STEM activities STEM Activities in Northamptonshire 2002



Tales of Blooming Science - on Wednesday 19 June, 1600 9-14 year olds from across the county were able to enjoy two performances of Johnny Ball's show for Science Year. For two action packed hours pupils, teachers and parents were excited and enthused by his 'tour' of science, looking at scientists and their discoveries through the centuries.


Junior Engineers for Britain (K'Nex) Challenge - also on Wednesday primary school children from 14 schools across the county came together to build fairground models from K'Nex kits. The children were already winners in their own schools. Two pupils from Grange Community Primary in Kettering and two from Falconer's Hill Primary in Daventry went forward to the regional final at Boots in Nottingham on Thursday 27 June. Winners of this round will go to the national final in London in September.

Photos of the models made at the Regional Technology Centre event


Mars Buggy Racing, Benham Arena, Moulton Park - Friday 28 June
Following a workshop in March pupils have been busy in their schools, mostly in after school clubs, building model racing buggies. This year's Grand Prix took place on Friday 28 June with 13-14 year olds from some thirteen schools racing 37 buggies.

The main event was won by Tim Taylor from Ryelands Middle School - the school has provided the winners for the last three years - with the award for the most innovative design going to Ben Ventham and Robert Grant of The King John Middle School, Thrapston. The hotly contested teachers' race was won by Mick Avery of the Friars School, Wellingborough.


A line up of buggies

Our thanks to Schumacher Racing Products for hosting the event, to Far Cotton Indoor Race Club for providing a display and the track for the event, and to the staff of Benham Arena for making us so welcome.


Science Show
An exhibition of primary school science work was held in the foyer of the library at University College Northampton from 30 June to 4 July. The exhibition was opened by Johnny Ball on Monday 1st July with a special science show for primary school pupils.


Pizza Production
A pack has been launched for key stage 1 pupils who will design and make pizzas. Several primary schools have already spent a morning at Pizza Express in Northampton, learning at first hand how to make pizzas.