Express & Star

Students feel Force of scientific learning

An annual science festival landed in Wolverhampton to inspire school pupils in the world of technology.

Published
Nathan Hyatt, Toni Taylor and Jonathan Thomas from the Central Legion

Annual two-day festival, Sci-Fest, comes from Wolverhampton University, and was celebrating 50 years since the moon landing, as well as the 'Year of the Engineer'.

Now in its eight year, 1,600 pupils from more than 20 schools in the region took part and learnt about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), on July 5 and 6.

A range of free workshops, experiments and games were on offer to bring the subjects to life.

From Central legion, Wayne Taylor as Dr Who and Stephen Cliffe as a Ghostbuster
From the UWR race team, left, Andy Down, Tommy Archer and Dan Bird

Some of the most popular attractions included Lego building, retro computer gaming, rocket launching, making space buggies, face painting, drone flying, coding, extracting iron and changing a wheel on a race car.

Exhibitors at the event included Enginuity Centre, Ironbridge, Black Country Living Museum, RAF Museum, Cosford, The STEM Workshop and Party Box.

Dr Martin Khechara, fellow for public engagement at the University, said: “The Sci-Fest festival is our way of reaching out to schools, colleges and the local community to engage people in STEM activities and get them interested in science, technology, engineering and maths.

From the school of Pharmacy Mark Hewitt
Student paramedic Lottie Hadley with tutor Nicola Howarth

“We had a whole host of activities for people to do - a hands on animal experience, an opportunity to see the stars in an explorer dome, the chance to build stomp rockets, watch our science magician build a giant mousetrap on stage as part of his amazing show, explore the Psychology of space with Jon Wood, engage with science stories from the multi award winning Jules Pottle and our headline act for both days is the One Shows very own scientist in residence, Marty Jopson, who will be exploring microscopic worlds.”

Professor Nazira Karodia, dean of the faculty of science and engineering at the University, added: “The idea behind Sci-fest is to engage the community and showcase that science and technology is exciting and fun.

"We hope that, as well as enjoying what is on offer, people will learn something new as well.

Logan Pope from Bridgnorth with Sonic and Mario
SJT Scott Downey from the Wolvo Army careers office

“The University has invested over £100 million in new facilities for its Science and Engineering Faculty and interest in our STEM courses is increasing every year.”