Polar explorer shows children science is fun

THE experiences of a polar explorer have helped to inspire budding young scientists in the dale.

A successful funding bid has enabled Staindrop Academy and Butterknowle Primary School to begin working together as part of the STEM Polar Explorer Programme.

Year six pupils from Butterknowle visited the secondary school to work with members of the year seven science club and year eight STEM club. They were also joined by STEM ambassador Steve Wroe for the first in a series of practical sessions.

Staindrop Academy science teacher Stacey Hawkins said: “We will be working together to share tools between our science department and Butterknowle Primary School to enable a smooth transition from year six to secondary school. They will have full use of our lab facilities. We are hoping to secure a greater working arrangement between the two schools.”

Following a talk by Mr Wroe, Staindrop Academy students taught pupils from Butterknowle about chromatography which included a practical demonstration.

Butterknowle teacher Anne Dauber said: “Steve worked in the Antarctic for over two years. He has been speaking to the children about his experiences as a basis for their writing. Today he has talked about the scientific side.

“It gives the children aspirations of what they could do if they choose to follow science as a career.”

Ms Hawkins said: “Our STEM students have planned how to teach the younger pupils. We wanted to discuss the atmosphere and make a model of it using chromatography.”

Staindrop Academy is also hoping to work alongside other feeder primary schools to improve science provision.

Ms Dauber added: “It gives the pupils a flavour of what it is like to be working and studying at secondary school.

“It gives them reassurances that it is going to be fun. The fact that they are in a real science lab is encouraging for them.”