Network Rail is working in conjunction with partners to host free STEM activities which are science, technology, engineering and maths.

The educational day is aimed at children aged between 4 and 16 years and will take place at London Kings Cross Station.

The free event will provide a great opportunity to take part in fun activities with the hope to inspire and bring confidence for children to take part in STEM subjects in school.

Learning about the railway will also be a popular theme with the event being held in one of the countries major transport hubs and will also give the chance to learn about career opportunities within the rail industry.

The event for children aged 4 to 16 years will be held on Tuesday the 10th of August and will run from 10.30 am to 17.30 pm. There’s no need to book as the event is being run on a turn-up and enjoy basis.

Activities at the event will be:

• A chance to meet STEM Ambassadors, these are volunteers who come along to talk about their careers in the world of STEM and possible routes into STEM.
• There will be a chance for children to get creative and brighten up the station with a 6m wide 1.5m tall colouring wall.
• Innovative entries will be on display from the ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ The competition is run by a Primary Engineer and invites young people throughout the UK to find a problem and then design the solution.
• Pop-up science stands and activities to take part in will be running and offer the chance to learn more about STEM and the railways with the National Railway Museum.
• Find out more about career opportunities in the railway industry with Routes into Rail

Free STEM activity books will be available to take home which can also be downloaded here: Emily the Engineer Activity book https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Emily-the-Engineer-activity-book.pdf

Laura Murphy, King’s Cross Station Manager for Network Rail, said: “We know many children are interested in the railway and holding free STEM activities here at King’s Cross will give them more confidence in science, technology engineering and maths subjects at school.

“As well as having lots of fun on the day, we hope it will get young people thinking about the amazing opportunities in the rail industry and in other STEM careers.”

Heather Lysiak, Community Partnerships and Events Manager for National Railway Museum, said: “The National Railway Museum in York inspires visitors with the past, present and future of the railways. Our team of Explainers will be at King’s Cross Station and are excited to meet you to explore the different types of energy that powers railways across the world.

“Help us to solve problems by using your engineering mindset, and experimenting with robots, energy and the forces. Anyone can be an innovator and creative thinker – these activities will show you how! We look forward to seeing you there.”

Dr Susan Scurlock, CEO and Founder of Primary Engineer, said: “If you were an engineer, what would you do? asks young people to identify a problem and design a solution to it and each year tens of thousands of pupils show us what the future could look like.

“There is huge innovation happening in the rail sector in the UK with new technologies and infrastructure which is inspirational for pupils to consider and identify ways in which they can make things better. The exhibition at King’s Cross will showcase some of the brilliant designs we’ve received and encourage even more children and schools to get involved come September.”

Tom Quinn, Project Coordinator for Routes into Rail, said: “Routes into Rail are pleased to attend its first in-person event at King’s Cross station. We’re excited to collaborate with our partners in showing children that there’s a career for everyone in rail.”

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