STUDENTS from across Frome schools experienced explosions, examined elephant toothpaste and learnt about renewable energy as part of the town’s annual ‘STEM’ exhibition.
Frome’s first, middle and seniors schools are working together to encourage students to engage more in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects by getting them to take part in a variety of activities.
Children observed cheek cells under microscopes, were awed by elephant toothpaste, flew aerodynamic planes, created paper towers, examined renewable energies, balanced water droplets on pennies, moved unmoveable objects, created mechanical sequences and delved into the workings of a quarry as part of the project.
The schools report, “All year 4 children from the six schools spent a morning at the local quarry and came back enthused after an “awesome experience!”
“They witnessed a controlled explosion, rock testing and a first hand immersion in the technology, processes and careers involved to quarry limestone. Next, the children of each school had to plan a regeneration project for the quarry. The children had to research how the land could be used, what sort of environmental issues had to be considered and which industries could be accommodated.
“Children researched quarry hotels and shopping centres in Asia, quarry sculpture parks in Europe and environmental habitat projects in the UK, which led to exciting discussions about which plants should be grown to provide all year round interest and habitats.
“The competition was judged by the fabulous staff at Moon Hill Quarry and Hanson, and the winners announced at the next stage in the Frome STEM partnership, a flagship ‘spotlight on STEM’ exhibition. At the exhibition each child had a 10-minute STEM demonstration from nine different exhibitors; over 90 minutes of STEM inspiration each. The exhibitors showcased local STEM companies, as well as stands run by A-level children from the science and DT departments of Frome College. The exhibition was held at Selwood Middle School.
“The STEM exhibition was really exciting as it united every tier of Frome’s educational system in spotlighting STEM careers and inspiring STEM learning. This is vital if we are to educate the next generation of scientists and engineers early and inspire both boys and girls to stay open to new and exciting forward thinking careers.
“The Frome schools are uniting behind STEM and this year is just the start of many exciting STEM-themed collaborations to come!”
