Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity 2022
The real Science in Schools Symposium
On February 10th 2022, the Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity hosted the Real Science in Schools Symposium, that a group of us from the University of Nottingham, including the Centre for Additive manufacturing and School of Pharmacy, volunteered to help at. The day involved researchers and students from both universities showcasing the advances in science and technology to primary school pupils. Around 50 children attended the symposium, which was an interactive event where children interacted with a robot, used microscopes, and with the help of our group, witnessed 3D printing in action.
The Real Science in Schools Symposium as part of the Nottingham Festival of Science And Curiosity (FOSAC) at the Nottingham City Council House (in the Banqueting Hall).
Our stall was split into three stations:
- “What is 3D printing”
- “Can you design the object?”
- ”How does 3D printing work?”
In the first station, we shared an interactive presentation in which we explained what 3D printing is, it’s applications and materials used. “Can you design the object?” was where the children got a chance to use their imagination and their new understanding of 3D printing to create and draw what they think can be printed using a 3D printer. We also demonstrated how to use the software to control the shape and size of 3D-printed objects. The demonstrations took part using the CAD software TInkercad and with the help of lab technician Adam who helped with set up and training on the machine.
Designed of potential 3D printed objects drawn by the children.
In “How does 3D printing work?”, children were able to see a 3D printer in action, printing a small object (a 3D printed Pikatchu), that they were able to take away and keep in their classroom. In this station, they were also able to have a look at some pre-printed objects while they guessed what the material was. At the end of the session, each child went home with a keychain of a 3D printed dolphin as a token to remember the day by.
The event was a great success, our team had a wonderful time as we witnessed children learn about the advances in science, and as we watched them get involved, fulfil their curiosity, raise many questions, and use their imagination to help understand how 3D printers work. In a decade or two, some of these children may very well be in our shoes teaching the next generation of school children about the advances of science of their time, and together with the organisers of this symposium and everyone at the University of Nottingham, we may have made a small contribution towards that happening. The efforts of all the volunteers and the collaborators were very much appreciated and we hope more students can be encouraged to participate in similar outreach programs in the future.
Our team of volunteers: Han Wang, Doaa Ismail, Nur Putri, Majed Majrashi, Inas Mohd, Fahad Almulhim and Tien Quach.
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