Festival of science
School careers showcase
Maclaren High has staged a one-day event to highlight careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
The STEM programme featured displays by over 50 pupils as well as a special crime scene investigation room, interactive activities for all ages and a Primary School Robotics Competition.
McLaren maths and technology teacher Martin Macmillan, who organised it, said a lot of work had gone in to encouraging girls to take up the socalled STEM subjects .
In computing, the numbers have increased dramatically.
Evelyn Tweed, SNP councillor for Trossachs and Teith, who met with Mr Macmillan at the festival said: “The school was full of children, young people, parents and teachers, all engaged and having fun learning about these subjects and their practical appliance. There was a great energy to the event.
“I was particularly pleased to discuss with Mr Macmillan the work he is doing at McLaren to encourage girls to take up STEM subjects. This is a key aim of the Scottish Government and I look forward to this work being considered across Stirling schools.”
Stirling MP Stephen Kerr also attended the event along with Tory Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl.
Mr Kerr spent time visiting the various displays pupils presented of their projects, including Gregg McLachlan’s Drone Drop project.
Gregg has developed a release mechanism operated by his mobile phone that allowed his drone to carry and drop payloads or various weights (a tennis ball and a parachute). Gregg demonstrated this later in the day by successfully releasing a parachute from his drone from over 150 metres altitude.
Mr Kerr said: “What a fascinating and inspiring day. There were so many brilliant projects to see. There has been a huge amount of work done. It just shows how much enthusiasm there is for these subjects and I was delighted to meet lots of young women who want to be engineers – fantastic.
“Well done to McLaren High School and everyone involved. I am looking forward to next year’s event already.”