www.sesame-ip.eu/public
Contact: Evangelos Papathanassiou (vpapath@ath.hcmr.gr), Eleni Kaberi (ekaberi@ath.hcmr.gr)

Until 22 May 2009: Europe-wide
Competition: Check out the Property

To help teachers make science lessons more fun and interesting, Xperimania has launched a new science competition, Check out the Property, for 10- to 20-year-old school students.

Via fun and easy experiments detailed on the Xperimania website, students are encouraged to learn about chemical and physical properties of everyday objects, the materials that display those properties and their uses in everyday life. Students are also invited to devise their own hypotheses and experiments and upload their laboratory reports, along with photographs, films or other multimedia sources.

There are prizes for the best entries: personal media players for the winning students and a prize fund for the winning schools to spend on scientific classroom resources.

More information:
www.xperimania.net/ww/en/pub/xperimania/competition2008.cfm
Contact: xperimania@eun.org

29 May 2009: Berlin, Germany
Conference: Berlin European conference on science education in primary school

On the day that the Pollen project (2006-2009) for promoting inquiry-based science teaching in primary school reaches completion, a European conference on science education will be held to discuss issues and findings, and to promote best practice in the field. Co-organised by the Freie Universität Berlin, the Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften and the Pollen Project, this conference will address four major issues:

• Inquiry-based science education as a key approach
• Community participation and support for dissemination
• Involvement of the scientific community
• Science and cross-disciplinary teaching

Around 200 participants from across Europe and further afield are expected to attend. Participation is free of charge. The working language is English. Registration is via email.

More information: www.pollen-europa.net
Contact: Petra Skeibe-Corrette (skiebe@zedat.fu-berlin.de), Janick Rajoharison (janick.rajoharison@inrp.fr)

June - July 2009: venues throughout the UK
Student science fairs: Regional CREST Fairs

Regional CREST (CREativity in Science and Technology) Fairs are organised across the UK in 12 regions. They are a wonderful opportunity for students aged 11-19 to present their projects, not only to peers, but also to the local science and educational professionals of the judging panel. It is also a great chance to celebrate the work that students and teachers have put in to the projects over the past year.

Students are also competing for the chance to attend the National CREST Final the following spring which takes place as part of The UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair.

Any students, schools and/or parents can contact their local CREST co-ordinator to nominate a CREST project for their local Regional CREST Fair.

More information: www.britishscienceassociation.org

6-7 June 2009: Bristol, UK
Science festival: Bristol Festival of Nature

The Festival of Nature is a public event held annually on the first weekend of June in Bristol. Bristol is recognised internationally as a centre for excellence in wildlife filmmaking and communicating about the natural world. The Festival is an imaginative weekend of films, animal encounters, exhibitions, walks, talks, workshops and competitions for all ages and interests. It also includes a very popular food market, with genuine and healthy produce from the south-west of England and beyond. A full programme of activities will be available about two months before the event. All events are free of charge.

More information: www.festivalofnature.org
Contact: info@festivalofnature.org

15-16 June 2009: Nottingham Trent University, UK
Student workshop: Physics of Forensics Competition Day

CELS, the Centre for Effective Learning in Science at the Nottingham Trent University aims to create a more relevant, accessible and achievable image for science within both the higher education and school communities.

This physics competition day for Year 10 students is aimed at teams of four able students, who should be accompanied by a teacher of the physics element of KS4 (for students aged 14-16). There will be an opening lecture, practical work and student presentations, which will be followed by a prize-giving session.

Accompanying teachers will have the opportunity to participate in a teachers' workshop, provided by the Institute of Physics, and also to spend time with their students. The event is free of charge. Prior registration is required.

More information: www.ntu.ac.uk/cels
Contact: Georgina Westbrook (georgina.westbrook@ntu.ac.uk), Natasha Neale (natasha.neale@ntu.ac.uk)

19-21 June 2009: Gläsernes Labor, Berlin, Germany
Follow-up workshops: Science on Stage 2009

An important constituent of the international Science on Stage festival 2008 in Berlin, organised by Science on Stage Germany, were workshops on a variety of topics from the area of science education. The work on four of the topics will now be continued by participants from about 15 countries in 2009/2010 on the basis of the results of the 2008 workshops. The next follow-up workshop will take place in the Gläsernes Labor in Berlin-Buch, Germany. The final workshop is estimated to take place in February 2010, and results are to be distributed by the National Steering Committees of Science on Stage.

Topics will be:

• Science in kindergarten and primary school
• Are non-formal education initiatives always beneficial?
• Solo entertainer or moderator? The science teacher of the future
• Self-perception in the teaching process

Registration is via email.

More information: www.science-on-stage.de
Contact: info@sciencein-on-stage.de

20-26 June 2009: Saarbrücken, Germany
Science festival: Science Summer 2009

Every year, Wissenschaft im Dialog organises a week of science events for the public in a different German city - this year in Saarbrücken, the capital of the Saarland. Aimed at the general public, it also offers 50 hands-on-experiment stations for school children to be explored. Moreover, there will be a science film festival, science theatre for children aged 6 to 12, the MS Science exhibition ship, science lectures, the Researchers' Night, and much more.

More information: www.wissenschaft-im-dialog.de
Contact: Hella Grenzebach (hella.grenzebach@w-i-d.de)

21 June - 14 July 2009: XLAB, Göttingen, Germany
Student summer camp: XLAB International Science Camp

The XLAB Experimental Laboratory for Young People invites high-school and first-year university students aged about 17 to 20 years from all over the world to participate in the XLAB International Science Camps. The courses cover current topics in physics, biology and chemistry. Thirty students will be accepted for the camp, with only two to four students from each country.

