Darwin Centre

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One of the major beneficiaries of our community support is an exciting project, now in its 4th year. PEASAT (a Proposal to Extend Access to Science and Technology) is a joint initiative between Dragon LNG and the Darwin Centre. The programme was originally designed to allow all primary schools in Pembrokeshire a free workshop and field trip and this has now been extended to cover; comprehensive secondary education, community based groups and groups outside mainstream education, all of whom benefit from the extended PEASAT programme with access to free science and technology workshops or field trips tailored to their specific needs.

PEASAT continues to work alongside as many local environmental, scientific and educational groups as possible and the current 3 year programme has seen the original 2 PEASAT themes developed into 5 Science and technology themes, these are:

Energy production: The past, the present and the future. Starting with a visit to Carew Tidal Mill, this field trip looks at energy production in the past and is followed by a hands-on workshop looking at power generation. The groups learn about the current methods of electricity generation using heat and water and a model steam engine provides the resource to both discuss and demonstrate use of fossil fuels. This theme involves Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Evidence of past climates: A field trip to an area of the Pembrokeshire coast that has evidence of past climates and sea levels starts this theme. The workshop demonstrates processes at work that have had an effect on climate in the past and present. The groups learn that global warming and cooling are natural phenomena and science behind the ‘Green House Effect’ and possible effects of human induced CO2 levels are also examined. Field work involves Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).

River Sampling: A visit to Brandy Brook in Newgale allows the pupils to safely sample a river for creatures, measure the flow and create profiles. The workshop looks at the significance of the fauna present at the brook, this leads into a general discussion about rivers that covers their use for recreation, drinking, washing, transport and considers problems of pollution. An overview of the Water Cycle can then be demonstrated using props and a hands-on experiment to show evaporation and condensation. The significance of the Milford Haven Estuary as a resource for transportation that has led to it becoming a focal point for the energy sector in the UK is used as an example of how rivers can add huge benefits to local and national economies. This involves the Field Studies Council.

Milford Haven Port Authority Visit / Rock Pooling: The visit includes a presentation on the flora and fauna of the waterway illustrating the emphasis on conservation and wildlife in the estuary. Visiting port control tower lets the group enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Haven waterway and see the efforts and expertise that is needed to look after the shipping in and out of the port and the work of pilot boats, tugs and jetties. This is followed by a rock pool session looking at habitats and food chains. The workshop is a Microscopy session looking at plankton found in the estuary, this is rounded off at the school with a discussion of the field work. This theme involves Milford Haven Port Authority and Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation.

Effects of Litter on the Coastal Environment: A litter pick at a convenient beach allows the groups to record all items found. Tables and graphs are plotted and the pupils produce a poster with a picture and message from the school. The posters are then laminated and displayed on each beach’s notice board; they then attend a workshop on marine litter and consider how litter is transported from shipping and fishing as well as general littering and pollution. These field visits and workshops involve Keep Wales Tidy.

in addition to the above 5 themes, all primary schools are invited to develop investigative science projects for assessment by the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Over 400 pupils have so far attained nationally recognised CREST Awards for excellence. The schools and their projects are displayed at the twice annual ‘Science Aglow’ event.

Science Aglow

‘Science Aglow’ is the showcase event of the PEASAT calendar; only 8 schools can compete at each event but running two of these events each year has helped maximise the number of Crest Awards the project has inspired. The groups produce an investigative science project which they display and discuss with their peers, adults, scientists. During Science Aglow representatives from local and national science and environmental organisations attend and run hands on workshops, raising awareness in their fields. The following groups have attended Science Aglow.

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Marine Conservation Society
Milford Museum
Silent World Aquarium
Keep Wales Tidy
West Wales Eco Centre
Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation
Wildlife Trust

A celebrity guest from the world of TV science and conservation is used at each event. Recent guest celebrities were Monty Halls (BBC, Animal Planet and Channel 5) and Ellie Harrison (BBC 1’s The ONE Show) and meeting these well know guests helps to really excite and inspire the school children.

The PEASAT Projects showcase event Science Aglow reached new heights in 2009. Liz Bonnin presenter of the BBC´s new flagship science programme ´Bang Goes the Theory´ visited the event at Pembrokeshire College. Bang Goes the Theory is a revamped version of the iconic TV show ´Tomorrow's World´ and looks to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. Liz was joined on the day by national and local scientific/conservation organisation, The Marine Biological Association, West Wales Eco Centre, Keep Wales Tidy and Silent World Aquarium. As well as the presentation from Liz and a round robin of workshops with the aforementioned organisations, the pupils met Stephen Crabb MP and Professor Tony Campbell. Stephen was at his second Science Aglow event and Tony had made a special visit away from his research at Cardiff School of Medicine. This years schools in attendance were Llangwm, Goodwick, Spittal and Lamphey.

Testimonials

Monty Halls, Adventurer and TV presenter BBC, Channel 5 and Animal Planet. “It was a particular pleasure for me to speak at the Darwin Science Aglow event. The enthusiasm of all the staff at the event was palpable, and very quickly transmitted itself to the children attending. The children too had made a significant contribution, creating science and conservation projects of their own which they proudly displayed throughout. The Darwin Science Aglow event unquestionably creates a real awareness of the joy of science, as well as creating the scientists of tomorrow. Bravo to all concerned - a splendid day”.

Ellie Harrison TV presenter BBC 1’s The ‘ONE Show’. “Science Aglow at the Darwin Centre is a unique event, bringing young people together with the brains and passion of local experts. It gets young people enthused about science early, making the whole subject feel accessible and that makes all the difference in the world.”

The success of our PEASAT Project is becoming well known, the Project Coordinator, Marten Lewis, was recently invited to the House of Lords to talk about the success of PEASAT and to support another Pembrokeshire educational charity the Beagle Trust.