PUPILS from four schools were invited to put a new science learning facility through its paces.

The children from Blakeney, Forest View Pillowel and Walmore Hill primary schools had an enjoyable time at the ScienceXperience chemistry workshop at BASF Metals Recycling in Cinderford.

Science Xperience encourages primary school pupils to take an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects and was held in partnership with STEMworks, a not-for-profit Gloucestershire company which hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists.

After an introduction to the Cinderford site by sales manager Steve Nash, the children were taken on a tour of the production area which recycles catalytic converters from vehicles – reclaiming some of the rarest elements on the planet. 

They then took part in an experiment about sound proofing, followed by a slime making exercise  

Following a video on how science affects our daily lives they all agreed that science plays a huge part in the world around us.

With 2019 being the International Year of the Periodic Table, BASF gave pupils a poster of the periodic table of element and three books relating to chemistry.

BASF’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, Richard Carter, said: “ScienceXperience is showcasing work on site and allowing students to understand the world of work while still understanding tasks linked to the science curriculum.”