Hundred of schoolchildren got hands on with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) at Middlesex University this month

A person stands embraced by the mechanical arms of a commercial robot — Councillor Nagus Narenthira and robot friend Bertie

Hundreds of schoolchildren from Barnet borough and across London enjoyed hands-on virtual reality and scientific activities with robots and cutting-edge technology as part of the annual STEM Festival at Middlesex University. The event takes place every March during British Science Week and showcases ground-breaking work and research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Around 500 pupils from primary and secondary schools attended the festival on 13th March and had the chance to explore various interactive displays.

More than 250 people watched a fascinating presentation by Ruth Amos, an award-winning inventor, who co-founded a YouTube channel ‘Kids Invent Stuff’ and designed the invention Stairsteady, a hand rail that helps people with mobility issues use stairs safely. She spoke about the power of inventions as opportunities to inspire the next generation.

Ruth said: “This STEM Festival is an amazing event because it is so hands on and practical. The practical element is so important. This festival is something that the students will remember and could even influence their decisions about future careers. There really was something for everyone.”

One popular stand proved to be the ‘motion driven experience’, created by design engineering students and staff, in which visitors ride a unique virtual reality rollercoaster using an Oculus Rift headset. Other attractions included examining the engineering principles behind medical implants for joint replacements, a chance to discover microscopic ‘water beasts’ and a Sports Science device that can measure the power of jumps as people leap between two sensors. Visitors could build their own universe through an interactive celestial creation activity in the mathematics area. In the psychology section, they could use an electroencephalographic headset to see how good they are at controlling their own thoughts.

Councillor Nagus Narenthira, the Mayor of Barnet, interacted with a commercial robot known as Bertie from the design engineering section that can be programmed to carry out different tasks which even include taking a selfie.

The Mayor of Barnet said: “I have a vested interest in the STEM Festival having been a science teacher for 27 years. These hands-on science experiences can be very difficult to provide so it is a credit to Middlesex University for staging this event and a great outreach for the community, particularly with young people. In future I would hope many of the students could be inspired to look at science and technology careers and education.”

Professor Mehmet Karamanoglu, head of the university’s design engineering and mathematics department, said: “The benefit for the local schools and colleges is not only to visit our university but also learn about the vast range of subjects we have on offer in an interactive and fun way demonstrated by our staff and current students. All the activities on offer are carefully named to engage young people and generate curiosity.”

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