North-east’s next generation of STEM talent showcase their innovations
Pupils from schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire joined forces to showcase their innovation and learning from their involvement in Young Engineers and Science Clubs (YESC).
Schools have been taking part in the award-winning schools STEM outreach programme throughout the year culminating in a celebration event in partnership with bp and Shell UK Limited. Young people and teachers gathered at bp’s North Sea Headquarters to exhibit their projects and compete for competition prizes. Industry volunteers and partners provided challenges which gave the young people an insight of the different career paths available through studying Science Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Claire Moir, Clerkhill School, highlighted: “YESC provides the young people in the STEM club with an invaluable experience - it has required them to develop critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and commutation skills to name a few in a way that is engaging and fun. Without the support and resources from the YESC programme this would not be possible for our school to provide.”
Thomas Wild, Project Manager of YESC said: “The projects, in partnership with our industry funders, inspire pupils and help 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.”
Doris Reiter, senior vice president, bp North Sea commented: “In bp’s 60th year in the North Sea, our commitment to inspire the next generation and help develop home-grown talent with the skills to work in the energy sector and support its evolution, is enduring. This is reflected in our long-standing partnership with Young Engineers and Science Clubs (YESC), where we’re playing our part in nurturing the enthusiastic, bright minds that will help us meet our industry’s challenges. As we transform, growing lower carbon opportunities alongside those in oil and gas, I’m passionate about the exciting range of careers we’re creating and hope the pupils involved in the event feel inspired by the brilliant prospects the energy industry offers.”
Mairi McKay, Social Investment Advisor for Shell UK, added: “We believe the ingenuity of young people is important for a successful energy transition, so we are delighted to be working with Prosper’s Young Engineers and Science Clubs. We hope taking part in events like these will encourage pupils to engage in STEM subjects and pursue careers in engineering.”
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 Limited, Crown Estate Scotland, Confor, Scottish Forestry Trust, Wood, Total Energies and HCI.
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 U.K. Limited.
Prize winners -
STEM Challenge – Daviot School.
STEM Challenge Runner-up – St Fergus Primary School.
Climate Smarter Winner – Airyhall Primary School.
Climate Smarter Runner-up – Stoneywood School.
Carbon Capture & Storage Winner – Daviot School.
Carbon Capture & Storage Runner-up – St Fergus Primary School.
Regional Club of the year – Bracoden Primary School.
Regional Club Runner-up – Tipperty School.
