Enquiring young minds in Stephenson Way Academy were given the opportunity to put their STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) skills to good use this week during a special visit from Esh-MWH. The local construction company, who have recently been carrying out sewerage works in the Travellers Green area, delivered an interactive workshop based around the topic of water to Year One pupils.
During the session, children explored how water is used at home and were asked to consider what happens to it when we flush the toilet or pull the plug out of our baths. From the outset, the children were enthused and thoroughly enjoyed dressing up to re-enact a range of job roles, including a ground-worker, designer, technician and quantity surveyor.
Working collaboratively, they put their measuring skills to the test to set out a safe construction site. Having created a runway of pipes, pupils were able to observe how water flows through a system.
Howling with laughter, the little learners were introduced to the fun characters, Pee, Poo and the squishy microbes who taught them how water is cleaned. It was fascinating to find out through a fun sorting game what should go down the toilet and what should go in the bin.
Clare Davison, Added Value Coordinator at Esh-MWH, said, “It is wonderful to see children getting enjoyment from the kits, exploring the practical ways in which STEM can be put to use, whilst gaining valuable hands-on knowledge and skills outside of a traditional classroom environment. STEM subjects have been identified as having a skills shortage but initiatives like this will help promote the topics to children in a fun and interactive way.”
Class teacher, Miss Buck, added, “It was fantastic to see the whole class working together, putting their problem solving skills to the test. Through their interaction and discovery, they were able to understand more about the wider world, particularly the construction sector.”
Both pupils and staff at Stephenson Way would like to extend their thanks to the visitors for the wonderful workshop.
