On the 8th and 9th of March over 300 Primary School students travelled to CEMAST, Fareham College to take part in EBP South’s Solent Primary Schools’ STEM Fair, in partnership with Portsmouth Water. The event saw young people take part in hands-on activities which captured their imagination and educated them about STEM Careers.
Students from Bedales Prep, Dunhurst attended the event and said that the event was “very hands on and educational”, “inspirational” and that it featured “amazing interactions, especially Portsmouth Water”. Head of Science at the school, Erawin Olie said “It’s my tenth year attending. It is an absolute must. It’s the first trip I look for each year.” Miss Roberts-Stone and Miss Holloway from Southlands Schools said “The event was very engaging and hands on. Our students were inspired by all of the STEM activities.”
The event, which was sponsored by BAE Systems Maritime Services and supported by Fareham College, featured 17 organisations providing engaging activities for the Year 5 and 6 students to take part in. Activities included Engineering Fairy Tales, The Secret World of Gases, Program a Sandwich and Teamwork Makes the Stream Work. Through taking part in the activities students were inspired about careers in STEM and learnt how their school curriculum links to the world of work.
James Bucknall, Senior Catchment Officer at Portsmouth Water said “It’s amazing to educate future generations on where their water comes from. We hope our involvement opens their eyes to the importance of a clean, safe water supply and possibly inspires the next generation of water industry workers. This STEM event offers so much to the kids that attend. I feel privileged to be part of it.”
Liam Crowther and Beth Hicks, Scientists from PALL Corporation who exhibited at the event said “We are very happy to be a part of the EBP event today. It has been very rewarding being able to get the children excited about STEM, and to inspire the next generation of young scientists and engineers in a fun and exciting way. We look forward to returning next year.
