Forth Valley College’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach Team are looking for even more primary schools to visit in the coming months.
Paul Beaumont, Claire Herbst and Johnathan Doran – FVC’s STEM Outreach Officers – reckon they have the formula for success to improve even further the College’s recent successes in promoting these vital and fascinating subjects, and to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Over the last four years FVC has visited more than 50 primary schools in the Forth Valley area – which boasts a total of 110 primaries in three local authorities, Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire – to support the education of youngsters in STEM subjects.
FVC’s Outreach officers go into local primary schools and provide engaging workshops for P5, 6 and 7 pupils. However, 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 even moved online to ensure the innovative programme could continue despite the challenges of school closures during the pandemic, thanks to fabulous work of Science Lecturer Kerstin Doig.
The interactive sessions include ‘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. These engaging and inspiring characters will continue to make an appearance through the workshops carried out by Paul, Claire and Johnathan, touching on subjects such as Earth in Crisis, Space, and What is important for Life. Activities covered are aligned to the Curriculum and range from Martian Soil, to dissecting owl pellets!
Another initiative involves STEM boxes, which can be loaned out in the subject areas of: Rocket Launch; Biological Systems, STEM Design and Build, Forces, Water Testing, Warm Houses, BBC Microbit Coding (CityFibre), and can be used for up to two weeks for P5-7 classes. Each box contains materials to complete a range of activities with a class of 30 pupils and they come well equipped, though some everyday materials will be required from the school.
Paul Beaumont, retired in 2019 from his role as Director of Professional Learning at Scottish Schools Education Research Centre - a national body which helps to raise national education and teaching standards in education and which all schools and many further education colleges in Scotland are members. But, in February 2022 he re-entered the workplace with FVC and over the summer, became the first person to receive an Honorary Fellowship award from SSERC.
He said: “I am enjoying the opportunity to work with Claire and Johnathan and spending time in schools, with a view to encouraging pupils to want to learn more about how STEM subjects affect their everyday life.”
With a background in environmental education, Claire has been working with schools on a range of sustainability projects within the environmental charity sector.
Claire, said: “From strawberry DNA to sustainability and space travel, we have a fun and interactive programme of STEM activities lined up! I am excited to join the team and look forward to working with schools to experiment, explore and learn together.”
Johnathan has a background in biomedical science and molecular oncology, having joined FVC from a research post where he is currently completing a PhD with the University of Exeter. In addition to his STEM outreach work, he contributes to the biological sciences teaching at FVC, as well as to the philosophy and biology programmes at Greene’s College Oxford.
Johnathan, said: “Since our team began the programme delivery in February, the uptake and feedback on our sessions have been excellent. Initially lecturing at Fife College in addition to my role here at FVC, I’m delighted that the outreach programme is increasing its delivery and that I am now solely based here – in a role that allows me to help get kids passionate about science and technology.”
Fiona Jackson, Curriculum Manager in the Department of STEM and Construction, said: “I am so excited about the new STEM outreach project this year, and having such a talented and dynamic team. I know they can’t wait to get out there to the schools and show off the new programs!”
To find out more, book a visit from the STEM Outreach Team or request a STEM box please email: famousfour@forthvalley.ac.uk or book via the FVC landing page: https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/about-us/famous-four/