Kitronik

The technology team at clounagh have recently come across a number of great electronics kits from a company called Kitronik. Kitronik specialise in interesting electronic project kits for KS3 / KS4 design & technology lessons. Their educational kits are developed specifically for the secondary school market. You can request free samples of their kits as well as teaching notes from their website. Click here for further info.

STEM

The promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has been established as an area of work within the current Programme for Government in Northern Ireland. As an element of this process the Department of Education has made funding available to undertake a range of activities and processes related to STEM. All schools are invited to apply as either an individual school, or as part of a cluster of schools working together. Any proposed STEM programme must run from 1 January 2009 to 31 March 2009. The purpose of the project will be to promote STEM with pupils and teachers in schools. For further detalils click here and here.

Drawing your attention

A new sketching resource has been added to clounagh.org. This sketching booklet has been developed with the aim to improve the sketching skills of pupils. This booklet builds upon those skills used in sketching booklet 1, improving techniques and learning how to draw some technological devices.

Circular saw/Bandsaw training

As you are all well aware any teacher or technician working in a Technology environment must hold the approprite qualifications in order to operate the circular saw and bandsaw. In conjuction with human resources in SELB HQ we are pleased to be able to offer a 2 day full training course in the safe use of the above mentioned equipment. Letters of invite have been sent out to all schools for this training which will take place on the 26th November and the 3rd December. However if you have not received a letter or feel that there is someone in your department who requires this particular training then please contact sharon.mcclelland@selb.org.

Solidworks Refresher Training

The Clounagh Centre will be hosting 2 afternoon sessions for Solidworks refresher training on Monday the 1st and 15th of December. This course is best suited for those who have yet to develop Solidworks within their technology environment, as most of the course will focus on simple drawing tasks best suited for KS3/4. The course will begin at 1pm and finish at 3.30 on both days. It is important to note that attendance on both days is essential. If you would like to reserve a place please contact Patricia.curran@selb.org.

Low cost magnets - beat the credit crunch

Just a quick thing that we picked up at the Clounagh Centre regarding rare earth magnets. MUTR are offering 5mm x 2mm magnets at a special price. A number of people are starting to use these circular magnets for various projects. So if you want to stock up, this might just attract you. Click here for info.

Photostory Workshop

As part of our ongoing support for T&D teachers the Technology team at Clounagh are pleased to announce another ICT workshop. On the 11th November we will be hosting an afternoon session on using photostory in Technology and Design. The session will begin at 1.30 and finish at 3.30, with tea provided beforehand. Photostory is a digital way to show and tell your story using digital images. Just think about the potential of pupils evaluating their product digitally, explaining the functionality of their favourite gadget or describing a manufacturing process using digital images, narration or even music. The good news is photostory is free and can be downloaded from the microsoft website. To find out more about photostory and what it can do click here
To reserve a place on this course e-mail patricia.curran @selb.org.