Ayrshire College has been inspiring the next generation of scientists by running fun, hands-on STEM workshops for more than 500 primary school pupils across Ayrshire.
The workshop programme for primary 5-7 pupils was developed by science lecturer Derek Walls and Shona Frew, a science technician, who are both based at our Kilmarnock Campus. Recognising the financial challenges of rising transport cost for trips, they decided to create workshops that could be brought directly into schools. They’ve been accompanied on school visits by Amy Boyd, a level 6 Social Sciences student, who was looking to gain work experience in a school setting.
Derek and Shona, both STEM Ambassadors, developed two workshops that can be personalised to each group of learners. The workshops - CSI: the case of the missing sweets and Science in Colour - are designed to help spark an interest in science for senior primary school pupils ahead of their transition to secondary school. These interactive, task-based classes have been delivered free of charge at 12 primary schools across Ayrshire this academic year and the aim is to expand the programme further.
Derek Walls said: “Engaging with primary school pupils allows us to plant the seed early that science can be fun and lead to a wide variety of jobs. It’s not just scientists in a lab - and it’s definitely not boring! By going out to schools, we’re also able to reach schools in more rural and deprived areas of Ayrshire.”
Christopher Jackson, Acting Depute Head Teacher at Muirkirk Primary School, said: “There was certainly a buzz about the school the day Ayrshire College were with us. The events were well organised, resourced and pitched at the right level for the three different classes that attended.
“As a school, we would not have been able to provide the same high level of science learning without the assistance of Ayrshire College. We would be delighted to continue to work with the team in future."