Science experts from Cranfield University’s Shrivenham site recently visited Shrivenham Primary School to deliver a day of outreach activities to Key Stage 2 pupils.
The programme was designed to introduce basic scientific and investigative techniques in a fun and engaging way, giving pupils an insight into how these approaches can be used to explore problems. The sessions focused on practical, hands-on learning, with pupils taking part in activities including fingerprint analysis and secret writing.
The day was led by a group of academic and technical staff, who worked with pupils to demonstrate how these techniques are applied in real-world settings, offering a practical glimpse into the type of work carried out at Cranfield.
Niki Darcy, Chemistry Laboratory Manager at Cranfield University, who facilitated the visit, said: “It was great to work with pupils from the local area and see their interest in what we do. Opportunities like this allow us to give children an insight into our work and to experience some of the techniques we use in a practical way.”
Karen Jones, Science Lead at Shrivenham CofE Primary, said: “The reason these sessions are important is they allow our children to meet real scientists and see that everyone can be involved in science.
“Science is all about being curious, about new things and how it can help us in everyday life. It is a way to encourage the children into scientific careers – and there are many different careers that use science, not just doctors, vets or engineers.”
