Big Bang @ Discovery Park

March 18 2016 | Kent & Medway | Views: 1763

The Big Bang was a FREE day-long education event organised by Kent & Medway STEM, (part of Canterbury Christ Church University) took place on Friday, March 18 at Discovery Park, with the aim of inspiring a love of STEM subjects.

The format of the day ensured every student had a range of ‘hands-on’ experiences including interactive exhibits and workshops, talks run by local companies and organisations. Some of the scientists running sessions for the students are currently working on the development of new drugs and treatments at Discovery Park.

Around 1,000 students enjoyed the day’s activities, which included:

entering the world of crime scene investigation and learning to see in the dark (while defeating the evil SPECTRA organisation).
medicine making – with balloons as replica molecules
making waves with Maths (and a water tank)
the art of making their own toothpaste or comet
building rollercoasters with the aid of a packet of Maltesers
earthquakes in Nepal, Captain Jim Oliver, Royal Engineers Chatham
and an Easter related chromosome and Guess Who

So there was plenty going on to fire the imagination and to reconsider pre-conceived ideas of STEM subjects.

Hellen Ward, Director Kent & Medway STEM, said: “Big Bang provides an opportunity for students to experience the role STEM plays in the economy. It is wonderful to have this opportunity for students from all over the region to meet people for whom STEM is not just a job, it is their passion.

“The take up of STEM subjects still needs to improve, for example in attracting more girls into engineering, but thanks to events like this, it is heading in the right direction

“It is important for young people to see it is not all men in white coats with scary hair. What’s great about this event and the venue Discovery Park, is that they can see where their career might lead.”

Those hosting exhibits and workshops included Pfizer, AlgaeCytes, Amey, BioProNet, Kreston Reeves, EDF Energy, Nuclear Institute, Amey, BioProNet, Artswork Ltd, BAE Systems, Mylan, The Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Wild Wood, the University of Kent, the University of Greenwich, Canterbury Christ Church University, East Kent College and Wild Wood.

The feedback from the students and teachers attending showed it was a day they enjoyed. “Had an amazing day, Awesome I did not want to leave” Pupil Barton Court. “Staff are very nice and I enjoyed learning new things” Pupil Simon Boys School.

Folkestone academy teacher said “thank you and your team for the brilliant ‘big bang science fair’!! The students thoroughly enjoyed it, and were very pleased to attend!!”