YOUNG scientists have been exploring the many branches of STEM subjects with the help of an Antarctic adventurer.
Pupils at Springfield Academy, Darlington, took part in a whole school science investigation day assisted by British Antarctic Survey polar explorer Steve Wroe.
The students, from nursery to Year 5, were also given the opportunity to quiz Cummins engineer Nicky Ingles and take part in a host of hands on experiments led by Springfield science lead Kelly McManus and Year 6 students.
“This is our first science fair where every single class has been involved,” said Mrs McManus.
“Having a real Antarctic explorer and an engineer from Cummins here to talk to our pupils gives a much more practical link to the subject and our students have been full of questions for both of our experts.
“Science is such an important part of our curriculum and is in everything we do, if we can raise the profile of STEM subjects in school our pupils will gain a much better understanding of how it impacts on them in their everyday life.”
A full spectrum of scientific experiments were on offer for students to take part in including creating sticky slime, making sugar crystal lollipops, balloon rocket cars, bridge design, fidget spinner investigation, weights and measures and discovering how the human body works.
“Each class will also be given a science topic which they will continue to investigate over the coming weeks in the classroom,” said Mrs McManus.
“Hopefully this will lead on to pupils creating their own experiments helping to show them how all STEM subjects are linked together and raising their aspirations to perhaps pursue science as a career in the future.”
Principal Angela Henderson added: “It has been such a privilege to have experts such as Steve Wroe and Nicky Ingles here with us today.
“Our students were so enthused at hearing about expeditions to the Antarctic, living in tents in minus 30 degrees, meeting penguins and sledges being pulled by a pack of dogs.
“It has really raised their awareness of the vast amount of exciting career opportunities that studying STEM subjects can lead to.”