Eden pupils get scientific inspiration during British Science Week
Pupils were left feeling inspired to pursue careers in science-related occupations after an engaging British Science Week, involving local employers and universities.
Our school ran an exciting week of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities between 9 and 18 March.
Pupils took part in a careers speed dating event, which gave them the opportunity to meet with people working in a wide range of scientific careers. Pupils spent a short time quizzing each visitor about their job, the qualifications they’d gained and the pathway that led them to their career, before moving on to speak with other visitors.
Pupils also heard from 10 speakers who work in STEM-related roles. The inspirational visitors spoke about their occupations, which ranged from neuroscientists to software engineers, clinical analysts to architects, and take time to answer pupils’ questions.
Our STEM Ambassadors visited Brunel University to take part in a day of experiments and investigation.
The busy week culminated in a Science Fair to which parents and neighbouring primary school pupils were invited. Tasked with finding scientific solutions to real life problems, Year 8 pupils presented their findings at the Science Fair.
Among the problems investigated were the type of shoe sole that offers the best grip, the most suitable material for a cup that keeps drinks hot for longer, and how age affects memory.
Maschil De Guzman, our Director of Learning in Science, commented, “Our pupils’ response to our Science Week activities has been overwhelming! I have seen a change in their attitude to STEM careers. In the past the only science-related career they would mention was a doctor, but now they are thinking more broadly. We hope to continue to provide science enrichment opportunities to inspire and engage our girls towards STEM careers.
“Our Year 8s loved the process of putting together their project, which gave them a more meaningful and positive experience of science in action. All teachers, visitors and students were impressed by how our girls showed confidence in the articulation and use of science language in explaining and answering questions regarding their projects.”
Year 9 pupil Hafsah Ismail commented, “Our STEM careers day has encouraged me to become a nurse. I have now realised that being a nurse is such a rewarding job for many reasons. One major reason is making a difference to people’s lives – possibly saving them!”
Year 8 pupil Safiyyah Harding enjoyed taking part in the Science Fair. She added, “The amazing experience helped us present our ideas and increased my knowledge of scientific inquiry.”
British Science Week, run by the British Science Association, is a 10 day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, featuring entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for people of all ages. British Science Week, which ran this year between 9 and 18 March, provides a platform to stimulate and support teachers, STEM professionals, science communicators and the general public to produce and participate in STEM events and activities. Find out more at www.britishscienceweek.org.
Which fizzy drink is the most acidic? Pupils Sabrin Mohamed and Sundus Mohamed with the project that won Best Display award
Does age affect memory? Staff member Neyka Anachkova with pupils Aram Melhem and Havva Maqsood – this project won the Best in Biology Project award
Deputy Principal Famida Rawoot (far left) and Director of Learning for Science Maschil De Guzman (far right) with pupils Fathma Siddiqui, Nusaybah Qureshi and Marwa Karemi – whose project ‘Which chocolate will melt the fastest?’ won the Best in Chemistry award
Added By: Eden Girls' School, Slough | Date Added: 20th Mar 2018 | Posted In: Events, Latest News