Embracing Difference

Science for Life Embracing Difference Event

On Wednesday 20th November, pupils from five Islington schools and five STEM ambassadors participated in an Embracing Difference event.

Prior to the event, Gillespie pupils learnt how people work together to eliminate differences. Scientists and engineers play a big part in helping to achieve clean water and sanitation for all: one of the United Nation’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development. They challenged visitors to make a water filter to clean dirty water. Activities presented by the other schools included writing in Braille using dots; investigating the relationship between air resistance and surface area with parachutes; modelling the digestive system and drawing endangered butterflies. Hanover pupils researched Louis Braille, a French educator, who developed the system for printing and writing used by the blind. Pupils from Hargrave Park researched Maria Sibylla Merian, who was the first known woman to travel the world for her scientific research into butterflies.

The pupils enjoyed hearing from, and questioning STEM ambassadors. Holly Bazley talked about overcoming difficulties at school due to dyslexia and ADHD and how she has gone on to have a successful career as a science communicator. Pupils loved playing Reaction: her game themed around materials, their properties and chemical reactions. Three mechanical engineering students from Imperial's Women in Mechanical Engineering Outreach Initiative addressed the underrepresentation of women in engineering. Amolak Dhanjal, a Senior Architectural Manager and Sikh, spoke about how the company that he works for actively embraces differences by valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences of its employees. He explained how he has to consider everyone’s differences when designing school buildings.

Parents and siblings joined in at the end of the day. The feedback received from pupils, parents and STEM ambassadors demonstrated just how worthwhile the event was.