The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
It’s one small step for bear set for space
Science: Cuddly toy’s trip to stars
A group of young scientists who have only been together for a year will attempt to launch a cuddly toy into space.
After-school club Minds Applying Stem Activities was formed 12 months ago by offshore workers Adrian Manson and Stuart Stephen, who wanted to encourage youngsters into science and technologybased careers.
The group meets in Maud, near Peterhead, where it is planning its mascot's perilous journey to the stars.
And last night, Mr Manson – an ambassador for Stem subjects – said courses involving all forms of science and even art represented “the future".
He added: “You can be the world's best scientist, but if you're bad at communicating or visualising an idea, you're not going to get anywhere.
“We've put £800 of our own money into this. I sent posters to local schools explaining that I planned to start a Stem club and I found that there was a massive appetite for activities.
“I thought 10 children would be good, but 54 kids turned up on the first day."
Parents have since written to the club's founders to thank them for their work.
Mr Manson added: “We're a rural group and we can be forgotten about by places that are better supported in Stem facilities.
“But we won't exclude anyone from joining in. You could be from Aberdeen, as long as you can make it to Maud we'll take any kid who wants to be part of this experience."
The children are waiting for the Civil Aviation Authority to sign off on their teddy's maiden voyage. But, weather permitting, the first launch will take place on July 12 and it promises to be a memorable occasion.
The bear will sit above a polystyrene box packed with GPS recording hardware.