More than 160 pupils from six primary schools in South Wales have taken part in a Dwr Cymru Welsh Water event aimed at boosting interest in and understanding of science as part of National Science Week (15 – 19 March).
This is a ten day programme of science, engineering and technology events and activities across the UK aimed at people of all ages, which is now in its 17th year.
The children were able to take part in a wide range of indoor and outside activities which showed how different aspects of science apply to their everyday life.
Among the topics they were able to learn about were what happens to “flushed” water, woodland and pond ecosystems, recycling, healthy eating, ergonomics, fitness and finger printing and forensics.
The programme was hosted by Dwr Cymru at the Cog Moors Education centre near Dinas Powys as part of the company’s ‘Free For Schools’ education initiative. It brought together South Wales Police, the Forestry Commission, the Vale Council, Eco schools, E.B.P., and other individuals to provide a fun learning experience for children between six and 11 years old.
Members of the Penarth Neighbourhood Policing Team took part In the Science Week and were able to show the youngsters how finger prints and other forensic evidence is gathered when investigating a crime. Pupils were able to take their own finger prints and shoe prints and examine them under microscopes to see how they are all different.
Pupils from primary schools in Creigiau, Penygarth, Cefn Cribwr, Tonyrefail, Castellau and Pencoed visited the centre during the week.
PCSO Michelle Griffiths said: “Everyone was very interested to see how we take and examine fingerprints and other aspects of forensics. The pupils all took part and were keen to ask questions and learn more about what we did.”
Cog Moors Education Coordinator Julia Brice said: “This has been a valuable opportunity to bring together many agencies in partnership to provide a worthwhile free of charge learning experience for pupils of all ability. It’s also a great way to promote our own important messages about considering what should and should not be flushed down the toilet!
“Thanks to the contribution of providers such as South Wales Police, the event has been a big success.”
