More than 1,600 local students from 49 schools across east Kent have taken part in the region’s largest ever science jamboree.
The annual two-day event, held at Discovery Park in Sandwich, transformed the science and business park into a hub of exploration and hands-on learning, bringing together young people, businesses and universities to learn about the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Organised by STEM Hub at Canterbury Christ Church University, the jamboree delivers a range of exciting practical scientific experiments and activities for the students to experience how STEM plays a part in everyday life; aiming to inspire them to consider further study and careers in STEM.
Students stepped into the role of scientists, detectives and engineers as they explored the packed programme bringing STEM subjects to life.
They investigated data science, analysed fingerprints and used forensics to catch a culprit, and discovered the inner workings of the human body and the building blocks of anatomy with academics from Canterbury Christ Church University and Kent and Medway Medical School.
Industry experts from Discovery Park based Resolian demonstrated the science behind surface tension, using the principles of physics and chemistry to help students create giant bubbles. Meanwhile, Asymchem helped them separate colours in ink and use chromatography techniques to solve the mystery of a stolen sandwich, and Pfizer ran three workshops, including looking at the science behind optical illusions making the students question if what they were seeing was real or if their eyes were playing tricks on them.
Elsewhere, students took part in moth masterclasses with the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust, tested their engineering skills building bridges with the Royal Engineers Museum, and learned how to build and create a filter system to provide clean water with Southern Water.
Each day also featured a spectacular nitrogen science show, where everyday objects were frozen, clouds were created and everyday materials shattered to explain the dramatic effects temperature can have on matter.
Teachers from across Kent remarked at how engaging all the activities were, with their students enjoying the practical elements and were interested in ‘seeing school science come to life’. One primary teacher from Deal commented it was a “great opportunity for pupils to use thinking skills, ask questions of ‘real people’ working in STEM. It was good to be able to watch our future scientists!”.
Pam Lithgow, Director of Specialist Resources and Technical Services at Canterbury Christ Church U
niversity, said: “Once again we are delighted to work in partnership with Discovery Park and see so many young people attend, and enjoy the east Kent Science Jamboree.
“The event aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators by giving them first-hand experience of the creativity, problem-solving and the real-world impact of STEM subjects. The jamboree continues to play a vital role in nurturing our future talent across the region, encouraging them to dream big, think freely and see how they can turn their ideas into reality.”
Chris Broom, Head of Business Development, Discovery Park, added: “Discovery Park exists to push the boundaries of science and innovation, and the Science Jamboree is a powerful reminder of why that mission matters. Now in our eleventh year hosting, it brings together an exceptional scientific community to show their work and open young people’s eyes to a career in scienc
e. It comes at a moment when our ambitions for STEM education in the region have never been greater. These are the future researchers, founders and problem-solvers who will shape this industry, and we’re proud to play a role in sparking that ambition early.”
Workshops were delivered by a mix of Discovery Park tenants and organisations from across Kent and beyond, including: Pfizer, Asymchem, Cummins, Resolian, Viatris, Unilabs York Bioanalytical Solutions, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent and Medway Medical School, CodeKids Canterbury, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, The Royal Engineers Museum, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust, Southern Water and the National Physical Laboratory.