How do I..?

This section will hopefully answer some of your frequently asked questions and support you in your role as a STEM Ambassador.

If there is anything missing please let us know by email.

Update my personal profile:

A quick reminder that as Ambassadors you all have individual profiles where you can update your contact details and record your activities.  As an ambassador you only need to take part in one activity a year so please let us know what you have been involved in (even if STEM North of Scotland did not arrange the activity).

To access your personal profile please click on the link below:

• https://db.stemnet.org.uk/

• Enter your email address and password (if you have forgotten your password there is a link that you can click on that will remind you)

• Once you have logged in, the system asks you what you want to do and there are links to take you to where you want to go. 

• If you haven't visited your profile in a while log in and have a look around at what you can do.

Provide feedback:

We really appreciate your feedback on events and activities so please take 5 minutes to complete a short online feedback form.

Plan a Session:

If you have been asked to take part in an activity or event there are a number of questions you might like to ask the teacher to help you plan your session:

• What are the sessions objectives?
• What kind of format does the teacher want e.g. a talk, lecture, demonstration, hands on activity
• How long should the session last?
• What topics should be covered?
• What equipment/ apparatus will be available?
• Will there be time to set up?

Look back at your ‘give one get one’ presentation tips sheet, use your guide on how to structure a 50 minute presentation and make use of your toolkit.

Health and safety should also come into your planning.  A teacher should always be present throughout your session – they hold responsibility for the students not you, however it is important to think about your own and the student’s safety.  Some questions that you might like to think about/ ask the teacher:

• Does your session have any hazzards?  Can you reduce them?
• Is the teacher aware of the content of the session and potential hazards?
• Has a risk assessment been undertaken by the teacher – do you have a copy?
• Has a room risk assessment been done – do you have a copy?
• Are you taking in any equipment?  Is the equipment suitable and safe for students – has it undergone safety tests?

Talk through your session with the teacher, so that they can assess any risks and health and safety issues.

Link to the Curriculum?

Remember that you are not there to teach but to help enhance and enrich learning carried out by teachers throughout the school.  In Scotland teachers are looking for activities that help to achieve ‘experiences and outcomes’ through curriculum for excellence.

If you would like to find out more please visit Learning Teaching Scotland.

Give a Great Presentation?

At the induction session you will have had the opportunity to practice a number of mini presentations, receive feedback from your group and discuss what makes a good presentation.  Soon it will be time to put this into practice, so here’s a quick recap to help you on your way:

• Speak clearly and not too quickly
• Smile
• Make eye contact with your audience, not your notes
• Use humour
• Pause – let your audience reflect while you gather your thoughts
• Try not to use jargon
• Keep it simple
• Practice
• Have a back up
• Be enthusiastic – inspire your audience

Remember it is good to be a little nervous!