STEM  (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Carib 2012 is a three-day event that boasts an impressive lineup of local and international speakers whose presentations will cover a variety of topics on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

On Wednesday, October 17th, STEM Carib 2012 begins with a reception and an opening keynote address by renowned astrophysicist Dr. Shirin Haque, Senior Lecturer of Physics at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago.

Thursday and Friday, October 18th and 19th, will see plenary and breakout sessions as well as social events. The conference will close with a keynote in which the conference communique will be issued. The closing reception will also feature an exhibition of the winning entries of the 2012 Rotary Central Science Fair.

Please see schedule of events attached.

All activities will take place at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), 168 Olympic Way, George Town, Grand Cayman.

The College is located behind the schools near the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. From Walkers Road turn on Academy Way near the Church of God. Follow the road around the middle school, turning left onto Aspiration Drive, then left on Olympic Way. Pass the Truman Bodden Sports Complex and you will see UCCI at the end of the road on the right.

Special Events

Science and mathematics have been neglected in the educational systems of the Western world. Once the UCCI Observatory was established, a workshop was held for local science teachers featuring Dr. Shirin Haque and arranged by Dr. Bill Hrudey.Both Shirin and Bill recognised the need for improved science awareness and proposed the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Carib 2012 Conference. The concept was endorsed by UCCI and UWI (St. Augustine) and the rest as they say, is history.An enthusiastic Steering Committee was formed, met on a regular basis and ultimately created a programmeof exciting topics and skilled speakers.

It was also recognised that younger students need to be encouraged in STEM at an early age. To this end, each participating school will send two Student Ambassadors to the conference where they will meet with keynote speakers and presenters over breakfast . Winners of the 2012 Rotary Central Science Fair have been invited to set up their wining displays for Friday afternoon.

A “Colouring Contest” for primary students and, a “Name the Telescope Contest” (the UCCI Observatory telescope) are being run, each with prizes in the form of an astronomical telescope.

The Conference is directed at educators, students and the general public with particular encouragement to youth.

Telescope Colouring Contest

This competition is open to primary school students. Simply print a copy of the contest form and colour the picture. Submit your entry along with your name, age, parent’s name, address, email, school and phone number to the UCCI Admin Office, attn: Dr. Bill Hrudey or email a scanned copy to [email protected]. Deadline for submission of entries is Wednesday, October 10. Winner will be announced the following week and the prize will be awarded at the STEM Carib 2012 conference on Friday, October 19. Winner gets a new telescope!

Telescope Naming Contest

This competition is open to high school students. Give the UCCI Observatory Telescope a catchy and suitable name and win your very own telescope! Email your entry to [email protected] along with your name, age, parent’s name, address, email, school and phone number. Deadline for submission of entries is Wednesday, October 10. Winner will be announced the following week and the prize will be awarded at the STEM Carib 2012 conference on Friday, October 19.

Student Ambassador Programme

In recognition of the important role that the youth play towards charting society’s course into the future, we are hosting the STEM Student Ambassador Programme. This is designed to provide grade 10 and 11 students an opportunity to attend STEM Carib 2012 and learn about current trends in STEM fields and related industries, as well as to interact with some local and international STEM experts.

Apart from lunch and coffee breaks, the ambassadors will also be invited to a special breakfast with the keynote speakers and will also be provided with a conference kit. The ambassadors will be expected to attend in their school uniforms.

Criteria

• Passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Willingness to learn
• Good communication skills
• Outgoing personality
• Sense of Adventure
• Must be in Grade 10 or 11

Please submit your nominations by October 8 to [email protected]

The keynote speakers are:

Dr. Shirin Haque