Outreach: STEM Workshops (Science & D&T)
On Monday 17th December 2018, fourteen pupils from Chad Vale Primary School and fourteen pupils from Harper Bell SDA School attended KEVI HGS and participated in two interactive STEM workshops, both of which were designed to give them a flavour of what our students do at KS3 and beyond. We also had fifteen pupils from Manor Park Academy and eight pupils from Bleakhouse Junior School attend the STEM works on Monday 14th January 2019. Furthermore, we recently (Tuesday 12th February 2019) hosted fourteen pupils from Sledmere Primary School.
During the Science workshop where they took part in a variety of stimulating practical activities that included looking inside cells using powerful binocular microscopes; using Bunsen burners to carryout flame tests (of select Alkali and Alkali-Earth metals); making sparklers (burn magnesium); safely put their hands through the flame; and understand the chemistry of fireworks. They were also enthralled by the exploding hydrogen balloons; screaming jelly baby; whoosh bottle fire whirl. Furthermore, both staff and pupils took part in flying our new ‘hover-craft’ around the laboratory. They enthusiastically enquired about its mechanisms and the science behind it.
Following a brief break at the canteen, during which they enjoyed drinks and biscuits, they went for a tour round the school and enjoyed seeing our students during break time, and were complimentary about their behaviour. The tour ended with the pupil in the D&T labs, which hosted the Design & Technology workshop. During this workshop, the pupils designed their own custom pen and pencil holder (to take home) at our brand new design studio, using 2D CAD (Computer Aided Design). The laser machine was then used to cut their acrylic designs. Finally, they used the Line bender machine to fold their acrylic design and attach it to a wooden base. The pupils also watched watch our cutting-edge 3D printer in action, making a frog for their teacher to take away; and enjoyed handling the tools and toys previously printed.
Both staff and pupils seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed their KEVI HGS experience and we look forward to, once again, working with the six remaining primary schools who have booked to attend the upcoming STEM workshops.
Mr F. Ahmed & Mr. D. Bansal