The price is 1750 € plus travel expenses. Financial support is possible and should be applied for by 15 March. The application deadline is 1 March 2009 and the working language is English.

More information: www.xlab-goettingen.de
Contact: Sciencecamp@xlab-goettingen.de

26-27 June 2009: Ashton Court estate, Bristol, UK
Biodiversity survey: BioBlitz

The Bristol Natural History Consortium, supported by Bristol Science City and Defra, is running the first terrestrial BioBlitz in the west of England. It is a 30-hour race again the clock event in which scientists, local naturalists, members of the public, schools and community groups work together to find and identify all the wildlife in a certain area. This event brings elements of scientific research, education and competition together.

The BioBlitz will be held at the Ashton Court estate in Bristol. Three different sites within the estate, each with contrasting areas, have been selected. Results will be passed on to local authorities and the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC).

More information: www.festivalofnature.org/education.php?pageid=275&parentid=0
Contact: Berry Goddard berry@bnhc.org.uk

Until 30 June 2009: Austria
Competition: Hands-on X-Netz

The interactive travelling Science Center Network exhibition 'Erlebnis NETZ[werk]E' (The Net[work] Experience) has toured Austria since June 2007. To enhance the exhibition, a competition is run for Austrians up to the age of 26, who can submit ideas for interactive exhibition stands on the topic of nets/networks. Selected ideas will be realised and added to the exhibition.

Both the science area and the type of activitiy (game, experiment, model, hands-on activitiy, computer animation, quiz, etc.) can be chosen freely. If the jury is convinced your idea is feasible and suitable, you will be awarded € 300 as an individual or € 500 as a group to run the required research on your project, plus cost of materials, and you will have three months to complete your proposed project, for which you can get help from a list of cooperation partners.

The closing date is 30 June 2009.

More information: www.science-center-net.at/x-netz
Contact: office@science-center-net.at

30 June - 1 July 2009: Europa Park, Rust, Germany
Workshops for kindergarten and primary-school kids: Science Days for Kids 2009

This science festival for children aged 4 to 8 offers more than 30 workshops and several science shows. Organised by the Förderverein Science und Technology eV, the event is run by scientists, teachers and secondary school students. The working language is German.

Registration is required - groups, classes and members of the public can take part.

More information: www.science-days.de/kinder
Contact: Joachim Lerch (j.Lerch@science-house.de)

1-3 July 2009: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
Training course: ELLS LearningLAB

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility which brings secondary-school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools.

The three-day course is designed to enable the participating teachers to explore a range of activities, which they can practice in the lab and then take back to the classroom.

The course is open to 24 European high-school science teachers and is run in English. The course, including course materials and catering, is free of charge; accommodation costs will be partially subsidised. However, participants are expected to meet their own travel costs.

More information: www.embl.de/ells
Contact: ells@embl.de

6-8 July 2009: Wels, Upper Austria
Science fair: Experimentale 09

Now in its third year, the Experimentale in Upper Austria is a science fair at which all Upper Austrian schools are invited to present their best science experiments to the public, in the form of hands-on stands with activities developed and run by the students themselves. It will take place at the building site of the future 'Science Center' in Wels, which will be the largest science centre in Austria when finished.

More information: www.nawi4you.at
Contact: Guenther Vormayr (guenther.vormayr@lsr-ooe.gv.at)

6-13 July 2009: Davidson Institute of Science Education, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
Training course: The 4th Sheila Schwartz Family International Leading Science Teacher Seminar

The Weizmann Institute of Science is offering you the opportunity to participate in a unique eight-day seminar at a top science education institute where you will:

• Be exposed to cutting-edge research by top scientists
• Develop leadership in school science education
• Establish international collaborative initiatives with like-minded colleagues
• Advance your science teaching strategies

Price: US$200 registration, flight expenses and accommodation. Language: English.

More information: http://davidson.weizmann.ac.il/international
Contact: Dvora Cohen dvora.cohen@weizmann.ac.il

15-17 July 2009: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Italy
Training course: ELLS LearningLAB

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility which brings secondary-school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools.

The three-day course is designed to enable the participating teachers to explore a range of activities, which they can practice in the lab and then take back to the classroom.

The course is open to 24 European high-school science teachers and is run in English. The course, including course materials and catering, is free of charge; accommodation costs will be partially subsidised. However, participants are expected to meet their own travel costs.

More information: www.embl-monterotondo.it/training/ells/learninglab
Contact: ells@embl.de

22-25 July 2009: École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
Science festival: Paris Montagne [R]évolutions

Every year in summer, the Paris-Montagne association organises a science festival on the historical campus of École Normale Supérieure at the heart of Paris' Quartier Latin. About 2000 participants from beyond the borders of Paris, in particular school students, attend to freely access an area in which science has come alive for centuries. After the festival, Paris-Montagne offers an animation programme and meetings in the Parisian suburbs.

Participation is free, but prior registration is recommended for some days, especially for groups.

More information: www.paris-montagne.org
Contact: Claire (info-public@paris-montagne.org)

29 July - 9 August 2009: Andøya Rocket Range, Norway
Student summer camp: European Space Camp 2009

European Space Camp is a summer camp for young people aged 17 to 21, who are interested in space and science with a background in Physics and Mathematics. The participants spend a week doing technical experiments, working as real rocket scientists, learning how to exploit knowledge they already possess, as well as broadening their understanding of applied science. By working in groups, they have to use their creativity, and learn to co-operate. The program includes group work with hands-on activities related to the rocket launch, lectures and social activities.

