Extended Project Support Group

18 March 2013

A new online resource group for teachers supporting extended research projects in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) has been created by the Wellcome Trust. Hosted by the National STEM Centre, it is free to join and contains resources relating to research project ideas, libraries and collections, research skills, contacting subject specialists and more. It also offers discussion threads that the group can use to share experiences and tap into the expertise of other members.

The group has been produced with the Extended Project Qualification, Advanced Higher Investigation, International Baccalaureate Extended Essay and other research projects in mind. Teachers involved in supporting these qualifications are invited to explore the group's resources and to add their own recommendations. Contributions from organisations interested in supporting research projects on STEM topics are also welcome.

Hilary Leevers, Head of Education and Learning at the Wellcome Trust, said "Independent research projects, like the Extended Project Qualification, can be incredibly motivating for young people. They give students freedom to explore a topic of genuine interest and will be a first taste of independent study for many.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for young people to see what it's like to do real science and gain extra experience of practical work. It's also an excellent way of developing important study skills that are highly prized by employers and universities.

"We're very pleased to launch the Extended Project Support Group and hope that it will help to formalise the community of teachers and educational organisations already working hard to support and encourage independent research in schools."