Using everyday items, such as washing powder, drinks bottles and jugs, pupils made slime, shot rockets, navigated treasure hunts and coded while learning about the science, technology, engineering and maths behind the activities.
As part of Technocamps’ STEM Academy this Summer, the Welsh Government-funded outreach project hosted a week of fun activities in Swansea to inspire, motivate and engage young people in STEM subjects.
Following the success of last year’s virtual Summer of STEM events, Technocamps arranged a number of physical activities for children across the country in partnership with Swansea University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, the University of South Wales, and Wrexham Glyndwr University.
With the school closures and restrictions over the last 18 months, there is the real possibility that children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are falling behind with their schoolwork. Technocamps’ out-of-school, interactive academy aimed to tackle this issue.
The Swansea academy saw Key Stage 3 pupils journey across Swansea University’s Singleton Campus, solving cryptic clues to reach each activity’s destination before taking part in games, quizzes and tasks.
Using everyday items, such as washing powder, drinks bottles and jugs, pupils made slime, shot rockets, navigated treasure hunts and coded while learning about the science, technology, engineering and maths behind the activities.
All activities were funded by the Welsh Government through the European Social Fund and were supported by Menter Iaith Abertawe.
Pupil feedback included:
- “Best day I have ever had!”
- “I love how the work was fun, and the delivery officers were so nice, the whole day in general was exciting and interesting. And all the experiments were so fun.”
- “Every activity was fun because it made me learn about something new.”
- “Today was the best day in a LONG time!”
Parent feedback included:
- “My sons really enjoyed it. I am so grateful for anything that is laid on for them after everything they have missed this last 18 months.”
- “I just wanted to say a massive thank you, both of the boys really enjoyed and were enthused and excited about the activities. A well thought out and hugely enjoyable event!”
- “My child enjoyed it immensely and she’d love to do more in the future.”
- “A BIG thank you! Our daughter had a great day with you all. I know in the current Covid climate it’s very challenging to offer such programmes so thank you for putting this on!”
Technocamps Operations Manager, Luke Clement, said:
”After a long 18 months of delivering our activities virtually, it was fantastic to have staff and pupils back on site enjoying getting stuck in with all the workshops. Now we are looking forward to delivering again in schools in the new term more than ever!”