Help with family history research Engineering’s out of this world says Jennie

Nursery tots’classes

The West Lothian Family History Society volunteers are running workshops throughout West Lothian libraries.

The events are free and open to anyone and participants will be shown the best websites to use and how to use them effectively, enabling them to go on and confidently use these resources independently. They are also available to help people who find themselves ‘stuck’ with research.

Workshops will be running throughout the year and will take place at West Calder Library on Saturday, May 13, from 10am to 12.30pm; Simpson Library, Bathgate, on Saturday, June 3, from 10am to 12.30pm; Blackburn Connected on Saturday, July 8, from 10am to 12.30pm; East Calder Library on Saturday, August 5, from 10am to 12.30pm; Whitburn Library, Saturday, September 9, from 10am to 12.30pm; Fauldhouse Library on Saturday, October 7, from 10am to 12.30pm and Broxburn Library on Saturday, November 18, from 10am to 12.30pm. Contact West Lothian Local History Library on 01506 282491.

A former space engineer is encouraging youngsters to share her passion for science.

Jennie Doonan from Bathgate and her team, The Young Engineers, promote Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through the use of bespoke brick kits and over 50 different moving models.

Children build a different model every week to help them develop their understanding of science concepts.

As a space engineer with over 15 years of experience building and testing satellites Jenni is well equipped to encourage youngsters.

She said: “I love engineering and it has given me such a varied career.

“I’ve worked abroad, travelled the world and I even have things I’ve touched up in space.

“My goal with Young Engineers is to inspire the next generation of young people to become interested in STEM subjects.”

The Scottish Government released a consultation for a STEM Education Strategy in Scotland in December 2016, highlighting the value they place on technical education for Scotland’s young people and the importance of STEM in creating a competitive Scottish economy on the world stage.

Historically an interest in STEM subjects has been fostered in senior school, however the proposed strategy focuses on getting young people interested in STEM during their time in nursery and primary school.

Jennie offers free sessions at nurseries, along with speaking in schools and at charity events and volunteers on the STEM council at West Lothian College.

If you have a young engineer aged between four and 14 you can contact Jennie and book your class at www.edinburgh.youngengineers.co.uk.