PUPILS at a North-East primary school have been busy discovering the kinds of futures they could build with LEGO.

Children at Skerne Park Academy, in Darlington, explored a variety of potential science-based careers as part of British Science Week by building moon buggies, historical monuments, rockets, and more.

They also welcomed visitors from Animal Encounters, the Royal Airforce, and Durham Constabulary to the school, who demonstrated different ways a passion for science can lead to an interesting and rewarding career.

The Northern Echo:

Teacher Jamie Dillon, who organised the day, said: “As this is the 30th Anniversary of British Science, this year’s theme is ‘time’, so we’ve been looking at the past and the future, and weaving science throughout our curriculum and exploring different concepts with LEGO.

“We’ve been looking at how buildings have changed over the years in History, our older classes have been applying what they’ve learned about biology and DNA to crime scene investigation and how time affects a crime scene, and Key Stage One have been seeing their work on nature and life cycles brought to life by Animal Encounters.”

The Northern Echo:

The LEGO workshops were led by Dr Stephen Bunce, from the Royal Air Force Youth STEM Team – who worked with pupils to design and build a model moon buggy – and James Gilding, from the Education Group Ltd., who created LEGO timelines with the children.

“This has been a fantastic way to show the children that science isn’t just something you learn at school and never think about again,” added Jamie.

The Northern Echo:

“They’ve had a brilliant time having fun and playing, but at the same time they’re problem-solving, working in teams, and exploring areas like construction, architecture, engineering, physics, biology, and loads more!

“We want this week to help raise their aspirations and give them an idea of just how far an interest in science can take you, and just how many options there are if that’s what you enjoy.”