BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:ase2026summertechsconf
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com ASE 2026 Technicians Summer Conference//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T073000Z
DTEND:20260703T084500Z
SUMMARY:Welcome\, Exhibition and Refreshments
DESCRIPTION:A warm welcome awaits all technician delegates to the ASE's 2026 Summer Technician's Conference.\n\nIt's been 3 years since we were last at Bristol and we are very excited to offer the day's professional development and exhibition opportunities to all science technicians working in the region.\n\nSo come along\, register for the day and grab a tea or coffee and start networking!
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Sports Hall\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:942cf11521eb9b88bdbb3ad92912252f
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/942cf11521eb9b88bdbb3ad92912252f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T084500Z
DTEND:20260703T094500Z
SUMMARY:Less is more: the benefits of a microscale approach
DESCRIPTION:This session will highlight the vast multitude of benefits felt by staff and students when employing a microscale approach to practical work. \n\nThere will be hands-on opportunities to try out some microscale favourites plus hints and tips for where to start with the set up if you’re new to microscale and how to convince your teaching staff to make the switch!
CATEGORIES:BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e68b90167c80c482f9c7c4c17e0e4aaf
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/e68b90167c80c482f9c7c4c17e0e4aaf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T084500Z
DTEND:20260703T094500Z
SUMMARY:Five minute wonders
DESCRIPTION:This hands-on session will introduce you to a range of quick practicals\, demonstrations and science "toys" that can be used as hooks to introduce a topic\, add variety to lessons and act as a recap for revision or engage and enthuse curious students in the wonders of science.\n\nThere will be something for everyone - we'll cover physics\, biology and chemistry.
CATEGORIES:CHEMISTRY FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4deffc8fea8fce3c82dc9fc89701ce25
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/4deffc8fea8fce3c82dc9fc89701ce25
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T084500Z
DTEND:20260703T094500Z
SUMMARY:Green Lab: The reaction to change
DESCRIPTION:This session will encompass the following - I hope you will all enjoy it!\nGreener Reactions and the Road to Net Zero (We’ve got this!)A fun quiz on what we know about Carbon Footprints in schoolsA hands-on activity: Polystyrene is so&nbsp\;last century!Rethinking our approach to science – positively.\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PRACTICE FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:95006910786d60f5cb231b43e99115c3
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/95006910786d60f5cb231b43e99115c3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T084500Z
DTEND:20260703T094500Z
SUMMARY:Soldering make and take
DESCRIPTION:Join in this session for some soldering practice and take away with you a small circuit board that allows you to translate changing light levels (including laser beams) into a useful voltage\, and also a power transistor that lets you use this\, or another voltage to switch something else on or off (light bulb\, buzzer\, electromagnet\, etc). \n\nThere will be a brief discussion on how these work\, plus using these and other useful tools to help meet those unusual but exciting physics teacher requests!
CATEGORIES:PHYSICS FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Physics Lab B (Ground Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8a90e1054102b2f5f7a324df70dcfd45
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/8a90e1054102b2f5f7a324df70dcfd45
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T094500Z
DTEND:20260703T101500Z
SUMMARY:Exhibition and Refreshments
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Sports Hall\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5f2d308edde03e754caf9cdbb48c4f39
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/5f2d308edde03e754caf9cdbb48c4f39
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T101500Z
DTEND:20260703T111500Z
SUMMARY:A level biology practicals
DESCRIPTION:This session will explore how to avoid the pitfalls that can be encountered with the required practicals. We will look at hints and tips to get the best results.Suitable for all technicians\, especially those unfamiliar with A-level.
