Whitburn cluster pupils take part in STEM showcase
Pupils from the Whitburn Academy primary school cluster recently put their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills to the test by taking part in a competition to design a new feature for their town.
The inter-school event took place at Whitburn South Church Hall, on the morning of 4th October and saw pupils invited to come up with an environmentally friendly attraction which could attract visitors to their local area.
The learners had to design or upgrade a feature of their town that was to be contained in a large space but only utilised in a small area, be accessible to all residents of the town, be eco-friendly - it should promote wildlife and use power driven by eco-friendly fuels, be designed from evidence gathered in the community.
They then had to pull all of their evidence together and pitch their concept to a judging panel in a Dragons Den style format. The judging panel was comprised of community representatives and subject experts -Provost Cathy Muldoon, Cllr Kirsteen Sullivan, Cllr Pauline Clark, Mr Stevie Roy and Mr Iain Glen represented the local community and Miss Moffat, Miss Maher and Miss Denny, from the STEM faculty at Whitburn Academy.
The winners were Daniel, Reece and Levi from Greenrigg Primary School with a fully accessible tree house design that would provide a quiet area in Polkemmet Park. In second place representing Polkemmet Primary School, Hope, Brehanna, Onyx and Evann designed an eco-friendly and attractive Bee Hive garden to increase biodiversity, attract people to visit and enjoy time in King George V park, and in third place representing Longridge Primary School Emma, Evie and Aaron designed a very well scientifically researched bird box that will encourage more birds to the community, enhance an area of their school garden and allow everyone to observe birds in the habitat.
STEM learning is a national priority and in May this year, the Whitburn Academy cluster STEM project was launched following a development grant from Education Scotland. The project aims to bring the cluster schools together and build capacity for STEM related subjects across the clusters teachers whilst developing the learner's innovation, management and leadership skills, all of which are essential for learning, life and work, in today's climate.
Provost Cathy Muldoon said: "I was thrilled to be asked to be part of the judging panel and was very impressed with the level of knowledge and application from all the teams involved.
"It is vital we continue to encourage participation in STEM relate subjects and projects like this must be supported. That's why it is brilliant to see such events taking place to positively engage our pupils and develop skills which will serve them well as they progress through their education and beyond."
