Schools Affiliate Scheme
Promoting materials education
The IOM3 Schools Affiliate Scheme was established in 1999 and has members from all over the United Kingdom and across Europe. The aim of the scheme is twofold:
- To support the teaching of the materials, minerals and mining related topics in the key stage 3, key stage 4 and post-16 curriculum.
- To raise awareness of and promote careers in the fields of materials, minerals and mining engineering.
The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining has expertise in a vast number of areas covering the complete materials life-cycle, from exploration and extraction to processing and manufacture and finally reuse, recycling and disposal.
Benefits of SAS membership
Free Resources
Each year you will receive resources to assist you with the teaching of materials-related topics to students aged 11 to 18. These resources have been designed to link in with the science and design technology curricula and reflect the comments and requests from member schools. Previous resources have included booklets on ‘Smart Materials' and ‘Materials for a Sustainable Society', the second edition of the popular ‘Tomorrow's Materials' publication, and a series of posters and notes for teachers covering a selection of materials applications.
Materials Presentations
In order to bring the materials, minerals and mining areas of the curriculum to life, a number of presentations are available to member schools. These can be given to any year group (7 to 13), any size group (a maximum of about 60 usually works best, though larger groups can be catered for), and up to three sessions per day. The talks are designed to fit in with the curriculum and include a general overview of how materials have helped to change the world we live in, specific talks on smart materials, composites and communication materials, a presentation on the hazards associated with mining and a look at Earth resources and fossil fuels. If we do not have a presentation to meet your needs, then provided there is a long enough lead time, something specific can be put together. Access to these excellent resources is at no extra charge. Download a list of talks and activities currently available to schools.
Conferences for Teachers
The Institute runs conferences specifically for teachers on relevant areas of the curriculum. These whole day events are designed to boost your knowledge and understanding of a range of topics and give you ideas for classroom activities you can do back in school. These events are run on an annual basis and are free of charge for any teacher from a member school to attend.
The next conference entitled Nanotechnology - small world, big ideas will be taking place at The Boilerhouse in Grantham on Wednesday 13 October 2010.
Newsletter
A scheme-specific newsletter is produced each term to keep you and your colleagues up to date with relevant information. Included are dates of university open days, details of courses for students and teachers, careers information, resources reviews and a case study on a particular topic related to materials, minerals or mining. Three copies are sent into the school: one each for the science, design technology and careers departments.
Membership of the Institute
The nominated contact teacher will become a member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. This entitles you to the use of the facilities at our Head Office, 1 Carlton House Terrace (situated just off The Mall in the heart of London), access to specialists in all areas of materials, minerals and mining and an open invitation to attend the meetings of your nearest local society, where you will be able to meet members from local industry and expand your knowledge through the varied lecture programmes.