Assemble a space satellite or perform a surgery: Edinburgh Science addresses the problem of pupils not choosing STEM subjects by getting them hands-on with science
Schools only 6 – 10 November
Public Open Day on Sat 11 November
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Edinburgh Science is pleased to announce the return of its annual Careers Hive, a week-long free schools event with a Public Open Day on Saturday, 11 November.
Initially developed in 2016, Careers Hive inspires S1-S3 pupils to pursue a STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and maths) career through hands-on activities, discussions with STEM professionals and workshops to equip them with skills and confidence to progress in their chosen field. Careers Hive addresses the problem of young people not choosing STEM subjects by encouraging and showcasing where they will lead.
Between 6 and 10 of November at the National Museum of Scotland, Careers Hive can be accessed by pre-booked school groups only with a Public Open Day on Saturday, 11 November.
Thursday will also see the return of Teacher CLPL (Career Long Professional Learning) Session which will provide activity ideas and discussions to take back to the classroom. The session is free to attend for any educators (e.g. teachers, youth group leaders) and doesn’t require them to have attended Careers Hive itself to benefit from.
Pupils will be able to experience:
- Grand Gallery Interactive Exhibition with four themed zones where they engage with STEM professional and try out different hands-on activities related to real jobs, e.g. perform a keyhole surgery, insulate a house, build a robot or assemble a model of a space satellite.
- Panel Discussions in the Auditorium during which they hear from STEM professionals about their education and career stories;
- Workshop in the Learning Centre where they explore how the skills and interests they are developing at school help them face the challenges in the future.
This year’s speakers include an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer Laura Young aka Less Waste Laura who started, and continues to lead, the campaign to see single-use disposable vapes banned across Scotland and the UK;
Zoe Clark, Mission Manager within launch team for Spire Global, a space company harnessing the world’s largest constellation of 100+ multipurpose satellites collecting data to enable organisations to make smarter, better, faster decisions in a rapidly changing world impacted by climate change.
Zoe started at Spire Global through an apprenticeship programme, working alongside attending college and is very passionate about inspiring young minds to pursue a career in STEM;
Documentary director, tv presenter and wildlife photographer Libby Penman whose new documentary Back from the Brink, showcasing the amazing work of conservationists fighting to save wildlife across Europe, is now available on BBC iPlayer.
Laura McLister, Head of Learning at Edinburgh Science said: “Our world is facing some of its toughest challenges yet and whether it is tackling the climate emergency, harnessing the capabilities of AI or responding to global health crises, skills in STEM have never been so useful.
“However, despite so many inspiring opportunities out there many young people believe STEM subjects and jobs are not for them. Careers Hive challenges this perception head on.
“Over 2,500 young people from across Scotland will visit the National Museum of Scotland where we will help them discover what a job in STEM really entails and share the incredible opportunities that exist if they continue to study STEM topics at school.
“Aimed at inspiring the next generation of problem solvers, Careers Hive offers a unique chance for S1–S3 pupils to try hands on activities and speak directly to career professionals working in STEM industries, who will showcase some of the fascinating jobs available and inspire the young people to think about what problems they want to solve to help build a better world.”
A teacher participating in Careers Hive said: “One pupil told me as we entered the Museum ‘to be honest, I’m here for the day out of school’.
“Come the end of the visit, he was telling me which STEM careers he was interested in, and how the event changed his perceptions about STEM. It opened all the pupils’ eyes to the wider range of STEM jobs rather than just a scientist or an engineer.”
Careers Hive is supported by a range of funders.
Edinburgh Science Learning projects reach around 60,000 people every year.
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