A group of Highfields students had the incredible opportunity to take part in a STEM Enrichment Day at RAF Cosford, organised by the Jon Egging Trust. The event provided hands-on experiences and inspiring insights into science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) careers, with contributions from industry experts.
The day began with engaging mini-lectures from representatives of the NSA, CAA, and the RAF Museum, who shared their STEM backgrounds and career journeys. Students then moved on to interactive workshops, tackling the challenges of space exploration. They learned about thrust, temperature, and pressure and even got the rare chance to interact with an actual Soviet Russian space suit and solar panels from the Hubble Space Telescope.
One of the highlights of the day was the Mars Rover Drop Challenge, where students worked in teams of four to design and build a landing system to protect a Mars rover. With a limited budget and a strict time frame, every Highfields group successfully completed the challenge, ensuring their rovers landed safely—demonstrating both creativity and scientific problem-solving skills.
To round off the experience with an explosive finale, students constructed their own bottle rockets. Their efforts were recognised when Highfields was awarded ‘Most Creative Rocket Design of the Day’, a fantastic testament to their ingenuity and teamwork.
Throughout the day, students showed enthusiasm, engagement, and determination, representing Highfields School brilliantly. The experience not only deepened their understanding of STEM concepts but also inspired them to consider future careers in these exciting fields.
A huge thank you to the Jon Egging Trust and RAF Cosford for hosting such a fantastic event!
