For the first time since 2009, the Shetland Science Fair returned to the Clickimin Leisure Centre! S3 and S2 pupils from all Shetland schools were invited to participate in a mixture of different activities to capture the interest of learners, presented by various groups within Shetland and by some visiting guests.
S3 travelled to Clickimin to meet in with other learners from throughout Shetland for the first day of the event. The Whalsay pupils were split into two groups and joined Sandwick JHS pupils in working through some of the different workshops. As well as learning new information in the workshops, the pupils were using problem solving skills and taking part in groupwork throughout.
S2 travelled to Clickimin on the second day of the event and joined learners from Baltasound JHS and Mid Yell JHS in working through the different workshops. These are all faces they will come across again in the Hostel in a few years time, if they continue into further eduction at AHS.
In the Activity Zone, learners were split into smaller groups rotating around different stations. Pupils learned about peat restoration and excavation from the Nature Scot Peatland Action group, which included learners having the opportunity to operate a realistic simulator to practice their excavator skills. UHi Shetland provided a Blue Sector VR experience, which allowed users to experience typical workplace tasks from the aquaculture and fish processing industries. Pupils also demonstrated their creative engineering skills in a Lego challenge, aiming to build the fastest wind powered vehicle.
Glasgow Science Centre provided a Spacejunk workshop where pupils explored their potential future in Scotland’s space industry. Pupils used their coding skills to safely navigate a satellite’s trajectory through space, avoiding space junk and other satellites along its journey. They also learned about the diverse careers available in the space industry, from engineers and programmers to mission controllers. Pupils really enjoyed this workshop!
In the Fit Lab, Glasgow Science Centre provided a range of fun, interactive exhibits, which tested reactions, balance, measured heart rates, brain focus, flexibility and loads more. The pupils (and staff) were fully engaged for the whole session. There as even an “Aw” when time was up!
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh ran the Fieldwork and Biodiversity Workshop. Learners discovered the importance of fieldwork in understanding and protecting plant biodiversity. Pupils had the opportunity to enhance their practical biology fieldwork skills, exploring real-world contexts to learn about the RBGE and find out some ways to take action against biodiversity loss.
Laura Moss Education ran the Wilderness Survival Workshop, providing a hands-on experience into the science of survival! Pupils learned how to purify water using only materials found in the wild by creating their own water filtration system. They then were taught how to safely whittle wood with a knife to make a peg or hook. All learners were highly focused during this task, acting responsibly for the safety of themselves and others.
Glasgow Science Centre also ran the Powering the Future Exhibit. They provided a range of engaging energy-themed exhibits to address topics related to energy supply and environmental sustainability. Pupils learned how we can be smarter with our use of energy by exploring different forms of renewable power, including an excellent demonstration of nuclear power using table tennis balls and mousetraps!
The Exploring Energyscapes workshop gave an insight into archaeology, run by Archaeology Scotland. Pupils learned about the use of Magnetometers, and how a dig site is chosen. Pupils then learned about mills found in the Quendale area and got to design and test their own water mill design. Pupils were also shown artefacts of archaeological finds from Shetland and Orkney.
All attending staff and pupils from Whalsay school reported that the event was a huge success, and that they were delighted to have the opportunity to experience relatable learning within the community from knowledgeable and experienced members in their respective fields.
Feedback from the organisers was that the willingness to participate and the good behaviour of the Whalsay pupils had been noted. Everybody agreed they’d had a great time and when asked if they felt this visit was worth the journey and effort, the answer was a resounding YES!!
