British Science Week in March was a 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, aimed at increasing awareness and enthusiasm for science in all age groups.
Sarah Lalor, Chair of Pershore’s Holy Redeemer Primary School PTA, said, “We wanted to be able to demonstrate to our students how science permeates through our everyday lives and together with Rachel Barker, the School’s Science Coordinator, wanted to increase the profile of Science within our school.”
The school had recently taken part in both the Worcestershire Primary STEM Challenge and QinetiQ Robotics Challenge and had been delighted with the positive experience of both projects. “We feel that there is a real demand for these experiences within the school and they are essential for inspiring the future generations into STEM careers” commented Sarah.
On Friday, 18th March 2022 Nerys Shah, from the Royal Institution, presented a number of science shows for the students, teachers and parents. In one session, Nerys exclaimed that “it’s not rocket science” and proceeded to demonstrate the simplicity of rocket propulsion by filling the hall with flames, flying plastic bottles, containers and bangs, all going off at varying intervals to the delight of everyone. Full of praise for the event Headteacher, Christine Hall, said “It was a wonderful way to end our Science Week and created all of the excitement, enthusiasm and motivation that we were hoping for. We will now be able to maintain this by harnessing the children’s interest, using ideas from the staff training that the Royal Institution delivered after school, and the wide range of videos and resources on their website. Huge thanks to the Rotary Club and to our PTA, for making this possible.”
Our photographs show demonstrations of exploding butane, the effect of friction on interleaving books and the magician’s tablecloth trick.
PRoGS Co-ordinator, David Store said, “It was a fun presentation from the start, with audience participation, cheers and applause throughout. Money well spent with entertainment and hopefully the widening of the imagination of the pupils about everyday science. It certainly broadened my own knowledge.”
The event was funded through the Pershore Rotary Grant Scheme which provides grants of up to £1,000 to local charities, societies or groups for equipment or other facilities that enhance the capability of the applicants to benefit the local community of Pershore and its surrounding villages. For more information on the scheme and how to apply, follow the link www.pershorerotary.club/progs.