CATEGORIES:BIOLOGY FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:66293836a87a83977e77407d7bbc44dc
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/66293836a87a83977e77407d7bbc44dc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T101500Z
DTEND:20260703T111500Z
SUMMARY:Fantastic plastics: Hands-on exploration of biopolymers in the lab
DESCRIPTION:This engaging and practical session introduces science technicians to the fascinating world of bioplastics through three accessible and classroom-friendly experiments. Participants will explore how everyday natural materials—milk\, potatoes\, and seaweed—can be transformed into plastic-like substances\, highlighting key concepts in polymer chemistry\, sustainability\, and green science.\nThe session is designed to provide hands-on experience\, adaptable demonstrations\, and practical tips for implementation in school laboratories.\nPart 1: Making Plastic from Milk (Casein Plastic) – Practical\nParticipants will produce a simple bioplastic using milk and an acid (e.g. vinegar or lemon juice).\nKey Concepts:\nProtein structure and denaturationFormation of casein polymerThermosetting plasticsActivities:\nHeating milk and adding acid to precipitate caseinFiltering and shaping the resulting materialDiscussion of variables (temperature\, acid concentration)Takeaway: A quick\, reliable experiment ideal for classroom demonstrations or student practicals.\n\nPart 2: Plastic from Potatoes (Starch-Based Bioplastic) – Demonstration & Discussion\nThis section will showcase examples of starch-based plastics made from potatoes. Pre-prepared samples at different stages will be shared.\nKey Concepts:\nStarch as a polymer (amylose and amylopectin)Plasticisers (e.g. glycerol) and their roleBiodegradability and material propertiesActivities:\nExamination of sample materialsDiscussion of preparation method and common pitfallsComparison of flexibility\, strength\, and transparencyTakeaway: Practical insight into a slightly more complex process\, with guidance for successful classroom adaptation.\n\nPart 3: Cross-Linking Polymers from Seaweed (Alginate) – Practical\nParticipants will create gel-like “plastic” beads or shapes using sodium alginate and calcium chloride.\nKey Concepts:\nPolymer cross-linkingIonic bonding in materials scienceApplications in food science and biomedical fieldsActivities:\nPreparing alginate solutionDropping into calcium chloride to form beads or shapesExploring texture and structure changesTakeaway: A highly engaging\, visual experiment with strong cross-curricular links.\n\n\nPractical Considerations\nAll experiments use relatively low-cost\, accessible materialsMinimal specialist equipment requiredSafety considerations and risk assessments will be providedSuitable for a range of age groups with adaptation\n“Fantastic Plastics” offers a dynamic blend of hands-on experimentation and practical insight\, equipping science technicians with the skills and confidence to bring polymer chemistry to life in an engaging and sustainable way. Participants will leave with resources\, protocols\, and inspiration to implement these activities in their own settings.
CATEGORIES:CHEMISTRY FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:eb79346ea10853414fd321c735b1fcd4
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/eb79346ea10853414fd321c735b1fcd4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T101500Z
DTEND:20260703T111500Z
SUMMARY:Science outreach: A technician's perspective
DESCRIPTION:This workshop explores how science technicians can lead meaningful science outreach with primary schools and community groups. \n\nHow to design and deliver sessions for younger audiences\, covering what works\, what doesn't\, and how to make science accessible and exciting beyond the school lab. \n\nThe session includes hands-on demonstration activities that attendees are welcome to adapt for their own outreach work.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PRACTICE FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4999ee2117a370738baa7e85439995f8
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/4999ee2117a370738baa7e85439995f8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T101500Z
DTEND:20260703T111500Z
SUMMARY:Working with glass
DESCRIPTION:Come along and have a go and making some simple glass items to gain confidence when heating and bending glass. You can keep everything you make\, options will include delivery tubes\, stirring rods\, glass spreaders and U bend tubes amongst others. &nbsp\;If you have a glass cutter in your department – bring it with you!\nThis workshop is gratefully supported by the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers. The ASE is most appreciative of the charity's support without which school science technicians would be unable to receive the valuable professional learning relating to working with glass in their science laboratories.\n\nOwing to the popularity of the glassmaking session\, there is one in the morning and another is repeated this afternoon\, to accommodate as many delegates as possible.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PRACTICE FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:87c80254bfcd15f167d120687fcf8359
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/87c80254bfcd15f167d120687fcf8359
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T111500Z
DTEND:20260703T121000Z
SUMMARY:Lunch and Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Sports Hall\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1abb258d6443337a5fc461ba817dbefc
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/1abb258d6443337a5fc461ba817dbefc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T121500Z
DTEND:20260703T131500Z
SUMMARY:Food tests with less mess
DESCRIPTION:Fed up with yucky foodstuffs\, mess\, and heaps of horrible washing up? Come along and explore some different ways of doing the traditional food test practical with less mess and guaranteed results. A hands-on session with tried and tested hints and tips from technicians for technicians.This session will have a maximum of 20 participants on a first-come\, first-served basis on the day\, as requested by the presenter.
