Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects for primary school pupils in the Stirling area are set to enhance their winning formulas – thanks to a Forth Valley College loan scheme supported by Stirling Council and sponsored by CityFibre.
STEM boxes are now available to be loaned out in the subject areas of: Rocket Launch; Biological Systems and BBC Microbit Coding (CityFibre), and can be used for up to two weeks for P5-7 classes.
Each box contains materials to complete all activities with a class of 30 pupils and they come well equipped, though some everyday materials will be required from the school. To request a STEM box please email: famousfour@forthvalley.ac.uk or book via the FVC landing page: https://famousfour.forthvalley.ac.uk/boxes.php
The project was developed on the back of the successful Stirling Science Festival which took place last October and saw families enjoy a hybrid programme of online and live events at the Albert Halls and the Tolbooth.
Fiona Jackson, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department of Engineering and Science, said: “Once again our STEM Team are leading the way to help primary school teachers to nurture in their pupils a real interest in Science and Engineering subjects. These STEM Boxes are packed full of engaging experiments and knowledge and we are confident they will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
“We are so glad that Stirling Council and CityFibre have stepped in to support our STEM Box initiative to help promote these subjects throughout the Stirling area, we can’t thank them enough.”
Over the last three years, the Green Economy Fund has supported Forth Valley College to provide innovative STEM learning in schools across Forth Valley, Fife, West Lothian, and Edinburgh. The STEM sessions were moved online to ensure the innovative programme could continue despite the challenges of school closures during the pandemic.
The interactive sessions have included ‘STEM Pick N Mix’ (nursery to P7) and innovative ‘The Famous Four Save the Planet’ (P5 to P7), which tell the story of the ‘Famous Four’ characters who save the planet through STEM experiments and activities.
Fiona added: “The feedback from the pupils taking part was really positive and they loved that the sessions had a ‘green focus’ – for example, looking at renewable energy. Teachers and practitioners were also able to benefit from the funding through STEM training. These sessions were designed to raise awareness, build confidence and encourage more STEM activities in the classroom.”
Paul Wakefield, CityFibre’s City Manager for Stirling said: "We are delighted to support this excellent initiative off the back of our recent involvement with the Stirling Science Festival. The STEM boxes are a brilliant way of engaging youngsters at an early and very informative stage. The Forth Valley College team has really gone the extra mile and created something fun, engaging and educational for the lucky nursery to P7 kids. As an enabler of digital connectivity and with over 20,000 homes in Stirling now able to access our full fibre network, this project means a lot to CityFibre and we look forward to seeing it flourish."
Convener of Stirling Council’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Cllr Chris Kane said: “This innovative project has its origins in Stirling’s successful Science Festival which aims to inspire a passion for science among more of our young people through a wide range of fun and interesting activities.
“It’s fantastic to see the Science Festival, one of the newest entries to Stirling’s packed and diverse events calendar, drive forward this superb scheme and we are delighted to support its delivery through Forth Valley College.
“We are committed to offering all our pupils the opportunity to develop key skills and knowledge in STEM subjects to ensure they are equipped to pursue science-related careers and pathways in the future.”