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Hundreds of school children from across the West Midlands took part in our Big Bang Near Me “Heroes In STEM” event at RAF Museum Cosford.
The event aimed to excite, educate and stimulate young people about opportunities within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) – inspiring them to consider future careers in these fields.
As we deliver The Big Bang Near me events in the East and West Midlands, this event was another great example of continuing our work promoting science and engineering to young people aged 7 to 19, as well as offering students the opportunity to experience hands-on learning outside of the classroom.
James Silcox, event organiser said: “This was a unique event aiming to inspire the next generation of young scientists and engineers with the STEM careers and opportunities available in the Armed Forces and emergency services.”
STEM-based companies, industries and educational institutions offered workshops and shows for the students throughout the day, which saw about 1,000 primary and secondary school students and teachers taking part.
The event took place in the museum’s National Cold War Exhibition set against a backdrop of magnificent aircraft exhibits.
Philip Clayton, RAF Museum Cosford education manager, said: “This is the largest educational event we will be holding this year and hopefully the most rewarding for learners involved in science, technology, engineering and maths.”
She added: Pat McCarthy, head of religion, philosophy and cultural heritage at the University of Wolverhampton said: “Events like this are great and specifically for recruiting more females in engineering and technology.”
“There is a stigma that STEM isn’t very feminine and that is completely untrue. The types of engineering are so varied nowadays girls need not feel unequal or any less feminine. Female creativity is what’s needed in engineering.”
The day ended with a paper Airplane Flight finale with each student making an airplane from a branded Heroes In STEM template.
All airplanes are being kept for a future STEM workshop day to include making a gigantic airplane model out of this years planes. Hopefully to be displayed at next years Heroes In STEM event 2016.