An MDC Scientist partnered with a local primary school to teach its youngsters about what it is like working as a scientist and the importance of learning STEM subjects at school.
Dr Juliana Maynard visited year 1 and 4 classrooms at nearby Kings Primary School, Macclesfield, revealing the behind-the-scenes experience of what it is like working as a scientist.
The visit coincided with British Science Week (11-20 March), a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which aims to inspire young people across the country to consider STEM subjects as career options.
Juliana said:
“It was wonderful to visit the children at Kings School during British Science Week. The theme centred on the job of making medicines. I read a book on science to the younger children and explained in more detail to the year 4 students about the discovery of Penicillin and its importance.
“Although the children will be a long-while off making decisions about their GCSE options and future career paths, I think it’s important to educate kids from a young age about the career paths that might be available to them and to inspire a lifelong love of learning.”
Mrs Whelpton, the school’s year 4 teacher, said:
“The children thoroughly enjoyed finding out about how medicines are made, and the procedures and equipment used for testing solutions, to see if they are safe.
“They asked lots of questions about Dr Maynard’s role and why she wanted to be a doctor that tests and makes medicines. I’d like to say a big thank you to her and her team at MDC!”
Juliana’s visit followed a recent initiative, which has seen MDC sign-up to the Cheshire and Warrington LEP’s Pledge Partnership, with an ambition to inspire the next generation of budding scientists and the development of new critical drug discoveries, to meet unmet patient need.
Initially running across spring and summer 2022, the collaborative approach will engage hundreds of pupils – across half a dozen schools – region-wide.
For more information on MDC’s outreach, please visit our website >
