Pupils at Longvernal Primary School have been working closely with The University of Bath to produce a STEM project.

The project is based on introducing more primary aged children to STEM aspects; in particular biomechanics.

Year 6 pupils from Longvernal acted as ‘critical developers’ of the project and went to The University of Bath to review their Rat Lab, which teaches pupils about the biomechanics of bones and bodies.

When reviewed, the project was then taken to several primary schools, including Longvernal. All of the Key Stage Two pupils at Longvernal got involved with the Rat Lab and it was a resounding success. The pupils were able to discuss their learning and understanding of the science and ‘engineering’ of the human body and loved the university’s medium of rats and puppetry to relay the information.

Pupils said: “I have learnt that adults have less bones than children.”

One pupil commented: “The puppets were so cool and made by an engineer.”

Another pupil said: “Joints and bones are also mechanical, not just

machines”.

Chrissie Richards, Science Lead at Longvernal commented: “It has been such a pleasure to witness the children getting involved in the STEM aspects of the curriculum. When visiting the university, it was clear that the children rose to the responsibility of reviewing the project and having the chance to go to the University of Bath’s campus was aspirational for our pupils.

Some pupils took the opportunity to question the engineers about their jobs and roles which was a real interest to them, with many saying they now want to pursue a career in STEM. “