STEMNET Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network

On 31st May and 1st June the University of Reading STEM Projects team facilitated STEM enrichment days for year 9. The year group is divided into two for this annual event - four tutor groups go on a Science trip while the other four tutor groups participate in the enrichment day. Then they swap over for the second day. It makes it easier to facilitate a day with a more manageable number of students (100 on each day).

We encouraged as many STEM Ambassadors as possible to participate and deliver their own activities.

For those that are new, or don't yet feel comfortable to deliver an activity themselves, we invite them to assist a more experienced ambassador. This then becomes a useful training session for them - they experience activities first hand and also gain an insight into existing activities.

This year we delivered a variety of activities, including Lego Robots, Earthquake Challenge, Oil Rig Challenge, Colourful Science (thermochromic pigments) and another new one involving a Coke can called Earthquakes and Landslides. We were pleased to work with STEM Ambassadors from companies such as KBR, BG Group, Peter Brett Associates and also the University of Reading.

Each day culminated in all groups joining together for 'STEM University Challenge' - a quiz based on the format of University Challenge. Each tutor group entered a team of four students for the quiz who competed to answer starter and bonus questions from the KS3 curriculum. The remaining students made for a lively audience, individuals were invited to answer the questions that couldn't be answered by the teams (needless to say chocolate treats played a part!).

Quote from Head of Technology: 'As you know, our students had a great two days ... and John Eddy (Asst Head & Quiz Master) was more than impressed with the way your team enthused and engaged our students.'

For further information on STEM enrichment days, please contact Jan Kershaw who liaises with schools across Surrey, Central and East Berkshire: j.e.kershaw@reading.ac.uk

Photos reproduced with permission, courtesy of Sandhurst school