We have been lucky over the last couple of weeks to have Ria Fitzpatrick from The University of the Highlands and Islands come out to the school and teach us specific lessons focused in the S.T.E.M. areas of the curriculum.

S.T.E.M. stands for Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics.

Previously Ria has used Kapla blocks with the class and helped them engineer some complex structures that had to be self supporting without using any form of adhesives.

This time around, Ria has been focused more with us on the science and technology side of things. Last week we looked at coding a robot called ‘Botly’ who can follow our commands made using cardboard coding discs on the floor. This week we worked on something far more environmental science focused and looked at the impact that oil spills can have on our natural environment, and the animals that live around us.

We discovered that there are a number of techniques used to clear up oil spills using booms, skimmers and absorbent substances. The older children were particularly engaged with the practical aspects of the investigation which you can see pictures of below.