Pembrokeshire experiences the big bang!

The next generation of scientists in Pembrokeshire were inspired by a ‘Big Bang’ fair on Thursday – one of the UK’s leading science events for children.
Packed with fun interactive activities, the Big Bang fairs aims to enthuse pupils about STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).
The event was held at the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) at Pembroke Dock.
It was run by Engineering Education Scheme Wales in partnership with the Pembrokeshire County Council’s Children and Schools Directorate and the BIC.
“It was a pleasure to host this fantastic event, with its world-class shows and workshops – right here on our doorstep in Pembrokeshire,” said Dave Thomas, manager of the BIC.
Some 270 pupils from around 15 schools – primary and secondary – came from all over Pembrokeshire.
Headteacher of Hook CP School, Louise John, said the group of boys and girls from year six who attended were ‘absolutely buzzing’ from the experience. “They were enthused and would love to do something like this again,” said Ms John.
Teacher Hayley Callan added: “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and found them suitably challenging and fun. The boys were particularly proud of their car which was the fastest on the track.
“They also fed back to the rest of the class about the facts and figures which they learnt, developing their numeracy skills too.”
The deputy headteacher at Pembroke Dock Community School, Stefan Jenkins, said the event was a huge hit among their Year five pupils.
“It gave them opportunities for out-of-the-box thinking and extending their thinking, in a way which the normal day to day curriculum sometimes doesn’t provide,” he said.
“To see the children being excited about these areas of learning was great. It helps to embed their enthusiasm for those key subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.”
Especially popular was a rock guitar show with physicist Dr Mark Lewney – ‘a cross between Einstein and Jimi Hendrix’ according to CBBC – who explained the superstring theory through playing Bohemian Rhapsody!
“Mark delivers amazing physics, science and maths shows and presentations – all complementing the national curriculum,” said Alastair Birch, one of the organisers and ‘More Able and Talented System’ Leader at Pembrokeshire County Council.
Also very popular was the interactive F1 in Schools 3D and Jaguar 2D challenges which aims to create an exciting environment for young people to learn about engineering, Formula One, science, marketing and technology.
Pupils were also enthused by the night sky planetarium, thermo dynamics, and FabLab workshops.