Participation is free, but participants must cover their own travel expenses. The working languages is English. The registration deadline is 15 April 2009.

More information: www.spacecamp.no
Contact e-mail address: salome@spacecamp.no

2-15 August 2009: Petnica Science Center, Serbia
Student summer camp: Petnica International Summer Camp 2009

Petnica International Summer Camp is a summer camp for students who have completed secondary school and for undergraduate university students. The participants will practice scientific research on their own projects and communicate their results and ideas. They can also attend a range of lectures and lab sessions, do field work and learn how to use a number of important software packages. The main criteria for admission are a motivation for extracurricular work and a demonstrated interest in science and independent thinking. Grades are important, but more so is an open mind.

The participation fee is € 500 including meals and accommodation. If you need financial support, do not hesitate to contact the organisers. The working language is English and the registration deadline is 31 May 2009.

More information: http://pi.petnica.rs
Contact e-mail address: pi@petnica.rs

2-25 August 2009: XLAB, Göttingen, Germany
Student summer camp: International Science Camp

The XLAB Experimental Laboratory for Young People invites high school and first year university students aged about 17 to 20 years from all over the world to participate in the XLAB International Science Camps. The courses cover current topics in physics, biology and chemistry. 30 students will be accepted for the camp, with only 2 to 4 students from each country.

The price is 1.750 € plus travel expenses. Financial support is possible and should be applied for by 15 March. The application deadline is 1 March 2009 and the working language is English.

More information: www.xlab-goettingen.de
Contact: Sciencecamp@xlab-goettingen.de

5-7 September 2009: Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK
Orkney International Science Festival 2009

A science festival has a radical role in developing a creative climate for a region, especially a remote region such as the Orkneys. This year's Festival will take part in the Scottish Homecoming. The day of Saturday 5 September will have various events built around the theme of Robert Burns - his love of nature and of his fellow beings. Burns said it then, and the Earth Charter says it today: we must respect all living beings on Earth.

With a programme of lectures, social events and more, this yearly festival is aimed at the general public and most activities are free.

More information: www.oisf.org

5-10 September 2009: Guildford, UK
British Science Festival 2009: Creativity, Innovation & Evolution

The British Science Festival (formerly the BA Festival of Science) is one of Europe's largest science festivals, taking place each September. The festival is in a different location in the UK each year, bringing you the latest in science, technology and engineering. This year's festival is hosted by the University of Surrey in Guildford with events taking place across Surrey.

With loads of events for everyone, talks, plays, debates, hands-on activities and more, this year the festival will join the celebrations of the Darwin Year and the International Year of Astronomy.

Throughout the festival week, a series of special events for school groups of Key Stage 2 and above is provided. Among other things, students can explore the Earth's atmosphere, discuss important issues with eminent scientists or investigate the best material to make a successful catapult.

Most festival events can be booked through the website.

More information: www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/BritishScienceFestival

May - September 2009: 6 cities in Switzerland
Science festival: Festival Science et Cité basecamp 09

To enhance communication between science and society, during this festival, science and scientists leave their labs and lecture halls, taking their time to talk and listen to the general public. In its third year, organized by the Science et Cité foundation and the Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT, its topic is the International Year of Planet Earth, which the UNO has declared from 2007 - 2010.

Through the main travelling exhibition and a regional programme of debates, presentations, excursions and more, the Swiss earth sciences will be presented - geology, geography, crystallography, glaciology, hydrography and similar disciplines in which Earth is studied. Starting in Zürich, the festival will then move to Lugano, Neuenburg, Geneva, Chur and end in Bern.

For schools, there is a special programme including teaching materials, excursions, poetry slams, a rap contest, a pool of experts ready to visit your school, and more.

More information: www.basecamp09.ch
Contact: Elisabeth Veya elisabeth.veya@science-et-cite.ch

4 June - 1 October 2009: more than 30 cities in Germany
Roadshow: MS Science 2009 (science ship)

The floating Science Center MS Wissenschaft will be on tour again from June to the end of September, this year focusing on 'future': How will we live and work? How will we move? Who will support us in age or disease? What will we do in our spare time?

The interactive exhibition will explore what everyday life in the future could look like and what current research is doing to achieve this. It is suitable for students aged 10 and above. School classes and groups are requested to register.

More information: www.wissenschaft-im-dialog.de/projekte/ms-wissenschaft.html
Contact: Beate Langholf (beate.langholf@w-i-d.de)

9-30 September 2009: all ESA member states
Quiz: Water on Earth and in space

To mark ESA astronaut Frank De Winne's six-month OasISS mission to the International Space Station, and triggered by his role as goodwill ambassador for UNICEF Belgium, ESA's Human Spaceflight education team has teamed up with UNICEF to launch an online quiz for 12- to 14-year-old European children.

The theme of the quiz is water on Earth and in space, linking to UNICEF's WASH campaign about the importance of clean water for human life. By participating in the ESA/UNICEF water quiz, you can find out more about water on Earth and in space and learn how the two are related.

At the end of the quiz, Frank De Winne will reveal the answer of the final question and announce the winner of the competition from the International Space Station. The in-flight call will be broadcast during the ISS Day, an education event on 6 October.

The quiz will be available in all ESA member state languages and participants must register to take part. The first of ten questions will be published on Friday 9 September, the last on 30 September.

More information: www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM98LH7KYF_index_0.html
Contact: isseducationteam@esa.int

11 September 2009: University of Kassel, Germany
Workshop: Englischsprachiger Biologie- und Chemieunterricht an deutschen Schulen (English-language biology and chemistry lessons in German schools)

Biology and chemistry teachers who teach in English are invited to a free workshop organised by the Verband Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland, the Vereinigung der Schulen mit deutsch-englisch bilingualem Zug in Hessen and the Förderverein MNU. English-language teaching materials will be developed in small working groups and presented to all participants. Teachers from outside Germany are warmly welcome.

