EDF fun day opens young minds to science

Youngsters from across Kent got a peek into the exciting world of physics and chemistry at Dungeness B’s second annual science show.

For the past two years the power station’s visitor centre team has thrown open its doors to primary school children eager to learn more about the exciting possibilities of science in conjunction with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Learning hub at Canterbury Christchurch University.

And last week Brookland Church of England Primary, Mundella Primary School in Folkestone and Dymchurch Primary School sent dozens of children from years five and six to EDF's Dungeness B Visitor Centre to try their hand at all manner of fun activities.

Mundella Primary School in Folkestone sent along 58 children.

Teacher Jamie Evans was with them and was impressed with just how much the children were doing.

“They’ve been so engaged by the whole event," he said.

"Sometimes capturing and keeping the attention of children of this age can be a challenge – but we’ve made torches and aeroplanes, done some bubble science and been investigating all manner of things. These activities have all been so hands on that the kids really rose to the occasion, asking questions and really thinking about these subjects. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

John Benn, Station Director of EDF's Dungeness B power station, said: “Every year thousands of school children pass through the EDF visitor centre at Dungeness and learn more about our low-carbon electricity. But our science show is special. It’s our chance to really inspire kids, who maybe haven’t had that much exposure to a scientific environment, and show them how much fun and how important, science is. It’s great for those who work onsite to see just how excited and interested the kids get by taking part in hands-on experiments and more.

“This year the children really enjoyed our EDF Bright Sparks zone where our station guide team inspired the children's creativity in making flow loop gliders and torches, explored the science behind bubbles and took the opportunity to make periscopes and worked with the Royal Engineers Bridge Building team.”

Any school interested in visiting EDF's Dungeness B Visitor Centre can contact dungenessbtours@edf-energy.com for further information.