A WOKINGHAM secondary school welcomed 300 KS2 pupils for a day celebrating all things science, technology, engineering, the Arts and maths (STEAM).
Seven schools visited Leighton Park’s STEAMfest to find out how each of the disciplines can be implemented in a humanitarian crisis.
Teams from Katesgrove Primary, The Hill Primary, Emmer Green Primary, St Teresa’s Catholic Academy, Caversham Prep, Waverley and Maltman’s Green took on three challenges: carrying essential aid on a raft, transporting water and building a storm-proof shelter.
STEAM coordinator and event mastermind Mark Budge said: “I think this has been fantastic. STEAM is all about the cross-curricular and the three different activities really lent themselves to that.
“It was the problem solving and the creativity that was so great to see. I loved some of the ideas that came up.”
The ‘essential aid’ items, which included medicines, blankets, water purification tablets and clothing, were represented by eggs, which had to be moved on a raft made out of spaghetti and marshmallows.
The winning raft was able to hold an impressive eight eggs. Activity organiser and chemistry teacher, Rachel Milhofer, said: “STEAMfest is a wonderful event: to see the joy on the children’s faces as they get to try something that they don’t get to do in other situations.”
Shelter building saw participants brave the onslaught of a fierce storm, which was realised by DT teacher Jeff Fuller wielding a hose. Excited children were shown how to build a tripod using three sticks and a small bungee.
They were then able to use their imaginations and extra materials such as tarpaulins, plastic tubing, long rope and up to 12 sticks each. The test was whether anyone in the team got soaked when the storm arrived, but no-one seemed to mind a bit of a splash.
Forces and momentum were explored by those wanting to transport water between two buckets using limited materials.
Shakira Whight, Year 5 teacher at The Hill Primary was delighted with the day. She said: “This is our first year at STEAMfest and we had a really, really good time. It’s given all the children the opportunity to work together and they’ve learnt lots about a humanitarian crisis.”
Sara Douglas, of Waverley School said: “I think it’s wonderful, it’s a great opportunity for the children to work collaboratively and think about things they can do to help people in crises. A fantastic experience for them.”
STEAMfest was supported by Leighton Park students’ pre-event video, dance and football sessions and goody bags of ration packs and dried food.
