We’re delighted to have partnered with the University of Aberdeen and to have brought the livestream for last year’s CHRISTMAS LECTURES from the Royal Institution.
Running for almost 200 years, the CHRISTMAS LECTURES were started by Michael Faraday to inspire and engage young people with science. At 2023 Christmas Lectures Professor Mike Wooldridge explored the truth behind Artificial Intelligence (AI), the most rapidly evolving field of science. This event was aimed at young people aged 11 upwards, but people of all ages could attend the event as well and watch the magic of the Lectures unfold in real time as they’re filmed in front of an audience in the Ri’s Theatre in London. They also had the chance to get involved with hands-on activities, and be the first to learn the truth about AI.
Throughout the three Lectures, Mike explored the big questions facing AI research and unravel the myths about how this ground-breaking technology really works. How can a machine be taught to play a game or translate from one language to another? He showed how computer programmes inspired by the human brain can be taught and even teach themselves.
And he told the surprising story of how tools like the latest chatbots work and illustrated the mind-boggling scale of modern AI systems – that can be used in everything from gaming to movie-making to designing drugs. Across the series Michael was joined by some major figures from the AI world, including scientists from the world’s leading AI companies. He also introduced a range of robot friends, who demonstrated what robots today can do – and what they can’t. He even surprised the audience with some Deep Fake guests who were not quite what they seemed.
Watch the lectures on iPlayer here (if you're in the UK) and on YouTube here (if you're outside the UK).
NEW PROJECT ALERT!
With faster technological advancements and the continued rise of the digital age, many employers are looking for candidates with a passion for innovation.
TechFest’s ‘STEM into Innovation’, supported by the NCR Foundation, takes students on an exploration into product design and development, while putting their STEM skills to the test!
STEM into Innovation: Pioneers of Progress focuses on the history, present and the future of instant communication as we explore the remarkable evolution of the devices of instant communication. From the early days of clunky landlines tethered to walls, to brain implants that allow us to talk to each other.
The programme will be taught through video content with follow up challenges that can be run in class within your own timeframe. Student’s maths, writing, designing, teamworking and marketing skills will be challenged.
This project has been designed to be delivered by teachers of any subject. CPD training sessions and remote support will be provided to all teachers.
STEM into Innovation: Pioneers of Progress
Available for the entire academic year of 2024
Age Range: aimed at S1 - S2
Run Time: activities flexible to suit from 15 minutes – 1 hour
Number of activities: 3 video episodes (including 15 modular activities)
CfE links:
LIT 3-04a, LIT 4-04a, LIT 3-07a, LIT 4-07a, MNU 3-03a, MNU 4-03a, MNU 3-10a, MNU 4-10b, MNU 3-20a, SCN 3-20b, SCN 4-20a, SCN 4-20b, TCH 3-05a, TCH 4-05a, TCH 3-07a, TCH 3-08a
Cost to take part: free!
The CREST Awards scheme is the British Science Association’s flagship programme for young people. CREST is a scheme that inspires young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers.
STEM into Innovation: Pioneers of Progress can be put towards achieving a CREST Discovery Award. Find out more about how you could use these activities to gain a CREST Award here.
Registered teachers will receive: A Teacher Planning Resource that explains the rationale behind the project, Activity & Answer booklet, 3 Videos to accompany the activities, PP presentation with project information that you can use.
For any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
TEDEd Aberdeen was a new initiative created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to inspire, educate and share “ideas worth spreading”.
We invited secondary school students from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to present their STEM related ideas where things like AI, digital, energy transition, inventors from the NE were discussed.
See the talks of the 11 brilliant students below!
What is TEDx?
TEDx is a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
At a TEDx event, TED talk videos and live speakers combine to spark discussion and connection.
These local, self-organised events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organised TED event.
After the incredible success of the 2021 and 2022 TEDxAberdeen events, we were delighted to introduce an event directly aimed at the next generation of inspiring speakers and those with a passion for sharing their ideas with others.
With the ‘Ed’ standing for Education, TEDEd is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the ideas of educators - be they teachers, the community or students themselves - around the world.
See you in 2025 when we hope to run TedEd Aberdeen again!
See TEDxAberdeen and TED websites to learn more.
Welcome to TechFest Talks, Space into Energy Edition!
In this series students talk with professionals from the energy and space sectors and discover the exciting world of STEM - science, technology, engineering, mathematics.
Click on your favourite podcast platform icon to listen.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ON THE FOLLOWING PLATFORMS
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE ON THE FOLLOWING PLATFORMS
Learn more about Space Into Energy project.
Maths Into the Energy Mix
Maths into the Energy Mix was piloted in March 2023, this event was sponsored by Emerson. The event was met with enthusiasm by students and teachers alike, and with the help of the industry volunteers from Emerson the students spent the day working through Mathematical challenges associated with different energy sources; all focussed around the context of a fictional village. The student teams spent the day calculating the energy required, and working on solutions for how the village was able to meet the demand; using both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources.
The day was also designed with Meta skills in mind; these are identified by Skills Development Scotland as being essential skills in creating adaptive learners and increased chances of success in the context of the future of a young person. These skills are inherently part of STEM activities, and throughout educational settings there is a renewed focus on supporting young people to identify these qualities within themselves.
The main skills focussed on with this event were teamwork, problem solving, creativity and communication. Additional skills associated with social intelligence, innovation and self-management are developed when young people work through project-based learning opportunities such as this.
This programme was offered to all Secondary schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire in the winter term of 2024. During February and March 2024 we have been delighted to welcome pupils from 10 schools to take part in three Maths into the Energy Mix events thanks to support and sponsorship from SPE Aberdeen Section, and Emerson.
Pupil Comments:
"Really opened my eyes.. I like things like proposals, planning and analysis. An addition of STEM made it even more interesting." - BoD Pupil
"I have learned loads about different careers and outcomes in the sector of energy by talking with the volunteers and staff. I personally want to persue Geology." - Fraserburgh Pupil
If anyone would like to discuss future sponsorship of this event please contact Dr Yashka Smith; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
