Youngsters enjoyed an exciting and educational day out of the classroom learning about the world of science, technology, engineering, and maths at the island’s first STEM Fest.

The interactive and educational event was aimed at primary school students.

The event was designed to engage the pupils in STEM subjects and local industries by offering them a hands-on opportunity to participate in activities related to science, technology, engineering and maths, and their school curriculum.

initiative

STEM Fest is an initiative of the Awareness of Careers in Engineering (ACE) committee, a sub-committee of the Chamber of Commerce, who co-ordinate and fund a range of projects around the engagement of students within the engineering sector in partnership with the Department for Enterprise (DfE) and Department for Education, Sport and Culture (DESC).

David Hester, chairman of the ACE committee and managing director of Swagelok, said: ’We’re trying to bring science and technology into the view of students of all ages to get them excited about that as a career in the future.

’There’s a shortage all over the world of engineers and technology students, so there are lots of jobs and lots of opportunities.

’Research from STEM Learning UK experts tells us that the more interactive the experience, the more engaged the students are, and the more impact this will have.’

The event was held over two days at the Villa Marina, Douglas, where the different subject areas were split into different zones.

activities

Activities offered to the attendees included a needle valve assembly challenge, a tube maze, pneumatics, sphero challenges, video gaming, coding, VR headsets and a real ’Angry Bird’ game that demonstrated the idea behind RLC Group’s ejection seats.

The day of activities ended with a dynamic stage show from Matthew Tosh who discussed and demonstrated the science and maths behind fireworks.

Kelley Corlett, HR business partner from Manx Telecom, sponsor and exhibitor, said: ’The event is a wonderful opportunity for organisations such as ours to be able to provide insight into new technology to pupils.

’To be able to share this knowledge - even on a high level - with the next generation is exciting for our people.

’We would like to see more events like these that bring technology and engineering to life for pupils.’

Along with the ACE Committee, the Department for Enterprise, the Department for Education, Sport and Culture and STEM Learning UK kindly sponsored the event. To find out more about this year’s STEM Fest, and to discover more of the ACE Committee’s hands-on STEM initiatives, visit: www.engineeringiom.com