Budding young scientists in Rowde inspired by National Grid’s latest STEM session
Members of National Grid’s North Wessex Downs VIP project team recently joined Year 1 pupils at Rowde Primary Academy for the latest in a series of special STEM sessions delivered in partnership with local schools.
Using energy sticks that lit up when a circuit was complete, the children carried out a range of experiments to discover which everyday materials allow electricity to flow and which stop it in its tracks. Many of the children were surprised to learn that they could conduct electricity themselves by joining hands to create human circuits that lit up the energy sticks.
Alongside the practical activities, the children learned about National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project here in the North Wessex Downs, which is transforming the landscape between Rowde and Bishops Cannings by removing 13 pylons and 4.6km of overhead power line.
Members of the team also explained National Grid’s role in owning, operating and maintaining the high-voltage electricity transmission network across England and Wales, helping to keep homes, businesses and communities connected. This session highlighted National Grid’s commitment to supporting the next generation through STEM education and community engagement activities.
Alice Simpson, Head Teacher at Rowde Primary School, said:
“The children thoroughly enjoyed being young scientists for the afternoon – a huge thank you to the National Grid team for giving up their time to visit us.’’
Commenting on the team’s involvement in the school’s programme, Amardeep Malhi, Project Manager for the North Wessex Downs project, said:
‘’We really enjoyed teaching the children about the work we are doing in their local area and it was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm from the children as they investigated conductors, insulators and electricity circuits.
“We’re always keen to share what we’re doing on the North Wessex Downs VIP project with the local community and we hope to have inspired lots of young minds about circuits and electricity during these STEM sessions with local schools.”
If you have any questions about the project, please get in touch with the VIP project team by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 0330 134 0051. If we are unable to answer your call, please leave a message and a member of the team will call you back.