Back with a Bang: Shetland Science Fair Returns to Ignite Curiosity

Organised by Shetland Aerogenerators staff, in close collaboration with Shetland Schools, the Science Fair included:

• 8 sessions each day
• 16 different science activities
• 8 exhibitors
• Classes from all 7 of Shetland’s high and junior high schools

National contributors this year were: Archaeology Scotland, Glasgow Science Centre, Laura Moss Education, and Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.

Local partners included Shetland Amenity Trust, Shetland Islands Council Climate Change Strategy Team, Skills Development Scotland, and UHI Shetland.

The activities spanned diverse STEM topics including space, archaeology, biodiversity and climate change.

Some comments from pupils and teachers:

“I loved the experiments and having fun with my friends.”

“The workshops were all so different and it made me think a lot about how wide the range of science careers are”

“It was super to see pupils engaged with outside agencies from local and national companies and actively participating in experiments.”

While this year engaged S2 & S3 pupils from across the 7 Shetland High and Junior High Schools, it is hoped that the Science Fair will expand to more age groups in the years to come.

The Shetland Science Fair is supported by the Shetland Aerogenerators Community Benefit Fund following a successful application by Brae High School Parent Council.

Brae High School Parent Council co-chair, Danny Peterson said:

“It’s great to see the Science Fair return and the exciting engagement opportunities this has created for S2 and S3 bairns from across Shetland. We are really pleased to have received this funding and support, and look forward to seeing the Science Fair develop in years to come.”

Shetland Aerogenerators Community Benefit Fund is administered by Shetland Community Benefit Fund. Northlink Ferries provided additional support for travel for the national partners.