Page 136 - Bellfort Magazine 2024

10P2 and the Professor - In January, 10P2 had the opportunity to attend the Science school in
the Braid. This was a day designed to activate curiosity and make sense of science. We began
the day with a welcome from the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, then we had a presentation
from N.Ireland’s only male midwife Vince Rosales and Dr Simon Doherty a veterinarian who is
currently based at the Institute of global food security QUB. The talks aimed to inspire the next
generation of local talent raising the importance of STEM subjects. Next, we took part in two
practical workshops. Firstly, 10P2 were asked to build a mini electrical generator system by
Caterpillar which helped them to understand how electricity is produced for the entire country.
The pupils learnt how the world is changing and that different forms of electric power
generation are integral to the industrial sites of the future. Second was the brush monster
challenge. Pupils were asked to build a brush caterpillar using everyday items such as a dustpan
brush, a motor, crocodile leads, and a battery. Once the brush caterpillar was built, it was able
to move as the motor turned the shaft. 10P2 were able to use their knowledge of circuits,
batteries, and wires to make the monster come to life. The final session was a presentation from
Professor Cox. He explained the origins of the universe and pupils were then given the
opportunity to ask questions. The highlight was when Mrs Harding was volunteered onto stage
by Freddie Glass who asked if his science teacher could get a photograph with the Professor.