More information: www.vdbiol.de
Contact: info@vbio.de

18-27 September 2009: Norway
National science week: Research Days (Forskningsdagene)

This is a nationwide event held every year to make science and research available to the public. Research and knowledge institutions throughout Norway participate and provide the general public with new insight into what they do. Events range from science fairs, demonstrations, lectures, “stand-up scientist” performances, exhibits and discussions, to tours, information stands, and cultural and hands-on activities. Nearly all Forskningsdagene events are available to the public free of charge. This year's events focus on the Darwin anniversary, the International Year of Astornomy and the 150th birthday of Norwegian author Knut Hamsun.

Among others, each year, there is a research campaign on a particular theme in which all schools are invited to participate. Participating schools and classes can submit their results online, which will be evaluated by scientists at the end of the campaign.

More information: www.forskningsdagene.no
Contact: Emmy Gram Lauvanger (egl@forskningsradet.no), Sidsel Flock Bachmann (sfb@forskningsradet.no)

18 September - 16 October 2009: Lower Silesia, Poland
Science festival: XII Lower Silesian Science Festival 2009

This festival wants to promote science and its achievements, and outline the problems it can solve. This year's topic is 'Imagination and thought to go back further than the stars'. The festival will take place in five cities: Wrocław (18-23 September), Legnica (24-25 September), Wałbrzych and Ząbkowice Śląskie (8-9 October), and Jelenia Góra (15-16 October). Among the several hundred events covering all aspects and areas of science, there will be special science for kids activities, as well as scientific marathons and contents for talented students.

More information: www.festiwal.wroc.pl
Contact: festiwal@uni.wroc.pl

19-28 September 2009: Warsaw, Poland
Science festival: XIII festiwal Nauki Warszawa

The goal of this festival is to make people realize that a country's future depends on its ability to use achievements of science as well as their practical applications in everyday life, while not forgetting about the possible dangers resulting from improper use of scientific results. Activities from all areas of science will be offered, aiming at the general public. The festival offers a special programme for school classes, including lectures and debates, to which prior registration is required.

The application deadline for school classes is 12 September 2009.

More information: www.festiwalnauki.edu.pl
Contact: festiwal@uw.edu.pl

21-25 September 2009: venues throughout Denmark
Science festival: Danish Science Week 2009

This year's theme for the Danish Science Week is 'Building blocks', which can cover everything from atoms, DNA and evolution, to engineering and building blocks of the Universe. Schools and universities, libraries, museums, science centers and companies, as well as volunteer speakers are encouraged to take part.

A festival package with fun experiments is produced, plus there's a festival song, a large mass experiment involving as many people as possible, you can book a scientist speaker for your classroom, visit museums, universities, companies etc. which have prepared a programme for school students, organize a science day at your school, become a teacher contact, and much more.

More information: www.formidling.dk/sw174.asp
Contact: Pernille Vils Axelsen (pa@formidling.dk)

25 September 2009: Saarbrücken, Germany
Educational fair: EduNetwork 2009

The EduNetwork fair 2009 at Saarbrücken University is organized by THINK ING., MINT-EC and Science on Stage Germany to develop synergies. Lectures and worskhops are going to be held in five subject categories (mathematics, astronomy, nanotechnolgy, talent, SET in primary school). In an extended break, a fair/exhibition will take place. Everyone interested is welcome.

Detailed information, also on the registration, can be found on the website as of April.

More information: www.edunetwork.de, www.science-on-stage.de
Contact: info@science-on-stage.de

26 September 2009: Linz, Austria
Researchers' Night: Research is Diversity

The Upper Austria Researchers' Night aims to present the people behind science - researchers and their world and life. In direct dialogs with successful researchers, visitors should learn more about the diversity behind the word 'research'.

Several research institutes and universities will be open from 19:00 to 24:00 and have prepared a programme. Participation is free.

More information: www.ooe-forschungsnacht.at

28-30 September 2009: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
Training course: ELLS LearningLAB

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility which brings secondary school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools.

The three-day course is designed to enable the participating teachers to explore a range of activities, which they can practice in the lab and then take back to the classroom.

The course is open to 24 European high-school science teachers and is run in English. The course, including course materials and catering, is free of charge; accommodation costs will be partially subsidised. However, participants are expected to meet their own travel costs.

More information: www.embl.de/ells
Contact: ells@embl.de

Until 30 September 2009: Austria
Competition: Hands-on X-Netz

The interactive travelling Science Center Network exhibition 'Erlebnis NETZ[werk]E' (The Net(work) Experience) is touring Austria since June 2007. To enhance the exhibition, a competition is run for Austrians up to the age of 26, who can submit ideas for interactive exhibition stands on the topic of nets/networks. Selected ideas will be realized and added to the exhibition.

Both the science area and the type of activitiy (game, experiment, model, hands-on activitiy, computer animation, quiz, etc.) can be chosen freely. If the jury is convinced your idea is feasible and suitable, you will be awarded € 300 as an individual or € 500 as a group to run the required research on your project, plus material costs, and you have three months to complete your proposed project, for which you can get help from a list of cooperation partners.

The closing date is 30 September 2009.

