Children have been learning about careers in science, engineering, technology and maths at the STEMFest event at the Beacon of Light.
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00:00Okay then, can you just give me an overview of what today's event is all about then?
00:16So this is STEM Fest, it's a 3 day hands on STEM event all for young people and all of
00:22them companies from around the North East in the STEM sector.
00:25And what are some of the activities the kids get to do today then?
00:29So there's loads of hands on activities, so we've got virtual reality headsets, we've
00:32got people making paper wind turbines, we've got a mobile planetarium, we've got a flight
00:38simulator which British Airways has brought along, so lots of stuff to get involved with.
00:43And is the reason for today's event to try and get more kids looking at STEM as a future
00:47career?
00:48Yes, today's all about inspiring the next generation, so we have a thousand young people
00:52in the building today and we will have the same tomorrow on the third day and it's all
00:56about showcasing what opportunities are available to our young people in this region.
01:01There's lots of women representing the various companies, is that to also sort of break down
01:06your gender stereotypes of girls going into some of these fields?
01:09Yes, so we're really conscious that there tend to be more males in this sector than
01:14females, so today we've got lots of exhibitors who've got female employees who are on the
01:19stands today engaging with the young people so that our young people, particularly the
01:24girls, can see what they potentially could be because they can see someone like them.
01:30Wait and then once more, pick it up and you're finished.
01:34Once more.
01:39Yeah, well done, come and have a look.
01:53Okay then, will you tell me one of the activities you've done so far today?
01:56Sure, so on the lower part we did something about water pollution and how there's loads
02:06of germs in the water and bacteria.
02:10And Lucy, have you enjoyed what you've done so far?
02:12Yes, I've really enjoyed the designing part of it.
02:17And are you interested in doing a career in science or engineering when you're older?
02:21Yeah, probably some of the stupid maths.
02:24Is that your favourite subject?
02:25Yeah.
02:26And Jessica, have you had a look downstairs yet?
02:28Yeah, we've got to try on a VR and see the perspective of someone working for the wind turbines in Towson.
02:40Are you considering when you're older going into a career in science or engineering or maths?
02:44I was thinking about being an astronomer.
02:47Right, so you're going to have a look at the planetarium?
02:49Yes.
02:51And what have you found today so far?
02:53Brilliant.
02:54What's been the best thing about it?
02:56When I went on to the EA Sports, is it?
03:00Yeah, the EA Sports.
03:02Good.
03:03I think.
03:04Are you thinking about a career in a STEM subject?
03:07Science, maths, technology, engineering, yeah?
03:09It's always fun to get out and do something different outside of the classroom.
03:12Oh, it definitely was a lot of fun.
03:15Two, one.