Member Article

Chemical company increases science as a favourite subject by 57%

A Cross Hills-based chemical company has sparked enthusiasm in pupils considering STEM-related careers following a recent site visit as part of an ongoing partnership.

Airedale Chemical invited year four pupils from local Sutton-In-Craven Community Primary School for a day on site which included taking part in experiments and understanding the chemical industry.

A survey completed after the event found that 100% of the pupils said they were now more interested in science following their trip to the Yorkshire chemical manufacturer. With 90% of girls saying science was now their favourite subject, it is hoped the world of STEM has been given a boost of female followers.

Over half of the children said they would like to work in a science-related career when they were older and prior to the visit only 14% of students regarded science as their favourite subject; following their experience at Airedale Chemical this increased by 57%.

An effluent water process experiment was created to match the school’s current science curriculum. Other activities included the understanding of how penguins stay dry in water and how a whale’s blubber keeps warm.

Sophie, a year four pupil at the school, said: “The penguin experiment was my favourite, I thought it was fascinating – I never knew that penguins got oil from their tails and put it all over their bodies to keep warm!”

Another year four pupil said: “I liked all of the experiments because they were like magic and it was very interesting.”

David Horton, teacher at Sutton-In-Craven Community Primary School, said: “It’s fantastic to see how inspired all the children are following the visit. Before the partnership, most of the children preferred subjects such as art and physical education but they now acknowledge how interesting, fulfilling and creative STEM subjects can be.”

Head of marketing at Airedale Chemical, Daniel Marr, added: “We were overwhelmed by the stream of positive feedback received from the survey. Our main objective is to fuel pupils’ interest in STEM subjects and share our expertise through our partnership with the school. We are thrilled that we’ve also been able to boost female pupils’ enjoyment in the subject.

“One hundred per cent of the pupils said they would like to do more trips to the site, so we look forward to continuing this relationship.”

Plans are already in place for future educational visits and events as part of the company’s Airedale Foundation activity and ongoing community corporate social responsibility commitments.

Airedale Chemical was established in 1973 and is a leader in chemical and contract manufacturing, servicing markets including agriculture, dairy, water treatment and waste management.

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