Petroc Welcomes Appledore Primary Students for a Day of Inspiring Science Activities
Petroc’s North Devon Campus recently played host to Year 5 students from Appledore Primary School, offering them an exciting day of science-based activities within the Centre of Technology and Innovation Excellence (COTIE). The event was part of a series of innovative activities under the school’s Royal Society ‘Young Climate Scientists’ project, with Petroc serving as the lead external science partner throughout the initiative.
Students enjoyed visual experiments using microscopes, VR and 360 cameras, slinkies, air zookas, and sessions in the immersive suite, providing them with a truly memorable educational experience. The workshops were delivered collaboratively by various local organisations: Seiche and the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere led two of the workshops, while Plastic Free North Devon worked with Petroc to deliver the third. These partnerships with a local business, charity, and environmental group highlight the connected nature of this approach.
The aims of the event were to boost young learners’ aspirations by showcasing the fascinating career opportunities available in the region, particularly within emerging maritime and energy industries linked to the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, while also enhancing their STEM skills through practical, hands-on activities focused on innovations in the collection, use, and sharing of environmental data. This approach aligns with the local Nature Recovery Plan and aims to establish these young learners as valued contributors to their community’s environmental efforts.
“The only way to boost aspiration among young people is to work together to show the fascinating careers that are already available in the area and those that may be coming in new maritime and energy industries, including with the local connection to the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre,” said Chris Fuller, Economic Development Manager for Torridge District Council. “This event really achieved that, opening eyes to rewarding career paths that can really make a difference to these learners’ future lives and delivering on the area’s Clean Maritime Growth Vision.”
By empowering young learners to explore science in exciting and interactive ways, Petroc continues to create enthusiasm around STEM education and contribute to the region’s Clean Maritime Growth Vision. The success of this event underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to nurture the next generation of scientists and environmental advocates.
