Author: Alex Masters 13th March 2017
Today some of the Beyond Flipped team took a trip to this year’s Bing Bang Fair, a STEM outreach event for school children. Inspiring creativity and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the use of innovative technologies, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences.
The event was jam-packed with exciting exhibits, activities, and performances, designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, whilst also providing teachers with examples of engaging practices that could be used within their own teaching. The playful feel of the event helped draw in attendees to the rich and thought-provoking content within.
What impressed us most throughout the day was that the best exhibits presented were those created by students, rather than big businesses looking to inspire future professionals. There was a whole host of brilliant ideas created by school and college students, not only whilst at school, but also as extra-curricular activities. The level of skill and passion on display was an inspiration to us all.
Equally impressive in their own right were the schools, colleges and teachers, that supported their students in turning innovative ideas into working prototypes, with amazing results! Whether through access to equipment, domain expertise, or simply through moral support.
We agreed that of all the conferences and expos we had attended in the past, the Big Bang Fair trumped them all. Less theory, more practice makes all the difference. With inspiration at every turn, it was hard to make time for everything, when each experience was as engaging as the last, from start to finish.
It was a pleasure to attend and we would recommend this practical approach for anyone looking to inspire their staff and students. Seeing the skill and passion within school and college level students would humble any higher education academic.