Science fair inspires pupils from across South Staffordshire and Wolverhampton

Joshua Piggott, teacher and STEM leader at St Nicholas CE First School in Codsall, organised a recent Science Fair that brought together children from schools across South Staffordshire and Wolverhampton.

The event, recognised nationally as a Great Science Share, celebrated collaborative science learning and offered children opportunities to explore, question, investigate and present their ideas in memorable ways.

Mr Piggott opened the day with science magic demonstrations, including using magnets to find a shiny 2p coin and comparing the fall of canisters to explore gravity, sparking excitement and scientific discussion among pupils.

The Science Fair brought pupils, staff and visitors from various schools and industries together to explore science through workshops, pupil-led investigations and interactive experiences led by experts from the science community.

Children showcased investigations including paper aeroplanes, CD hovercrafts, friction and magnets, sound investigations with harmonicas and exploring how many water droplets could fit on a coin, with each table encouraging scientific thinking and discussion.

The event featured visitors who brought animals such as budgies and guinea pigs, providing interactive opportunities to learn about animal care and habitats, while geologists and STEM professionals supported tabletop activities on rocks, fossils and the natural world.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham delivered workshops focused on electricity and batteries, giving pupils insight into real-world science and inspiring thoughts about future STEM careers.

Outdoor learning workshops, led by Faye Edwards from LEAF Education, encouraged children to observe nature and explore the natural world creatively and scientifically.

The LEAF Education workshop began with a nature hunt using sticky cards to collect natural materials, leading to observations about grasses on the school field, and children collaboratively created a “soundscape” artwork by recording and drawing outdoor sounds.

Pupils practised observational drawing with charcoal on canvas, sketching aspects of nature around the school, and workshops concluded with planting wildflowers, with each school receiving a bucket to take back to develop biodiversity in their own outdoor spaces.

The workshops were praised for encouraging curiosity, teamwork, vocabulary development and creativity, while helping children connect with nature and understand environmental importance.

Kerrie Cain, Year 6 teacher at Christ Church Primary School, said: "It was such a fantastic experience for the children, and Mr Piggott’s enthusiasm and passion for science shone through in every part of the event."

Kerrie Cain added that the children enjoyed scientific enquiry, asked thoughtful questions and grew in confidence and curiosity throughout the day.

Karen Macfarlane, Year 1 teacher at Castlecroft Primary School, commented on the exceptional organisation and the unique contribution from outside agencies, praising the LEAF Education activities and the children’s involvement in outdoor learning.

Pupils expressed enthusiasm about the day, with one from St Nicholas CE First School saying it was the best day they had had at school, while another from Castlecroft Primary School enjoyed the magic trick and learning from others.

A Christ Church Primary School pupil enjoyed the geology activities, and a St Nicholas CE First School pupil said their favourite parts included looking at animals and drawing nature.

Teachers and visitors praised the event’s atmosphere, the behaviour of the children, and the high-quality discussions between pupils from different schools.

Mr Piggott reflected on the importance of fun, engaging science opportunities for raising aspirations and confidence, with many schools planning to use ideas from the event in future lessons.

The Science Fair was described as a huge success, leaving children inspired and eager to continue exploring science.