Science Year is encouraging 10 to 19-year-olds’ interest in all things scientific and technological - from space, optics and home experiments to citizenship issues such as the future of biotechnology and environmental management. Three main aspects the provision of enhanced classroom resources, the funding and branding of relevant projects and the creation of a website with materials, games, information, and web links.

Science Year is not just about classroom materials and online assistance. It is also about enhanced recognition for science and science teachers. This is one reason why the National Teaching Awards 2002 will feature a new award, for Science Teacher of the Year. As director Nigel Paine explains:

“This is a real chance to show how high the quality of teaching in science is in our schools and how innovative teaching practice leads to more students staying with science post-16 and choosing a science subject at university. There will be regional finalists and an overall BP Science Teacher Award, and the nominations close soon so please do not hesitate. Science Year would like to celebrate the professionalism and creativity of our very best science teachers but we cannot do that unless someone takes that first simple step to nominate, or get themselves nominated by a pupil, parent or fellow teacher.”

For more details, visit the Sci-Teach area of the Science Year website or the Teaching Awards website at www.teachingawards.com Science Year and PPARC (the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council) have also joined forces and finances to offer 15 physics teachers the chance to visit CERN. CERN is a truly amazing international research venture, to which the UK and 19 other countries contribute annually. It is located near Geneva, and is staffed by 6,500 scientists from 60 countries. They are trying to discover answers to fundamental questions about the nature of matter in the universe, through the process popularly known as “atom-smashing”. The idea is to give participating teachers the chance to meet colleagues from other countries, get up-to-date on physics, and give them new insights into the world of contemporary particle physics. The conference is called “Physics Teachers @ CERN 2002” and will run on March 1-3.

But get your application in quickly. Science Year needs to receive all applications by January 5, and if you are one of the applicants drawn out of the hat, you will be able to go to CERN free, and even have your teacher cover paid for you. All details can be found at: www.cern.cheducation (If you do not get a grant you can still apply if your school can cover the costs.) If you are heading to the BETT show at Olympia in London (January 9-12), science-specific help is at hand. A Science Route Planner will signpost more than 40 of the most relevant stands and seminars. There will be specialists to take you through the latest science software and hardware.

All information about Science Year can be found on the website at www.scienceyear.com And do visit the “Wired” area of the site and check out the 3-D solar system “Planet 10” learning adventure. I hope you enjoy it.

Anne McNaught is web manager and manager for Science Year, 11 Tufton Street, London SW1P 3QP. Tel: 0207 233 4051. E-mail: anne.mcnaught@scienceyear.comWeb: www.scienceyear.com