Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
New project lets pupils get hands-on with science
THOUSANDS of school pupils have taken part in a new project supporting teachers to deliver science in the classroom.
The national Learning Lab Powering the Future programme has provided free resources and support to primary and secondary schools (P5-S2) throughout Dundee, Angus, Fife, Perth and Kinross, while also giving teachers the training to deliver the programme themselves.
Since its launch, the initiative has engaged around 2,500 pupils across 35 local schools.
Youngsters have used household items to learn how turbines and gears power renewable energy sources and generators.
They have also explored the importance of Scottish peatlands in carbon dioxide reduction by burying tea bags in soil, while mixing lemon juice and baking soda to explore how carbon capture can tackle the climate challenge.
During a recent Learning Lab visit to Dundee Science Centre, pupils from Langlands Primary School in Forfar met staff from Coast Renewable Services.
The Dundee-based company provides diagnostic, repair and maintenance services to the renewable energy industry and has delivered some of the largest onshore wind farms in the UK.
Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation (OPITO) is funding the delivery of the three-year programme.
With Glasgow Science Centre as the national lead, the project aims to raise awareness of the energy transition and the associated skills and career opportunities in Scotland.
As well as hands-on activities, the programme offers home learning resources, a local science centre visit and the opportunity to meet a practising scientist or engineer.
Teachers are also given lesson plans, worksheets and original video content.
Dundee Science Centre is currently preparing to provide resources to schools next term, starting August 2024, on a “first come, first served” basis.
Mark Robson, managing director of Coast Renewable Services, said: “We’re enthusiastic about educating children on our work and how they can contribute to shaping the future.
“We know this isn’t usually taught in schools, so we want to share our message with them while they’re young.
“The field is full of various opportunities and a wealth of information.
“The pupils often find themselves pleasantly surprised by what they learn, particularly about the incredible power of wind turbines.
“Our staff also enjoy participating in learning labs. It’s a refreshing change for them and they have fun answering the pupils’ questions.”
Dr Stephen Breslin, chief executive officer at Glasgow Science Centre, said: “Learning Lab started as our response to the restrictions of the pandemic and has now become a national programme supported by partners across industry sectors.
“Evaluation shows that participating teachers feel more confident to teach STEM and more knowledgeable about the energy transition which is very much what we set out to achieve.”
Dr Isabel Bruce OBE, chief executive officer at Dundee Science Centre, said: “We’re passionate about inspiring and empowering young people by putting them at the centre of their own learning, and Learning Lab does just that.
“From inspirational video calls and practical experiments with STEM professionals to activities encouraging pupils to work together to solve problems, pupils are building their own narrative while developing social, practical and scientific thinking skills.”