AWE has held its most popular Primary Science Challenge to date, with over 400 students from eight primary schools in West Berkshire joining in the eco-themed learning and competition. The annual event inspires young learners into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and this year’s Challenge aligned to the World Environment Day’s theme of ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’.
Further fun saw schools working towards becoming an eco-school. The winners of this takeaway challenge were South View Junior School in Hampshire and Brimpton Church of England Primary School in West Berkshire. Both schools won an interactive science package from the Royal Institution.
On hand to help were STEM Ambassadors – AWE volunteers who help with its school engagement work. Part of the Challenge’s learning activities saw STEM Ambassadors helping students build objects using K’Nex – a construction toy system – and then dismantling before creating another item, to showcase how resources can be repurposed to reduce waste.
Eight Hampshire schools also took part in the Primary Science Challenge, with students attending the Primary STEM Fair at Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke, and participating in learning activities there.
Chris Daniels, Senior Manager, Responsible Business, said: “Many congratulations to the winning schools. The students were really enthusiastic about the challenges, with the winners displaying particularly impressive environmental credentials. Our Primary Science Challenge is a great opportunity to promote STEM learning and exciting career paths. The support from our STEM Ambassadors and our local education business partners is key to helping us inspire the next generation into STEM.”
The Primary Science Challenge forms part of AWE’s engagement work with schools and is delivered in partnership with Education Business Partnership (EBP) West Berkshire and EBP South.