The Education & Outreach Trust is delighted to launch a programme of grants to support those wishing to develop resources for schools that link to the materials, minerals and mining aspects of the 5-19 curriculum. Our grants programme has been designed to provide seed corn funding to allow the development of resources or activities that can be delivered in schools to enrich and enhance learners’ understanding of the materials cycle, including careers.
The resources developed with this funding should be designed with longevity and accessibility in mind and successful applicants can have their resources listed on the IOM3 website.
Each year a maximum of ten grants of up to £1000 will be made and these will be allocated on a first come first served basis to applications which fulfil the awarding criteria.
Eligibility
STEM resource development grants are open to anyone wishing to develop a resource or activity to support the teaching of the materials, minerals & mining topics in the 5-19 curriculum or promote careers in these areas. You could be a practicing or trainee teacher, student, academic or industrialist.
The longeviety of the resource/activity developed must be considered and we would like to be able to host it on the Schools Outreach pages of the IOM3 website.
Applications may be made by individuals or groups of individuals and one grant application per year may be made. Preference will be given to those applying for the first time.
Retrospective applications will not be considered.
What will the grants cover?
Our grants can be used to cover the cost of developing the resource/activity, including consumables, equipment and time. They can also be used to cover travel costs associated with piloting the resource/activity in schools or at a showcase event or any other reasonable expenses.
What are the awarding panel looking for?
The awarding panel are looking for applications that provide strong opportunities to enrich and enhance learners’ understanding of topics related to the materials cycle. Particular consideration will be given to applications that support the teaching of and promote careers in the extractives industries, that highlight the importance of natural resources and mining to achieving net zero, and resources focussed on all aspects of sustainability and our transition to a low carbon, resource efficient society. Ideally, resources should have a tangible link to the 5-19 curriculum in the UK and this must be highlighted in the application.
In addition, we would welcome applications which focus on raising aspirations within settings with a high proportion of learners from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.
Resources or activities developed for a specific event will be considered, but the panel are looking for resources which will have a life beyond a single, face-to-face intervention.
A detailed breakdown of how the funding will be used along with the target age group of the resource and how it may be used will be required in the application.
The application criteria will be reviewed on an annual basis.
How to apply
To apply for a grant please click on the Enter/Apply button and complete the application form.
This requires:
- Information about the target age group of your resource.
- Information relating to how your resource will be used: is it for teachers to use in the classroom, for learners to use directly, or for a specific event?
- Details of where the resource/activity links to the UK 5-19 curriculum.
- The amount of funding you are applying for, up to a maximum of £1000, how you propose to spend this and whether you have applied to other sources for funding for this project.
- A project plan which should include key milestones in the development of the resource.
- Information pertaining to how your resource will be piloted and used with the target audience and how you will gather feedback on its success.
- Information relating to how your resource/activity will be disseminated and have longevity.
How will I know if my application has been successful?
Applications are welcomed throughout the year.
Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been successful in receiving funding within 20 days of the receipt of application.
Successful applicants will be advised how much funding has been allocated.
How will funding be provided?
Funding will usually be paid by bank transfer through the applicant's organisation.