More information: www.science-center-net.at/x-netz
Contact: office@science-center-net.at

6 October 2009: Brussels, Belgium
Science event: International Space Station Day

As part of its education activities based round the OasISS mission of European astronaut Frank De Winne from Belgium, the European Space Agency (ESA) is a school event to look at a day in the life of an astronaut. Belgian students aged 10-12 years who will be invited to attend, as part of winning a competition. Frank De Winne will demonstrate the properties and behaviour of water in the microgravity environment and answer some questions from the children. Other activities during the day will immerse the children in the life of an astronaut on board the ISS.

Footage from the event will be used to produce a lesson for teachers to use, which will be available on the ESA website from mid-October. Teachers are invited to keep checking the website for more details, including videos of the astronaut on board the ISS during his six-month mission. These short videos will come with teaching material based around personal hygiene, exercise and fitness and what the astronauts eat and drink.

The event is organised by ESA in collaboration with ESERO (European Space Education Resource Office) Belgium and UNICEF Belgium.

Contact: isseducationteam@esa.int

12-14 October 2009: Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
Conference: International Teachers’ Conference on Teaching Current Climate Change in Secondary Education (ICE09)

Organised by Danish Science Communication and sponsored by the Danish Ministry of Education, ICE09 aims to encourage:

• Interdisciplinary teaching
• Cooperation between educational institutions and private enterprises
• Incorporation of climate change into existing curricula
• Action by students and teachers.

The conference is open to lower and upper secondary-school teachers, education researchers, civil servants and government officials, as well as lecturers from teacher training colleges and universities with experience or interest in teaching climate change.

The conference fee is 200€.

More information: www.ice2009.org
Contact: congress@bdp.dk

15-17 October 2009: Europa Park, Rust, Germany
Event for schools: Science Days

Europa Park in Rust, one of Germany's biggest theme parks, will host the Science Days, which in 2008 fascinated more than 22,000 visitors. Main topics for this year will be 'climate' and 'space expedition'.

To promote the understanding of science and technology, the Förderverein Science and Technology eV invites more than 100 institutions that offer workshops, hands-on experiments, science schows etc.

For teachers and school classes, there is a special programme including a preparatory meeting and a tailored information-package. Registration is required. The working language is German.

More information: www.science-days.de
Contact: Susanne Frey (frey@science-house.de)

15-22 October 2009: Kaurialan lukio, Hämeenlinna, Finland
International Science Week

The International Science Week in Hämeenlinna, Finland, offers an exciting and versatile scientific programme (physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and geography) with social and cultural activities for ten students, aged 16-18, and two teachers from each of three selected countries. The students will be accommodated by Finnish host families and the teachers in a hotel nearby in the centre of the town of Hämeenlinna. The programme has been planned by the teachers of the Kauriala Upper Secondary School (Kaurialan lukio).

The registration deadline is 22 February 2009.

Contact: Paula Perkkalainen (paula.perkkalainen@hameenlinna.fi) or Sakari Salonen (sakari.salonen@hameenlinna.fi)

21-23 October 2009: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Italy
Training course: ELLS LearningLAB

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility which brings secondary school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools.

The three-day course is designed to enable the participating teachers to explore a range of activities, which they can practice in the lab and then take back to the classroom.

The course is open to 24 European high-school science teachers and is run in English. The course, including course materials and catering, is free of charge; accommodation costs will be partially subsidised. However, participants are expected to meet their own travel costs.

More information: www.embl-monterotondo.it/training/ells/learninglab
Contact: ells@embl.de

April - November 2009: 60 cities in Germany
Exhibition train: Expedition Future, SciencExpress

The Federal Republic of Germany is 60 years old, and to celebrate, a travelling exhibition in the form of a science train will visit 60 German cities for three days each from spring to autumn, and present how science and research will change our lives in the next 10 to 15 years.

The train is organised by the Max Planck Society in collaboration with many universities and a range of science institutes and societies. Besides its 12 exhibition wagons, it offers a lab where you can try out experiments yourself.

The exhibition is aimed at a public ranging from school students to young scientists, and admission is free.

More information: www.expedition-zukunft.org
Contact: Hannelore Hämmerle (haemmerle@gv.mpg.de)

1-31 October 2009: venues across the Netherlands
Science event: October, month of knowledge (Oktober Kennismaand)

In 2008, this month-long event brought together more than 250 000 people, who took part in over 700 activities to bring science and technology closer to the public. This year, universities, research institutes, observatories, companies, museums and libraries will again open their doors to young and old, under the theme 'Reis naar het onbekende' (Travel to the unknown), featuring Darwin Year and the International Year of Astronomy.

This is a free and unique event for teachers and students. Educational materials are available online, as well as a newsletter that teachers can register for and a list of events suitable for children.

More information: www.oktoberkennismaand.nl
Contact: info@oktoberkennismaand.nl

23 October - 1 November 2009: Genoa, Italy
Science festival: Festivale della Scienza

This annual festival is a chance for researchers, science-lovers, schools and families to meet. Meetings, workshops, shows and conferences are among the events organised. There are dedicated events for school groups, and in September, a short series of presentations in Genoa, Piedmont and Lombardy will provide teachers with a preview of these events. Schools in Genoa can also register as partner schools of the festival, to interview a scientist and host a class from another city during the festival.

More information: www.festivalscienza.it
Contact: info@festivalscienza.it

2-8 November 2009: venues throughout the Czech Republic
Science festival: 9^th Czech Science and Technology Week

Held each year at the beginning of November, the Science and Technology Week is one of the largest science communication events in the Czech Republic, presenting the latest scientific achievements and current research approaches. It is organised by the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in the framework of the European Science Week.

It is aimed at the general public and offers lectures, public debates, exhibitions, open days at science institutes, hands-on activities and much more.

