'They are being creative and innovative – and that is the kind of thinking we need from our engineers of the future.'

Eastern Daily Press: Students also enjoyed a visit from Cambridge Science Centre.Students also enjoyed a visit from Cambridge Science Centre. (Image: Archant)

That was positive feedback from a top scientist who helped schoolchildren from across Waveney as they took part in interactive sessions to show how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects can be fun.

The students from East Point Academy and Benjamin Britten Music Academy, as well as Pakefield, Sir John Leman and Bungay high schools gave up their half-term breaks to take part in the STEM school programme, held at Lowestoft College.

Their tasks including participating in a chain reaction session, where they built a Heath Robinson-style machine and a water supply challenge with Anglian Water, as well as learning about infra-red thermal imaging and river restoration with the Environment Agency.

Jon London, from the Cambridge Science Centre, said: 'We are building a machine all the way around the room, using springs, levers, fans and pivots.

'They are learning a load of basic engineering skills in a ridiculously fun way.

'They are being creative and innovative – and that is the kind of thinking we need from our engineers of the future.'

It was the second time the practical sessions had been held over a half-term break, with a number of students returning after taking part in the inaugural event back in November.

Alan Wagner, curriculum and quality manager for engineering at Lowestoft College, said: 'These weeks are designed to be fun so they can discover how STEM fits into so many different career paths.

'These events open their eyes to the multitude of opportunities around and all of the learners want to enhance the knowledge they have got.'

Lauren Headland, STEM project co-ordinator, added: 'The great thing about this week is there has

been a lot of business involvement – students get the chance to see

and talk to people working in the industry.'

Huw Riley, 14, of Pakefield High School was one of the returning students. 'This time it was a lot of fun and I really want to be an engineer now – students don't usually get a chance to do something like this,' he said.

'It was different from before as we did a lot of mechanical engineering last time, but this week has seen people come in from companies to show us things.'

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