Science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects encompass such a wide range of potential careers. Yet, the task of engaging children in Stem subjects, such as building and construction, is often left until secondary school, given the challenges of finding relevant activities, linking them to the curriculum and the additional pressure of preparation for lessons previously uncovered.
However, figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) suggest that to achieve the aim of net zero by 2045, the Scottish construction industry will need to fill 22,500 new roles by 2028. There is, then, an onus to focus on this less heralded Stem career pathway in primary schools, rather than waiting until secondary.
Certainly, in my work at Edinburgh Napier University with the HCI (Housing Construction Infrastructure) Skills Gateway, I see the creative sparks fly when primary children have a clear problem to solve, the tools they need and the freedom to tackle it.
Jorgia Harrison, a teacher from the Highlands, is one of those who participated in the recently expanded Climate Smarter project from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) to provide toolkits and Stem-based challenges to primary schools, empowering teachers to address the climate crisis in the classroom.
In work with P3-7s at Poolewe Primary in Wester Ross in 2021, and at Bualnaluib Primary, also in Wester Ross, Jorgia - who was in her probation year - introduced challenges as part of teaching the Sustainable Development Goals. A water-filter activity, for example, matched with goal six - access to clean water - which also enabled pupils to get hands on with sand, stones and filter papers.
For those similarly interested in exploring construction within their classroom, a good idea is to start a club. Finding room in class time can be challenging, so introducing experiments and design challenges as an extracurricular club is a great start.
Outreach programmes such as SCDI’s Climate Smarter programme or Daydream Believers - which provides ready-made creative engineering and design-based lesson plans, such as in theme-park design - help engage children without requiring lengthy lesson preparation. And if schools make contacts in the construction industry, they will find them willing to talk to classes, run activities and arrange school visits.
If we want young people to take the reins for Scotland’s climate transformation, children should have the chance to engage with real-life Stem topics of all kinds, early and often.
Kirsty Connell-Skinner is the programme manager at HCI (Housing Construction Infrastructure) Skills Gateway, based at Edinburgh Napier University
