Aberdeenshire school pupils celebrated for innovation in climate-focused projects
Pupils from schools across Aberdeenshire joined forces to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills and learning.
It was part of Stemovators, an award-winning STEM outreach programme.
Schools, including Ordiquhill Primary, have been taking part in the Climate Smarter project throughout the year, sponsored by Shell UK.
The project has enabled young people to develop their expertise in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) by providing free resource kits and real-world challenges.
The programme culminated in a celebration event held at the University of Aberdeen where 130 young people and 20 teachers gathered to exhibit their projects and compete for competition prizes.
Industry volunteers and partners provided challenges which gave the young people an insight into the different career paths available in the STEM sector.
Gill MacFarlane, Ordiquhill Primary, said: “This project has deepened our curiosity, strengthened problem-solving skills and been a shared journey of discovery. Fantastic day and a great experience for my pupils who live in a rural area.”
Thomas Wild, head of Stemovators, said: “The projects, in partnership with our industry funders, inspire pupils and helps them develop valuable skills and knowledge whilst encouraging uptake in STEM subjects and careers.
“The celebration event is a culmination of the project and gives an opportunity where young people can showcase their innovation and hard work whilst learning more about different career and education pathways.”
Mairi McKay, social investment advisor for Shell UK, said: “Science is crucial in addressing society's biggest challenges.
“By making science fun for young people, we can inspire them to pursue their interests in the future. Congratulations to all the pupils that took part and to all the winners.”
Doris Reiter, senior vice president, bp North Sea said: “Inspiring the next generation to consider STEM education and creating opportunities for young people to explore the exciting prospect of a career in the energy industry, is vital to help develop the skills and talent for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Stemovators is a fantastic initiative that supports this, and bp is proud to sponsor the event that celebrates the achievements of those involved.”
Pupils have participated in STEM initiatives with a focus on carbon capture and storage and the climate. These projects are funded by industry to provide free resource kits to schools.
The Climate Smarter project focuses on sustainable materials, energy storage and “smart” technologies.
This enables schools to create a tabletop model of their future eco-school, as their entry for the celebration competition.
Support for this project comes from Shell UK with Crown Estate Scotland, Confor, Scottish Forestry Trust, Scottish Power, Totalenergies, HCI Skills Gateway, Kilgallioch Community Fund, Aviva Investors and Par Forestry supporting the project in additional regions around Scotland.
The Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiative covers a variety of different aspects of CCS, including experiments from how to design and build a carbon dioxide storage facility to investigating carbon dioxide storage and transport and the role CCS plays in the wider global energy challenge. This is funded by Shell UK.
