Woodham Academy has a tradition of all Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects working together. This has included a cross-curricular day looking at school building design and working with Gestamp GMF Tallent Automotive to develop solar powered cars. For the past two years Science and Technology have worked together to create an exciting design and make challenge, using scientific and engineering concepts, to develop a quality product with a fragrant wow factor.
Students spent an exciting day designing and manufacturing a range of toiletries. Students made bath bombs, room fragrances and soap, choosing their own combinations of colouring and scent and also adding a touch of sparkle. Along the way they saw first hand some real-life applications of the chemistry that they have been studying this year. Within Design and Technology all students designed and created their brand identity, including packaging for their fragrant products. These ranged from a designer draw bag to a vac formed blister pack with card inlay.
Michael Nelson, Head of Design and Technology and Royal Academy of Engineering Regional STEM Coordinator, described the activity as a “wonderful opportunity for all Year 8 students to see real life applications of how STEM can be used.” He also said that the activity had introduced students to a STEM related career path through apprenticeships or Higher Education.
At the end of the day everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, including the staff. The students’ creations were packaged and all students went home with a quality product.
