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Thursday 29 Jul 2021

Step into STEM: London King’s Cross to hold day of educational activities for children

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

Network Rail has teamed up with partners to put on a day of free science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities at King’s Cross.

The event is aiming to get children involved in educational and fun-filled activities to help encourage them to participate in STEM subjects at school.

They can also learn about the railway right in the middle of the UK’s major transport hub and find out about career opportunities in the rail industry.

The event, which is for children aged 4 to 16, will take place on Tuesday, 10 August between 10:30 and 17:30. There is no need to book, people can just turn up and enjoy a range of activities, including: 

• The chance to meet STEM Ambassadors – representatives who volunteer to talk about their careers and possible routes into STEM
• Children can leave their legacy and brighten up the station on a 6m wide, 1.5m tall colouring wall
• See inspirational entries from ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ – a competition run by Primary Engineer which asks young people across the UK to identify a problem and design a solution to it
• Visit a pop-up science stand or take part in activities to learn more about STEM and the railway with the National Railway Museum
• Discuss career opportunities in the rail industry with Routes into Rail
• Get a free STEM activity book to take home and complete

Laura Murphy, King’s Cross Station Manager for Network Rail, said: “We know many children are interested in the railway and holding free STEM activities here at King’s Cross will give them more confidence in science, technology engineering and maths subjects at school.

“As well as having lots of fun on the day, we hope it will get young people thinking about the amazing opportunities in the rail industry and in other STEM careers.”

Heather Lysiak, Community Partnerships and Events Manager for National Railway Museum, said: “The National Railway Museum in York inspires visitors with the past, present and future of the railways. Our team of Explainers will be at King’s Cross Station and are excited to meet you to explore the different types of energy that powers railways across the world.

“Help us to solve problems by using your engineering mindset, and experimenting with robots, energy and the forces. Anyone can be an innovator and creative thinker - these activities will show you how! We look forward to seeing you there.”

Dr Susan Scurlock, CEO and Founder of Primary Engineer, said: “If you were an engineer, what would you do? asks young people to identify a problem and design a solution to it and each year tens of thousands of pupils show us what the future could look like. 

“There is huge innovation happening in the rail sector in the UK with new technologies and infrastructure which is inspirational for pupils to consider and identify ways in which they can make things better. The exhibition at King's Cross will showcase some of the brilliant designs we’ve received and encourage even more children and schools to get involved come September.”

Tom Quinn, Project Coordinator for Routes into Rail, said: “Routes into Rail are pleased to attend its first in-person event at King's Cross station. We’re excited to collaborate with our partners in showing children that there’s a career for everyone in rail.”

The activity book can also be downloaded here: Emily the Engineer Activity book (networkrail.co.uk)

ENDS