There were so many highlights to Education Scotland’s STEM Nation Expo event it is hard to know where to begin. The event, held on the 06 March 2024 in Glasgow City Chambers, brought together over 250 learners, teachers, practitioners and STEM partner organisations for a celebration of all that had been achieved through Scotland’s STEM Education and Training Strategy since it started in 2017. The event focussed on two of the main themes of the STEM Strategy – Connection and Inspiration.

Inspiration was provided aplenty by our Young STEM Leaders who kicked off the event with inspiring presentations of what STEM meant to them. Visitors also had the opportunity to meet and learn from many of our amazing STEM Nation Award schools and settings and also from schools, groups and organisations that had benefitted from some of the £4.6 million that had been distributed through Education Scotland’s STEM Grants Programme.

There were many valuable connections made too as the visitors interacted with over 25 leading science and STEM organisations, programmes and industry partners, including those developing cutting-edge technology to support Scotland’s space industry.

Learners were engrossed too by the hands-on STEM activities led throughout the day by RAiSE Officers and the staff from Science Ceilidh.

And supporting the event was Mr Graeme Dey, Minister for Higher Education and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, and also Dallas Campbell, TV presenter, podcast host, actor and BIG STEM enthusiast.

We had so much fun we’re hoping to do it again in 2025! Watch this space.

If you missed out on the fun then don’t worry. You can catch up on the excitement in a number of ways:

1. Download our brilliant Education Scotland sketch note of the event: Download the STEM Nation Expo Sketchnote

2. Watch the videos of the presentations, exhibitors and message of support: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2doW68jk7MQJrZf8AqMWQH3jPlaFr7ln

3. Visit the Padlet with links to all the exhibitors and resources shared on the day: https://bit.ly/4drSGHx

And if you want support for your own STEM journey then register now for Education Scotland’s STEM Nation Award Programme to access resources, support and to allow us to celebrate your success on a national stage! You never know – you may be invited to showcase your practice next year! Find out more about our STEM Nation Award Programme at:

https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/stemnation/stemnation-awards/

The award programme is open to ELC, primary, ASN, secondary and CLD settings.