Science made fun for Buckinghamshire pupils

Education

In 2016, over 700 pupils from across Buckinghamshire primary and secondary schools attended the BigBangatBucks STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) conferences on 21st and 22nd June. These conferences are part of a series of ‘mini’ Big Bang events being staged throughout the region in conjunction with the Big Bang Fair South East.

The event was hosted by Buckinghamshire Learning Trust in partnership with Science Oxford. Buckinghamshire Learning Trust is an educational social enterprise which delivers a comprehensive range of services to schools and early years settings, including school and early years improvement, specialist teaching, CPD and other key support services.Science Oxford is a regional charity, based in Oxford that delivers inspiring science outreach activities to schools and also trains teachers to do likewise.

The BigBangatBucks conference featured Science shows delivered by Science Oxford and Science Made Simple, practical hands on workshops delivered by Dr Karen Van Oostrum and an interactive STEM exhibit. The students in attendance learned how Bucks County Council turn waste into energy and had the opportunity to build and race K’nex cars.

Karen Crinyion, Strategic Lead for STEM at Buckinghamshire Learning Trust said: “These conferences are a fantastic opportunity to engage pupils with STEM activities and inspire them to become the scientists, mathematicians and engineers of the future. The Buckinghamshire Learning Trust and Science Oxford look forward to these fun and inspirational days for young people in the county and the opportunity to collaborate with local STEM industries and charities. “

BigBangatBucks incorporates the Buckinghamshire final of the Big Science Event, a practical science investigation competition run by Science Oxford. Cathy Sturrock, Education Programme Manager for Science Oxford, said: “It is fantastic that we are able to integrate the finals of this prestigious competition into the BigBangatBucks conferences, showcasing the work of over 4000 pupils that have been planning, carrying out and producing posters to show the outcomes of their hands on scientific investigations.”

This year’s BigBangatBucks will include a STEM Fair featuring interactive activities run by a number of STEM based companies, professional bodies and delivery organisations. In addition there will be bookable indoor and outdoor workshops and science shows running throughout the day.

Tuesday 20th June 2017 will be for year 5-6 primary students, and Wednesday 21st June 2017 for year 7-8-9 secondary students. The fair will be open for visitors 0930-1600 both days, and will be held at Green Park Conference Centre in Aston Clinton.

The primary conference will incorporate the Buckinghamshire finals of the Big Science Event The events are all about inspiring young people from all backgrounds to study science, technology, engineering and maths.