CATEGORIES:BIOLOGY FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fa620994fb667ab2b7010290004576cb
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/fa620994fb667ab2b7010290004576cb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T121500Z
DTEND:20260703T131500Z
SUMMARY:Chromatography - how to get more than a smear on the paper
DESCRIPTION:Chromatography experiments can be problematic. Finding the right pens and food dyes where the mixtures will separate into their component parts to the difficulty in getting the distinctive spots that appear on the exam paper rather than a smear on the chromatography paper.This workshop will explore different methods that are safe\, cost effective and give students definitive results.
CATEGORIES:CHEMISTRY FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:456ebba414f604c791dbc30bd77f51c7
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/456ebba414f604c791dbc30bd77f51c7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T121500Z
DTEND:20260703T131500Z
SUMMARY:Lone technician to leader; teams and team-building
DESCRIPTION:Whether a lone technician\, part of a team or leading a team\, a technician will need the support of other colleagues to make life easier and accomplish tasks.In this workshop participants will look at the teams they may be part of\, even as a lone technician\, and explore methods of communication and relationship-building in order to establish a strong team or support network. The session will cover recognising the diversity of team members\, how to approach those difficult conversations and strategies for getting things done.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PRACTICE FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:218ff9303aeb5ec1c04b78ab62a71b58
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/218ff9303aeb5ec1c04b78ab62a71b58
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T121500Z
DTEND:20260703T131500Z
SUMMARY:Science clubs: A carousel of fun and engaging experiments
DESCRIPTION:A hands-on session that will showcase fun and engaging experiments which have been tried and tested at science clubs in schools. Delegates will also have the opportunity to discuss the logistics of running a science club\, including possible funding routes.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PRACTICE FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:78a9e33221501737da5d60fe9dfbac6b
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/78a9e33221501737da5d60fe9dfbac6b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T131500Z
DTEND:20260703T141500Z
SUMMARY:Biology session TBC
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BIOLOGY FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:82fdbf81ab3ae8480e6866be0dd1884c
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/82fdbf81ab3ae8480e6866be0dd1884c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T131500Z
DTEND:20260703T141500Z
SUMMARY:Technicians as demonstrators
DESCRIPTION:This session will explore the importance of technicians as demonstrators and how best we as technicians can be utilised in a classroom environment. \n\nThere will be advice on how to get started with demonstrating\, how to build confidence and a short showcase of demonstration examples too.
CATEGORIES:CHEMISTRY FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2e063e8f9b5fff1fce24b2a694737f51
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/2e063e8f9b5fff1fce24b2a694737f51
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T131500Z
DTEND:20260703T141500Z
SUMMARY:Working with glass
DESCRIPTION:Come along and have a go and making some simple glass items to gain confidence when heating and bending glass. You can keep everything you make\, options will include delivery tubes\, stirring rods\, glass spreaders and U bend tubes amongst others. &nbsp\;If you have a glass cutter in your department – bring it with you!\n\nThis is a repeat of the glass working session offered this morning - owing to its' popularity\, we are repeating it to accommodate as many delegates as possible.\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PRACTICE FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4e8a6119ff615604e21b35f862f5d6c5
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/4e8a6119ff615604e21b35f862f5d6c5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T115846Z
DTSTART:20260703T131500Z
DTEND:20260703T141500Z
SUMMARY:Field Trip: A journey into electromagnetism and motion
DESCRIPTION:In this workshop delegates will get hands-on with a variety of demonstrations that can be used in the classroom to teach about magnets and electromagentism. Demonstrations will include: what is magnetic force\, how a compass works\, magnetic fields\, the electromagnetic force\, electromagnetic motors\, how contactless payments work\, transformers\, strengthening magnets and correcting compasses. \n\nDelegates attending this workshop will have increased confidence with electromagnetism.Suitable for all technicians\, especially those unfamiliar with A-level.
CATEGORIES:PHYSICS FOCUSSED
LOCATION:Physics Lab B (Ground Floor)\, Clifton College\, College Road\, Clifton\, Bristol BS8 3EZ\, UK
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2413c0bdf1a978222d7d52de70aad4f9
URL:http://ase2026summertechsconf.sched.com/event/2413c0bdf1a978222d7d52de70aad4f9
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR