Bright Sparks @ LGS STEM Fair
2019 saw the 4th Big Bang@LGS Science and Technology Fair, organised by and held at LGS.
This event was first held in 2015 and brings Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to life through a huge variety of interactive exhibits and fun-filled theatre shows.
Visitors of all ages get the opportunity to spend the day undertaking a diverse range of activities, including racing against Usain Bolt, trying key hole surgery with the Medical Mavericks, exploring the solar system in Warwick University's 360˚ Planetarium, meeting meerkats, insects and reptiles with Exotic Zoo and learning about Forensic Science with Leicestershire Police.
Over 50 exhibitors showcase their STEM activities, alongside a number of paid companies.
Whilst the first year attracted over 600 visitors, the Big Bang Science Fair has grown exponentially, with over 3000 visitors attending in 2019. It is now the largest school-based STEM Fair in the country.
Plans are afoot for the 2023 Fair, which is being rebranded as the "Bright Sparks STEM Fair", due to the withdrawal of funding from the Big Bang Organisation for all Independent schools. The event will be held on Saturday 17th June 2023 and is expected to draw children and young people from all over the county, predominantly from surrounding state schools and other organisations such as the Scouts and Girl Guides.
The event is entirely free to attend, with exhibitors being sourced from local businesses, the LGS parent body and universities. STEM ambassador and outreach programmes also provide volunteers. Around 15 exhibits are arranged by LGS staff and students, with a large number of pupils attending to help run the event. The LGS Trust pays for a number of external bookings, as well as covering staffing costs for catering, site services and IT support.
Aims
The aims of the event are to inspire children and young people about the opportunities available within STEM via providing an exciting and interactive array of exhibits.
Success criteria would include high attendance - we are aiming for around 5000 visitors in 2023, and positive feedback from those that attend.
The immediate beneficiaries are children from local primary and secondary schools, as well as groups such as Scouts and Girl Guides, their friends and family. The event is free to attend and predominantly supported by those that do not attend Leicester Grammar School.
Background
KLF responded to an advert in 2015 from the Big Bang Association, requesting schools to consider hosting a 'Big Bang Near Me' school fair. The event has grown exponentially over the years, with 2019 being the 4th iteration. Following a Covid-enforced hiatus, the newly rebranded "Bright Sparks @LGS STEM Fair" will be returning for 2023.
Resources
The resources required to make the STEM Fair a success are quite significant. The entire ground floor of the school is utilised for exhibitors, as well as outside space. The car park needs manning by site services as the number of visitors far exceeds the available space and the Police service have also been involved in previous years to help direct traffic.
The LGS Trust funds the staff costs for the event, including site services, IT and catering. Around 20 teachers give up their Saturday (unpaid) and another 50 pupils put on workshops for members of the public. The school pays for a number of external companies to provide large exhibits, with the remaining 50 or so coming from STEM Ambassadors, volunteers from the parent body, personal contacts and other local companies.
Impact
Feedback is unanimously positive with many visitors staying for the entire day. There is no other event like this in the East Midlands - we are the biggest STEM fair held at a school.
Pupil Involvement
Around 24 Year 6 pupils and 30 6th Form pupils from LGS volunteer to help run activities and coordinate the day.
Frequency
The STEM Fair runs from 10am - 3pm and is usually a biennial event.