Congleton kids get their hands dirty in slimy science workshop

Congleton primary school pupils have been discovering the fun side of science in a hands-on slime-themed workshop led by scientists from biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

Pupils had the chance to make their own colourful slime as they learnt about states of matter and how molecules can bond together to create different substances.

The workshop was part of a series of science-based courses run by AstraZeneca, designed to make science fun and encourage budding scientists to consider a career in the industry.

Around 40 pupils from Black Firs Primary School, Smallwood CE Primary School, Quinta Primary School, Astbury St Mary’s Primary School, Woodcocks’ Well CE Primary School, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Scholar Green Primary School come together for the workshops which are run by chemists and biologists from AstraZeneca’s Alderley Park site.

Charlotte Wilson from Astbury St Mary’s Primary School, said: “The workshops run by AstraZeneca volunteers give pupils the opportunity to put the theory they learn in the classroom into practice through engaging experiments that spark their enthusiasm for science.

“The team delivering the workshops are passionate about science, passing on their knowledge and nurturing would-be scientists of the future. Their enthusiasm for the subject is infectious and creates an inspiring learning environment for our pupils.”

The club is run by AstraZeneca’s business relationship manager Dave Ainscough, research scientist Clare Sefton, associate principal scientist Matthew Skinner and business support manager Alison Joyce, who all volunteer through the national STEM Ambassador scheme run by STEMNET. The organisation joins professionals in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries with school pupils, to encourage them to enjoy STEM subjects and learn about relevant career opportunities.

Alison Joyce from AstraZeneca said: “Our workshops are part of AstraZeneca’s considerable investment in supporting science education throughout the UK.

“We work with school pupils in this way to inspire budding scientists of the future and encourage them to consider a career within the industry.”

AstraZeneca has supported the national government-backed STEM Ambassador programme since 2003 and has around 100 employees registered as STEM Ambassadors across the North West.

For more information on AstraZeneca’s community support programmes, please visit: www.astrazeneca.co.uk/community_support/.

For more information about STEMNET, visit www.stemnet.org.uk.