November 30 2018 | Kent & Medway | Views: 2022
The chance to control a robot or build a bridge with the Royal Engineers, are not your everyday school activities.
But the first-ever Dungeness B Science Show provided the perfect backdrop for inspirational science and engineering tasks for more than 200 local youngsters.
The science show was run as part of the Government’s Year of Engineering campaign, and was originated by Dungeness Visitor Centre staff and Kent’s Stem Learning team.
Children from Lydd, Brookland, New Romney and Dymchurch Primary Schools took part in the event which featured four specially created science zones aimed at triggering interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.
The youngsters had a whale of a time making electricity, exploring chemistry in action, learning how professional engineers go about building a bridge, and controlling their own robots.
The Royal Engineers based at Chatham supported the event, as did Canterbury Christchurch University’s School of Engineering, Technology and Design.
Dungeness B’s Plant Manager, John Benn opened the Science Show. He said: “It is a real pleasure to be hosting this type of science show and to see the enjoyment and excitement among the local schoolchildren.”
“We will play our part in helping to inspire the next generation of engineers. EDF Energy has had wonderful support from our colleagues at STEM Learning, the University and the Royal Engineers. The feedback from our young visitors has been excellent, and we will certainly be repeating the event later in the year.”
Helen Ward from STEM Learning in Canterbury presented a “Fun in Engineering” session, while Amber Cottee of the Royal Engineers led a session on design and construction of a bridge, where teams of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils competed against each other to construct the best bridge.
Ann Nortcliffe from Canterbury Christchurch led a hugely popular interactive workshop on controlling robots that linked with Key stage 1 and 2 learning on human movement and body functions.
Dungeness B STEM Ambassadors and Visitor Centre Guides also ran an inspirational EDF Energy Bright Sparks zone based around how electricity is made – and showed the youngsters how electricity is created by the human body, fruit, and even by inflating balloons using vinegar!
The Year of Engineering is a Government-led campaign celebrating the world and wonder of engineering.
Steph Moir from Dymchurch Primary School said they were “lucky to be invited to such a wonderful STEM Science event.” “It was a fantastic event. The staff at Dungeness B were very friendly, very knowledgeable and had the pupils engaged in every activity. Even the school teachers became intrigued and competitive!”
She added “The whole event was really well organised, interesting and useful for the children as part of their science topic. We thoroughly enjoy going to Dungeness and we are already looking forward to seeing them again soon! Thank-you for a great day.”
