Big Bang at School Inspires Miltoncross Academy Students

Miltoncross Academy is a co-educational secondary school in Portsmouth that serves students aged 11–16 as part of The Kemnal Academies Trust. The academy is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with a focus on academic progress, personal development, and preparing students for future success.

On 19 May, around 90 students from Years 7–9 gathered in the hall for an exciting morning of STEM activities delivered virtually through Teams. The STEM Day was organised by The STEM Hub in partnership with the charity Automate BEST and was led remotely by Matt, the event coordinator and STEM Ambassador with 25 years of experience. All activity resources were provided, including trophies for the winning teams, and the school was able to keep the materials afterwards.

The first challenge saw students design and build a factory transporter using only paper, craft straws and sticky tape to create the “world’s slowest marble run.” Teams showed impressive creativity and problem-solving skills, with the winning design achieving a time of nearly six seconds.

Students then worked on an elevator pitch for an invention of their own creation. Ideas included a sofa toilet and a solar-powered glowing bike, while the overall winning concept was a self-heating coffee pod cup. Students were enthusiastic throughout the morning, with some even spending their break time refining their presentations and designs.

Matt from Automate BEST said: “I was delighted to bring some fun and interactive STEM to Miltoncross Academy. I appear via livestream in the school and set the students two hands-on challenges to complete. At the end of the session we have a prizegiving ceremony which is always great fun and a rewarding way to celebrate the students’ creativity, teamwork and hard work.”

Staff and students praised the event highly. One teacher commented that it was “such a well organised and resourced event” which made it “easy to deliver to a large group all together in the hall.” Students also shared their enjoyment, with comments including: “That was so much fun, I’m glad I was selected,” and “Oh good, we can use the 20 minutes at break to carry on working.”

Miltoncross Academy warmly thanked all for their support and is excited to build on this inspiring success in future STEM initiatives.

*Image supplied by Automate BEST