Aycliffe STEMfest: Igniting young minds in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

An event to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young students was held in Newton Aycliffe last month.

Aycliffe STEMfest, generously funded by the Great Aycliffe Middridge Partnership (GAMP), welcomed 180 enthusiastic students from nine primary schools for a day filled with exploration, experimentation, and excitement.

STEM education has long been recognised as the cornerstone of innovation and progress in modern society.

Aycliffe STEMfest sought to nurture this ethos by providing a platform for young minds to delve into the wonders of STEM disciplines.

From chemistry to physics, algorithms to mathematics, and engineering, the event offered a diverse array of sessions designed to spark curiosity and inspire creativity.

Throughout the day, students immersed themselves in hands-on workshops and interactive demonstrations led by passionate educators and industry professionals.

In the chemistry session, colourful reactions captivated the student, demonstrating the magic of chemical transformations.

Meanwhile, in the physics workshop, students competed in designing aircraft to soar above the crowds.

Engineering, the backbone of innovation and progress, was another highlight of the event.

Schools raced to construct towers with the simplest materials, allowing participants to embrace the engineering mindset with enthusiasm and determination.

As the day drew to a close, the excitement reached its peak with the presentation of awards to the top 15 students who impressed the presenters with their ingenuity, teamwork and dedication.

“These young achievers were celebrated for their outstanding contributions and commitment to STEM excellence, serving as beacons of inspiration for their peers and future generations of aspiring scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians,” said a Woodham statement.

“Aycliffe STEMfest stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation and community engagement in nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders.

“Thanks to the generous support of Councillor Jim Atkinson from GAMP and the dedication of organiser Nic Jenkins from Woodham Academy, educators and volunteers, the event not only ignited a passion for STEM but also fostered a sense of curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning among young minds in Aycliffe and beyond.”