Crawley STEM in the Park makes science fun for everyone

The event in the Memorial Gardens has become a staple in the town’s calendar with businesses, schools and universities joining together to bring alive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for children and young people.

Some of the highlights included a robotic elephant, a solar-powered electric car; the chance to hold lizards, snakes and other reptiles; and scientists from Crawley-based firm CGG showed the advanced technology involved in geophysics.

Brighton, Kingston and Sussex Universities inspired future students to study STEM subjects.

One pupil from Hazelwick School said how much he had loved his experience: “It’s made me really think about what I want to be when I am older.”

The Science Museum was on hand and caused great hilarity with their travelling science show, ‘Disgusting Science’. It showed exactly what happens to your food after it is eaten. The children certainly learned a lot of useful scientific vocabulary and should impress their teachers with their knowledge.

Among the other organisations involved in the event were the rapping and singing members of Northbrook College, Manor Green College, Siemens, the British Society of Geomorphology and the Royal Veterinary College.

The day helped young people and their parents explore the world of STEM by providing real-life examples of careers in and with STEM. Henry Smith, MP for Crawley was pleased to support the event bringing his children along as well.

He said: “Events such as STEM in the Park provide a friendly environment for young people to gain an understanding of opportunities in STEM, and take part in a range of hands-on activities, as well as workshops and displays put together by scientists and engineers. My kids had a fantastic time.”

STEM in the Park was part of the Crawley STEMfest celebrations continuing this month and into June.

Peter Lamb, leader of Crawley Borough Council said: “Science and Tech will play a vital role in forging Britain’s future. For the country to succeed it is essential that inspire the next generation to study those subjects.

“The work of STEM Sussex in showing young people the world of science and technology is fantastic to see and I am very proud that Crawley Borough Council continues to be involved.”

To find out more about Crawley STEMfest events, including STEM in the Stacks at Crawley Library on the June 1, go to www.crawleystemfest.co.uk