MK Innovates: Five days of online fun to inspire careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)

Milton Keynes social media 'festival' featuring games, challenges and advice from apprentices launches on Monday as part of British Science Week
Schoolgirls try out virtual reality headsets at a previous MK STEM festival in Middleton Hall. This year's event is online only and begins on Monday at 9amSchoolgirls try out virtual reality headsets at a previous MK STEM festival in Middleton Hall. This year's event is online only and begins on Monday at 9am
Schoolgirls try out virtual reality headsets at a previous MK STEM festival in Middleton Hall. This year's event is online only and begins on Monday at 9am

Five days of fun for kids who dream of working in science and technology gets under way on Monday as part of British Science Week.

MK Innovates is a series of social media events created to inspire Milton Keynes youngsters to consider a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Children from primary school age onwards can enjoy games, quizzes and construction projects. There will also be talks and videos from real-life apprentices.

MK Innovates in part of British Science WeekMK Innovates in part of British Science Week
MK Innovates in part of British Science Week

Many big name local businesses are taking part in the online festival, which can be accessed on the following social channels:

Or use the hashtags:

#MKInnovates

The provisional timetable for MK Innovates. Events may be subject to changeThe provisional timetable for MK Innovates. Events may be subject to change
The provisional timetable for MK Innovates. Events may be subject to change

#BSW21

#InnovatingForTheFuture

MK Innovates runs from 9am on Monday (March 8) to 5pm+ on Friday (March 12) with hourly content slots. Some organisations will have rolling content that is not scheduled.

Elevated platform specialist Niftylift, of Shenley Wood, has a raft of exciting and challenging activities planned, including building your own telescopic boom.

Projects involve tracing, cutting, folding, wiring and construction, along with finding out ‘what kind of engineer you are’.

As well as the activities in the timetable below, youngsters can also learn the five principles of problem solving. A book of the week’s activities is available for download.

Leading analytical and measurement instruments company HORIBA UK will be opening young minds to the magical power of light.

The company’s social media posts include digital guides that explain spectroscopy and what makes a rainbow.

They will also explain how light can be used to improve our everyday lives, including making better medicines and vaccines, designing faster computers, improving electric car batteries and helping to solve the global problem of microplastic pollution.

HORIBA UK will also talk about the ground-breaking work of famous scientists that changed the world as we know it today and promote women in science.

The mysterious and exciting world of technical espionage will be discussed in a talk by the UK National Authority for Counter Eavesdropping (UK NACE) on Tuesday.

The organisation, which is based at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Hanslope Park site near Milton Keynes, has been working to protect national interests against ‘hostile’ spying since its forebear was formed shortly after the second world war.

Apprentice opportunities at FCDO Services – which UK NACE is part of – are wide-ranging, with roles including engineers, technicians and data analysts through to finance and public relations specialists.

And there’s more to water and sewerage than you might think…

Anglian Water is creating a series of snappy 30-second videos showcasing its apprenticeship opportunities.

Six volunteers will record selfies explaining their roles, such as biodiversity scientist and cost intelligence, to enthuse teenagers about a career in STEM with the key theme ‘One Day You Could…’

Find out more at www.mkinnovates.co.uk

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