BUDDING SCIENTISTS ENJOY DAY OUT AT THEME PARK
Oakwood Theme Park was transformed in to a temporary outdoor classroom as part of an exciting new science and engineering project.
Year Five and Six pupils from St Florence School in Tenby took part in a series of fun experiments and workshops at the Pembrokeshire attraction which have been organised by the Darwin Centre charity.
The tour was part of special joint initiative between the Pembrokeshire attraction and the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience education programme to provide youngsters with a hands-on introduction to the world of science and engineering.
As part of the visit pupils were wired up to heart monitors and accelerometers to collect data to see which elements of the rides have the most physiological effect.
Whilst at Oakwood the pupils also met engineers and got a behind the scenes look at how the rides work and the technology used to make them fast and keep them safe.
Results from the experiments will then be used back in the classroom as part of scientific projects based around the topic of ‘forces’.
Manager of the Darwin Centre, Marten Lewis, said: “Oakwood Theme Park is the perfect place to introduce youngsters to the sciences in a fun and interactive way.
“We use the exhilarating world of the theme park to ignite their interest in the exciting world of science and engineering that helps create the breath-taking rides and attractions,” he added.
The Darwin Centre is the West Wales branch of the British Science Association and is committed to increasing its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) engagement efforts in Pembrokeshire.
The Centre’s aims are to excite young people about science, particularly at the cutting edge, and provide a vehicle for professional scientists and naturalists to engage with the public.