March 17 2017 | Kent & Medway | Views: 1899
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 17 2017, at Discovery Park, with the aim of inspiring a love of STEM subjects.
The format of the day covers three main areas (Science, Engineering and Space zones) in the dropping zone with over 25 dropping areas and also over 10 workshops lasting 20 to 50 minutes. This allowed every student had a range of ‘hands-on’ experiences including interactive exhibits and workshops, talks run by STEM Ambassadors from local companies and organisations.
Over a 1000 students enjoyed the day’s activities and every students attended a 60 minute show on the ‘Elements at Work’, looking at a fascinating collection of substances that make up all the chemistry we are involved with!
Over a 1000 students enjoyed the day’s activities, which included:
And many more!
So there was plenty going on to fire the imagination and to reconsider pre-conceived ideas of STEM subjects.
Those hosting exhibits and workshops included Pfizer, Science Giants Ltd, BioProNet, Thermo Fisher, National Grid, EDF Energy, BAE Systems, Instrutec Controls Ltd, The Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, The Wild Wood Trust, The University of Kent, Space Ambassadors, The University of Greenwich, Canterbury Christ Church University, East Kent College, Health Education England, Sekisui Diagnostics Ltd, ARES UK, Mid-Kent Astronomical Society, Monkton Stargazers, Delphi and A Pearson Growers.
The feedback from the students and teachers attending
The feedback from the STEM Ambassadors when they were asked: In what ways did this event have an impact on pupils understanding of STEM subjects and careers?
Feedback from Students:
Report from Ursuline College, Westgate on-sea
On Friday 17th March, a group of year 9 pupils attended The Big Bang Fair at Discovery Park, Sandwich with the Science department.
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK.
It is an award-winning combination of exciting theatre shows, interactive workshops and exhibits and careers information from STEM professionals. The aim of the fair was to show pupils the exciting and rewarding opportunities out there for them with the right experience and qualifications and, to bring classroom learning to life through interactive shows and activities.
Our pupils watched an interactive chemistry show about elements; a lively, colourful and explosive show! They also took part in a hands-on insect activity where they handled moth larvae and looked at the effects of temperature on their activity.
Pupils were also able to spend some time visiting LOTS of stands promoting STEM careers, chat to STEM ambassadors and try out lots of mini-activities to get a flavour of the many careers they could venture into.
Ursuline pupils behaved and engaged impeccably and it was noted that we were the ONLY school in Thanet to attend the event!