It’s time to go virtual for Crawley STEMfest!

A STEM event not to be missed! There’s just a few days left until children can get involved and enjoy this first ever virtual Crawley STEMfest, either taking part from school with their teachers or at home with family during lockdown.

The annual Crawley STEMfest will go live at 9.00am on Thursday 12 November, offering a diverse and educational programme of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities suitable for all ages.

Students can engage in a wide range of free STEM activities to support subject lessons, tutorial time, PSHE, STEM Clubs & homework at any time of day from any electronic device, including smart phones, tablets and computers.

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This year’s programme will include enjoyable and educational workshops with video instructions and worksheets such as ‘Edible Geology’ provided by headline sponsor CGG. Or go on a  ‘Journey to Mars’ with Atkins or discover ‘Sound Engineering’ with the Institute of Acoustics and work out the ‘Maths of Carpentry’ with Crawley College.

There are also two pre-recorded shows from science presenter Jon Chase who has an intense passion for scientific thinking and fun delivery style; ‘The Splendiferous Science of Roald Dahl’ (suitable for primary and families) and the ‘Science Rapper’s guide to the solar system’ (suitable for all ages and families) that can be viewed for the duration of the event.

Students can participate in a virtual careers journey which will take them through an interactive exhibition where they can discover the vast variety of jobs in the STEM sector from acousticians to electrical and software engineers working on global infrastructure systems and discover information about their corresponding career routes to help them develop their future career paths.

Natalie Goodchild, Internal Communications Officer, CGG Services (UK) Ltd said: ” We are delighted to again be supporting Crawley STEMfest in its first-ever virtual format!  We are sure schools and homeschoolers will benefit from participating in this educational interactive event.

“Young people have missed live events during the pandemic and it’s vital we continue to offer them inspiration and guidance as they plan their future career paths. Because the event is virtual even more young people can get involved and families can also learn together at home.   Our employees really enjoy giving something back to the Crawley community, so we hope everyone enjoys our fun activities including the ‘Edible Geology’ series, which teaches the principles of geology using cake, jelly and gingerbread!”

Cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development, Councillor Peter Smith said: “While our young people may not be able to go anywhere in person, I know this year’s virtual STEMfest will transport them to a world of science, technology, engineering and maths from the comfort of their homes and classrooms.

“This year’s line-up is as exciting as ever with a fantastic range of resources and I’m delighted that the council have been able to support the event for another year.”

Estelle Whewell, Operations Manager, Sussex STEM said: ”We are extremely proud to be organising Crawley STEMfest for the ninth consecutive year.  It’s been a pleasure working with all our sponsors albeit in a different way to previous years and it’s really heartwarming that so many of their employees have contributed fun and inspiring activities. We appreciate and thank each and everyone involved, and hope we continue to inspire many future Crawley scientists and engineers!”

Access to the virtual event will be available at https://www.thestemhub.org.uk/ from 9.00am on Thursday 12 November so even more people can take part at weekends and at home, the event has been extended until Thursday 26 November 2020.

The event has been financially supported by employers including headline sponsor CGG and event partners Crawley Borough Council and Crawley College. Others include: Atkins and Faithful+Gould, Boeing, Canterbury Christ Church University, Coast to Capital LEP, Gatwick Airport Ltd, General Dynamics, Health Education England (NHS), Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Institute of Acoustics (IOA), Kier Construction Limited, Network Rail, Photek, Specsavers, St Modwen Homes, Thales and The British Association of Landscape Industries.