We were delighted to welcome local Primary Schools to our Senior Sciences block for an exciting CREST SuperStar STEM Activity Day. STEM refers to education about Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and often now also includes the Arts to ‘turn STEM into STEAM’.
Pupils and staff from Knavesmire Primary School, St Paul’s Primary School and Sutton on the Forest Primary School joined our own Junior pupils for a carousel of exciting activities that left them inspired and wanting to learn more about STEM.
The activities were run by our own Mount teachers, two STEM ambassadors and ably assisted by our very own College girls. Our guests enjoyed three of the five activities on offer and got busy making and testing indicators (Chemistry), making toothpaste (Biology), making mistakes while trying to build a bridge (Physics), Coding (IT) and creating beautiful Digital Design (Maths and Arts).
The visiting teachers learned some interesting facts that were new to them, such as the specific chemical properties which help conditioner manage human hair, and so on. There was no clear ‘winner’ of favourite activities, as each activity had its own appeal for different tastes. In the end, the real winner was the children.
Each activity counts toward the CREST SuperStar Award. CREST is the British Science Association’s scheme for STEM project work that inspires young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers.
College girls assisted with activities that they are studying at A-Levels, and were delighted with their guests’ enthusiasm, complimenting the visiting pupils on their excellent manners. “They’re all so nice. You can see how excited they are to be involved,” said Ophelia. “They really were SuperStars,“ said Suki.
“We look forward to the next STEM Activity Day!” said one happy young visitor.