More information: http://press.avcr.cz
/tyden-vedy-a-techniky

6-7 November 2009: Heidelberg, Germany
Conference: Food, sustainability & plant science: a global challenge

The 10^th EMBO/EMBL Science & Society Conference examines the future of sustainable agriculture from the perspectives of plant science, technology and society. How can science contribute to global challenges such as how to feed a growing population, climate change and biological threats to yields? How can individuals determine if new technologies are safe and effective in the battle against hunger?

School classes are welcome to participate, and school students get free entry. To register, visit: http://events.embl.org/iEBMS/reg/
reg_p1_form.aspx?oc=10&ct
=NORMAL&eventid=5019

More information: http://www.embo.org
/policy-and-society/science-society/conferences/2009.html

7 November 2009: Technical University, Maths building, Berlin, Germany
A science afternoon for the whole family: maths sounds good

Maths and music are no contradiction - not only Bach and Mozart, but even medieval composers used mathematical methods. In modern, computer-generated music, the link is even more obvious: maths and music are inseparable.

The Berlin science centre Matheon offers an informative and exhilarating journey through mathematical music and musical mathematics for people of all ages, to participate, listen and be excited. From 12:00-20:00, there will be lectures, concerts, shows, a hands-on exhibition, workshops and much more - and the event is free.

More information: www.matheon.de

8-15 November 2009: venues throughout Ireland
Science festival: Science Week

Science Week is Ireland's biggest annual promotion of science ot the general public. It is co-ordinated by the Discover Science & Engineering programme and offers a large variety lecture series, essay and photo competitions, shows and many other events across the whole country. Special activity packs for teachers are available for both primary- and secondary-school level.

More information: www.scienceweek.ie
Contact: scienceweek@forfas.ie

9-13 November 2009: Daugavpils, Latvia
Science festival: 4^th Daugavpils Science Festival

For the fourth year, Daugavpils University will host a science festival to popularise science and demonstrate that it can be understood by everyone. There will be lectures, competitions, discussions, hands-on activities, workshops, exhibitions, tours of science institutes and more. There will also be special activities aimed at teachers and students.

More information: www.zinatnesfestivals.lv
Contact: Diana Soldane (diana.soldane@du.lv)

9-22 November 2009: Madrid, Spain
Science week: Semana de la Ciencia

For one week every November, over 250 institutions offer guided tours, conferences, round tables, debates, workshops, demos, science paths, archaeological, architectural and geological routes, exhitibions, competitions and science movies, with about 2 000 scientists taking part. Science centres, universities, companies, public bodies, hospitals, societies, professional colleges and other entities are asked to propose their programme.

Activities suitable for primary- and secondary-school groups will be listed separately.

More information: www.madrimasd.org/semanaciencia
Contact: semanaciencia@madrimasd.org

12-15 November 2009: Luxembourg
Science festival

The seventh science festival will take place at the Cultural Centre, Neumünster Abbey and the National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg-Grund. Interactivity is the key word - the exhibited objects demand the visitor’s attention. Nowhere will their be signs saying “Do not touch”; on the contrary, there will be inviting notices saying “Do touch and experiment with everything”. The whole family is invited to discover sciences by using all their senses.

More information: www.science-festival.lu
Contact: Monique Kirsch (mkirsch@mnhn.lu), Patrick Delhalt (pdelhalt@mnhn.lu)

13 November 2009: Schoollab network GenaU, Berlin, Germany
Teacher training workshop: Interdisciplinary

Organised by Science on Stage Germany and financed by the Technologiestiftung Berlin, this half-day workshop (3-6pm) presents two projects.

The German project, 'If colours become a health problem – coloured T-shirts with colours of plants', began with a newspaper article about the recall of children's clothing containing harmful dyes. The students then researched which dyes have and continue to be important and which harmless dyes could be used instead. The subjects covered in the project include biology (e.g. microscopy, cell structure, location of pigments in the cell, chromatography), chemistry (experimental design, isolating pigments and dyes, optimising pigment extraction, methods of dying and fixing) physics (what is colour, colour perception, additive and subtractive colour mixing), history (the development of dyes, cultural significance of colours), art (the meaning of colour, designing the T-shirt).

The Austrian 'Smoking prevention project', originally presented in a basic form at Science on Stage 2 in Grenoble, France, uses the 'Smoking prevention lab' to discourage 14- to 18-year-old students from smoking. The affordable device - developed together with school students - helps to visualise and explain the effects of smoking on the pulse rate, blood flow and blood pressure as well as on the temperature of fingers - without the students having to smoke.

The working languages are German and (in part) English. Participation is free; interested teachers should register by email by 30 October 2009.

More information: www.scienceonstage.de
Contact: info@science-on-stage.de

13-24 November 2009: venues throughout Catalonia, Spain
Science week: 14^a Setmana de la Ciència

The 14^th Catalan science week offers a vast range of events and activities for the general public, including museum open days, conferences, workshops, competitions, environmental walks, films, and more, throughout the region.

More information: www.setmanaciencia.cat
Contact: Belén López (setci@fcri.cat), tel: 932687700, Monday-Friday 8:00-15:00

There is also a special programme for schools, organised by the Department of Education and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI). Activities include:

• A science writing competition; registration will be available online on 7-8 November at www.xtec.net/escola
  /setmanaciencia09/concurs.htm, the award ceremony on 24 November at Cosmocaixa Barcelona
• A set of 100 concurrent discussion sessions between scientists and 4^th grade ESO and Baccalaureate students, at 11:30-14:30 on 18 November (contact the CRP of your regional education service, SEZ)
• Visits to laboratories at universities and research institutes
• A video conference aimed at secondary-school students entitled 'Parabolic flights of the European Space Agency - experiencing weightlessness on Earth: you can do it too!', on 18 November from 11:30-13:00. The weblink to the videocast will be published on the Science Week website; during the broadcast, questions to the speaker, Gloria Garcia, Director of the Aerospace Cluster of Catalonia (BAIE) can be emailed to: sgsire@xtec.cat.

