The Darwin Centre celebrated British Science Week in style at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College recently.

Over 100 pupils from across Pembrokeshire attended the annual Science Aglow event, taking part in exciting science and engineering workshops, presenting science investigations, and enjoying an all action on stage science show from Jack the Science Boffin.

The event which is part of the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience education programme which has delivered field trips, and workshops to over 30,000 participants since 2005, is the showcase event of the year, and helps Pembrokeshire celebrate British Science Week. Mary Immaculate, Cosheston, Holy Name, and Broad Haven schools took part, bringing science projects with them to display and present to the Darwin team.

As part of the day, the children also took part in workshops with Ginny from Silent World to You, handling snakes, lizards, and insects, as well as activities with Tim Brew, Energy in Education.

Mary Immaculate carried out an investigation into how to make the perfect cup of tea, testing many brands and steep times, and drinking lots of tea.

“Our pupils were totally engaged in the Science Aglow event. It really extended their classroom learning and enriched their experience of science further. We enjoyed the opportunity to share our project ‘How to make the perfect cuppa’. The interactive workshops were so stimulating and the children went home for the weekend on a high and absolutely buzzing about their love of science,” said Dean Flood, headteacher, Mary Immaculate RC School.

Holy Name, Fishguard, presented an experiment which investigated the effects of penguins huddling in the Antarctic cold.

“The pupils enjoyed opportunities to present their own experiment and take part in a range of exciting workshops. It was an amazing day, they enjoyed working with different scientists and holding a range of animals from Silent World. They have returned to school enthused and excited by the event and we look forward to continuing to develop their scientific understanding, knowledge and skills,” said Abbie Davies, Holy Name.

Cosheston, shared their project on sound, a high tech experiment measuring how well different materials insulate sound.

“A wonderful day full of exciting STEM experiences for our pupils, also a great platform for the children to talk about how much fun they have had doing science projects at school,” said Steve Smith, Cosheston School.

Broad Haven, reported on their litter picking studies around their village, highlighting how much rubbish was littered and what materials were most common.

“We had a brilliant day at Science Aglow with Darwin Science. The practical workshops were both enjoyable and informative. Inspirational-making Science fun! The children were still bubbling with excitement when we got back to school!” said Vivienne Grey MBE, Broad Haven School.

Marten Lewis, director of the Darwin Centre, commented: “There no better way to celebrate science than 100 children buzzing about their projects, mixed with hands on workshops, and a mad scientist on stage setting fire to himself! A big thank you to the children, Tim and Ginny our workshop providers, Jack the Mad Scientist, Gareth Davies Photography, and Dragon LNG for making it all possible.”