National Science Week in review 2012

At the heart of National Science and Engineering Week this year was The Big Bang, a three-day celebration of all that is STEM-related. It was an unqualified success, with over 50,000 attendees enthused about science and engineering. The NEC was buzzing with activity, and in the middle of it all was the By Design team, performing spot tests and revealing some of the science behind the Olympics from GlaxoSmithKline.

One of the most important things about The Big Bang is that it gives relevance to the subjects taught at school, and above all brings that magic to the students attending, and this is what we at By Design do each and every day with our interactive workshops and programmes. We were very pleased to be there, and also to welcome three prospective London 2012 athletes - Beth Tweddle (gymnastics), Kelly Sotherton (heptathlon) and Graham Edmundson (swimming) - to the stand to add their personal stories to the mix! 

The second important event of Science Week was the annual iRail event, held at the Roundhouse in Derby. The groups went around the Bombardier site and the East Midlands Control Centre, before presenting their designs to a panel of expert judges. Merrill College won its section, but lost to Woodlands School in the final head-to-head. All the judges remarked that the standard was the highest so far, and we were very pleased with everyone that entered. Pictures of the finalists, as well as the business breakfast and the fascinating talk by Prof Andrew McNaughton will be available soon.

Science Week never finishes for us, so if you want to have one of our exciting programmes in your school, give us a call on 01827 316297, or visit our education subsite at www.bydesign-group.co.uk/education.

05th April 2012