More information: www.xtec.net/escola/
setmanaciencia09/index.htm
Contact: sgsire@xtec.cat or tel: +34 (0)935 516 900, extension 3168 or 3810

16-17 November 2009: Technical University, Vienna, Austria
Science communication conference: SciCom09 - education, dialogue or event? Requirements for target group orientated science communication

SciCom is an international conference offering a platform for topical issues in science communication to be discussed by all the main actors in science communication. It is aimed at scientists of all disciplines, science communicators, science PR professionals, representatives of media, education (e.g. schools and museums) and foundations, students of all disciplines, as well as anyone else involved in science, media and education.

This year's conference considers children and teenagers as a target group for science communication. How do they perceive science media? How can they best be reached?

The online registration deadline is 6 November; the working language is German.

More information: www.scicom.co.at
Contact: office@science2public.at

16-20 November 2009: CERN, Geneva, Switzerland
First EIROforum teacher school: The Evolution of the Universe

EIROforum, the publisher of Science in School, invites European physics teachers to attend a one-week course entitled 'The Evolution of the Universe'. The course will be given by renowned scientists from CERN, EFDA, ESA, and ESO, and will give a broad overview of the origin and development of the Universe, starting from the Big Bang and covering the formation of stars and galaxies. The lectures will also explain how this knowledge was obtained. In addition, there will be guided tours of experimental facilities at CERN and of the Geneva Observatory, practical activities and question and answer sessions.

A preliminary programme can be found online and the working language will be English. There are no course fees; for the selected participants, EIROforum will cover costs of travel (plane: economy, train: second class), accommodation and food.

To apply, write a short CV and a motivation letter (in English), addressing the following questions: a) In your opinion, what should the role of modern physics (since 1920) in secondary schools be? b) Have you used topics from modern physics to motivate your students? c) How will you make use of the subjects covered in this course in your future teaching? The applications should be submitted by Friday, 23 October 2009.

More information: http://indico.cern.ch
/conferenceDisplay.py?confId=69896
Contact: Maureen Prola-Tessaur (Maureen.Prola-Tessaur@cern.ch)

16-22 November 2009: venues throughout France
Science festival: La Fête de la Science

Organised by the French Ministry of higher education and research, this science festival is a free event relying on enthusiastic people communicating and sharing their love of science. This year's topic is 'The origins of life and the Universe: what evolutions, what revolutions?' to celebrate both Darwin Year and the International Year of Astronomy.

It is aimed at the general public and offers exhibitions, workshops, visits to labs, natural and industrial sites, meetings between scientists and young people, science cafés, debates, conferences, shows, and much more.

More information: www.fetedelascience.fr
Contact: Anne Launois (anne.launois@recherche.gouv.fr)

20 November 2009: Berlin, Germany
Conference: Education and Climate Change

In co-operation with the Danish School of Education at Aarhus University and the Royal Danish Embassy in Berlin, researchers, public officers and NGOs from the Baltic Sea region are invited to a one-day conference on education and climate change.

The conference takes place only a few weeks prior to the global COP 15 conference on climate change in Copenhagen, Denmark, and aims to present and discuss the latest developments, research, experiences, new initiatives and suggestions for next steps within this field through a combination of key note speeches, short presentations, roundtable discussions and panel debates.

The conference language is English, and the registration deadline is 15 November.

More information: www.ambberlin.um.dk
/de/menu/Aktuelles/KlimaEvents
/KlimaEvents.htm
Contact: Jonas Greve Lysgaard (joly@dpu.dk), Katrine Dahl Madsen (kdma@dpu.dk), tel: +0045 888 9611

23-24 November 2009: Madrid, Spain
Final UPDATE Conference

UPDATE, Understanding & Providing a Developmental Approach to Technology Education, is a multinational programme to improve science and technology teaching in Europe. The final outcomes of the project, which started in January 2007, will be presented at this conference taking place at the Royal Academy of Pharmacy in Madrid, Spain.

The conference is open for all interested parties in the field of science and technology education. To register, email to Basilio Colligris (bcolligr@opt.ucm.es) by 5 November. The conference language is English.

More information: http://update.jyu.fi

Until 30 November 2009: Austria, Switzerland and Italy
Student competition: Explora! 2009/2010 - Young scientists wanted!

The German- and Italian-speaking border regions of Austria, Switzerland and Italy (Graubünden, Südtirol, Tirol, Trentino) are organising a science competition for students aged 16 to 20 who live or go to school in one of these regions. Groups of up to five people can submit scientific projects, preferably interdisciplinary ones, in biology, chemistry, physics, geography, geology, ecology, Egyptology, informatics, mathematics, nutrition technology, computer science, history, philosophy, literature, social sciences, linguistics, economy, tourism, art and music. Parents and teachers are allowed to help, and there is a list of partner institutes that offer guidance.

The working languages are German, Italian or English, including a summary in English. The registration deadline is 30 November 2009, and the deadline for submissions is 29 January 2010 at 1pm. Up to 8 projects will win prizes worth between 1500 and 4000 €.

More information: www.explora-science.net
Contact: explora@eurac.edu

1-24 December (every year): worldwide
Maths competition: digital advent calendar

The DFG Research Center Matheon in Berlin, Germany, offers an annual online maths competition. Each day from 1-24 December, a virtual door opens on the www.mathekalender.de website, presenting a new tricky mathematical problem which young people are invited to solve online on the day. After 24 December, the overall winners will be announced. In 2008, more than 9000 students and adults took part.

