The University of Sheffield welcomed over 200 local students aged 13 to 16, who identify as female, non-binary or trans, to an event at the Octagon Centre to show them how they can transform lives with careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Exploring STEM is an annual event held at the University which aims to highlight the importance of gender equality in STEM and to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, allowing them to explore their options, ask questions and try something new by getting involved in a variety of interactive experiments and demonstrations.
During the event the students had the opportunity to try out a wide range of activities including: flying and landing a plane through a flight simulator, using an ultrasound probe to look inside their wrists, using 3D printing pens to create butterflies, watching earthquake structure demonstrations and making candyfloss, (demonstrating the chemical engineering process involved in food manufacture.) Some of our Engineering Student Societies were also there showing the wide range of extra curricular activities available within engineering, for example, Women in Engineering, Sheffield Formula Racing, Project HEX, Railway Challenge and Engineers Without Borders.
All in all Exploring STEM was a fantastic event. There was a real buzz of activity and excitement amongst the students as they immersed themselves into a range of STEM related activities, opening their minds to the broad range of exciting, accessible careers which are available to them. The future looks bright for this next generation of engineers and scientists.
