Join us this October for our annual STEMFest event! From 2nd to the 13th October, we will be inviting school groups to travel back in time to follow the steps of Charles Darwin, as he navigated the globe after setting sail from Britain’s Ocean City.
Pupils will take part either virtually or in-person, in a variety of STEM based activities amongst the Aquarium exhibits, all of which are inspired by the work of the amazing Darwin 200 expedition. You can expect ecological surveys, scientific drawing, and opportunities to evolve your very own sea creature! Groups joining us in person will finish their day with an interactive show, which will leave pupils inspired to explore local habitats and take action to protect them.
What is the Darwin 200 expedition?
We are excited to be working in partnership with the inspirational Darwin 200 expedition. The Darwin 200 crew will be honouring the legacy of Charles Darwin by setting sail on a tall ship known as the Oosterschelde, taking the same route that the famous naturalist took during one of the most important scientific journeys in modern history. Their main aim is to inspire young people from around the globe to take an interest in protecting the natural world and become the lead conservationists of tomorrow. As part of this incredible expedition, they will be arranging for 200 ‘Darwin Leaders’, aged 18-25, to carry out important work with conservation charities and NGOs, at locations which Darwin visited 188 years ago during his epic voyage. They will each study an animal which Darwin observed whilst he carried out his work, research their IUCN status, and consider what can be done to protect them.
Who can attend STEMFest 2023?
Schools may bring multiple classes to STEMFest, depending on availability. It is designed for pupils in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. For more information, and to find out how to book, please click here.
We have a day dedicated to Home Educated Children between the ages of 7 and 15 years old on 17th October 2023. For more information and to find out how to book please click here.
We will also be hosting a Virtual STEMFest on the 4th October 2023. Schools who are not able to attend in person will be able to participate in some of the exhibit-based activities outlined above, and all learners will have the opportunity to take part in a live evolution-themed workshop. For more information, and to find out how to book, please click here.
Will there be any follow up activities?
Absolutely! We have a range of resources which can be used after STEMFest to continue the learning and the fun.
Please find our resource pages below:
What if I have further questions?
If you have any further questions, or wish to discuss any aspects of the event in more detail, please contact learning@oceanconservationtrust.org or call us on 01752 275233.