You can register individually or as a whole school class, and there are two different sets of problems for either grades 5-7 (Mathe im Advent), or grades 10 and above (Digitaler Mathe-Kalender). Entries are judged in these two categories, as well as in a category for 'adults' - anyone who doesn't go to school any more. There are also special prizes, which you are eligible for even if you miss a day or two, as well as a prize for the most responsive school.

The language of the competition is German. Mathe im Advent welcomes entries from all German-speaking countries, while for the Digitaler Mathe-Kalender, entries from anywhere in the world are eligible as winners. To take part, you need to register online between November and 1 December.

More information: www.mathekalender.de
Contact: for the grade 5-7 competition, Thomas Vogt (info@mathe-im-advent.de); for the grade 10+ competition, Alina Shmakova or Falk Ebert (team@mathekalender.de)

3-5 December 2009: Naples, Italy
Conference: VIII Convegno Nazionale sulla Comunicazione della Scienza

The ICS (Innovations in the Communication of Science) group of the SISSA (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, International Higher Education School) in Trieste is organising the VIII National Conference on Science Communication in collaboration with the IDIS - Città della Scienza (Naples Science Centre). Projects and experiences with science communication as well as research on the subject will be presented, for example:

• H1N1 - is the worldwide alarm scientifically based or is it a media hype?
• Science education projects at science centres and museums
• Projects to popularise science
• Science didactics and education projects.

The deadline for abstract submission is 1 June 2009 and the working language is Italian.

More information: http://ics.sissa.it/index.php
?lingua=IT&pg=7&area=1
Contact: Donato Ramani (cncs@sissa.it)

4-6 December 2009: Belgrade, Serbia
Science Festival: Festival Nauke 3.0

The third Belgrade Science Festival will be held in two locations - RK KLUZ, Masarikova 4; and the Student Cultural Centre, Kralja Milana 48. You can choose from 25 science exhibitions and 30 lectures, presented by more than 200 scientists and science demonstrators. The 2008 festival attracted an impressive 15 000 visitors.

Organised school visits will take place on Friday, 4 December. Groups of more than 15 students and teachers should register via email (kontakt@nocmuzeja.rs) or telephone (+381 (0)11-362 0777). The ticket price is 200 dinars.

More information: www.festivalnauke.org
Contact: kontakt@nocmuzeja.rs

Until 15 December 2009: schools throughout Europe
Visits to schools: Xperimania science ambassadors

Do you want to show your students the coolest chemistry and physics tricks and get new ideas for your science lessons? This year, Xperimania is sending science ambassadors into the classroom to demonstrate the fun side of science - and your school can be one of their destinations.

To book your own science ambassador, fill in the online application. All schools in the European Union, candidate countries and EFTA countries are invited to participate. Students must be 10-20 years old, and the workshops will be run in basic English with translation support from the local teacher.

Participation is free, and the three selected schools will be announced on the Xperimania website in January 2010. The ambassadors will get on the road in February-April 2010. In the schools, they will conduct a one- or two-hour workshop with inspiring and interactive physics and chemistry experiments, which the teachers can select from a list of topics to fit their curricula. After the workshops, the classes will be encouraged to produce a report of their experience, to be published on the Xperimania website.

The closing date is 15 December 2009.

More information: www.xperimania.net
Contact: xperimania@eun.org

Until 31 December 2009: Austria
Competition: Hands-on X-Netz

The interactive travelling Science Center Network exhibition 'Erlebnis NETZ[werk]E' (The Net(work) Experience) is touring Austria since June 2007. To enhance the exhibition, a competition is run for Austrians up to the age of 26, who can submit ideas for interactive exhibition stands on the topic of nets/networks. Selected ideas will be realised and added to the exhibition.

Both the science area and the type of activitiy (game, experiment, model, hands-on activitiy, computer animation, quiz, etc.) can be chosen freely. If the jury is convinced your idea is feasible and suitable, you will be awarded € 300 as an individual or € 500 as a group to run the required research on your project, plus material costs, and you have three months to complete your proposed project, for which you can get help from a list of cooperation partners.

The closing date is 31 December 2009.

More information: www.science-center-net.at/x-netz
Contact: office@science-center-net.at

Until 31 December 2009: Germany
Competition: WIR 2020

Focus magazine is running its annual competition for school students, this time under the motto 'Us 2020. Thinking the future — taking responsibility'. Teams of 3-20 people from one or more schools can take part, developing a project from one or more of the following categories: science and research; technology and economy; information and communication; nutrition and sustainability; environment and life; media and language.

To register online by 31 December 2009, the school's name is sufficient - the topic can be defined later. Projects should include at least one co-operation partner outside school, such as a company, university, museum or association. Projects will be judged according to contents, creativity, practical relevance, presentation and website quality.

By 31 January 2010, participants should submit a progress report and have their website running. Then, they will present your project to the public — one of the judges will attend this presentation. The closing date is 19 April 2010, after which the project, according to the information you provide on the project website, will be judged.

The first prize is a trip to Singapore, the second prize a trip to New York. Six special prizes for the six categories are journeys or money.

More information: www.focus.de/schuelerwettbewerb
Contact: Marco Mayer (schuelerwettbewerb@focus.de)

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If you organise events or competitions that would be of interest to European science teachers and you would like to see them mentioned in Science in School, please email details, including date, location, title, abstract, price, language, registration deadline, website and contact email address to editor@scienceinschool.org.