Big Bang North West hosted an action packed science extravaganza at Leigh College for pupils from schools across Greater Manchester.

The Fair was part of their UK-Wide events, designed to get students excited about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Pupils from St Peter’s High School, Bedford High School and Rainford High School engaged in a number of STEM activities as part of the Greater Manchester Higher (GM Higher) funded event.

Activities included building and successfully launching a rocket as well as a workshop in learning how to dissect an eye delivered by the College’s science lecturers with help from our student ambassadors.

The main event was a sensational science show hosted by Senior Lecturer Frank Mair from the University of Manchester.

The chemistry experts’ entertaining display wowed the audience with his mix of chemicals to create weird and wonderful reactions including an array of colourful controlled fire displays and explosions.

There was a busy atmosphere in the Careers Marketplace too, as young learners found out about a range of different opportunities in STEM related careers from top employers the NHS, Network Rail and Electricity North West amongst others.

Information could also be found out about science and medical courses available at the College’s University Centre. GM Higher provided a ‘spin the wheel’ activity to find out about higher education progression routes and to discuss future qualifications and career options.

Our talented Sellafield and National Nuclear Laboratory degree apprentices were also on hand to provide information about the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship.

Students left the day inspired and were buzzing from their experience. The event could have made the difference for pupils deciding on whether to pursue a career on a STEM pathway.