YOUNGSTERS got hands on with science at the county’s first ‘Innovation Lab’ when they attended workshops ahead of its official relaunch at the end of the month.

Pupils from two primary schools attended the upgraded lab at Coleford Library to experience state-of-the-art technology, such as a walk through a virtual reality world inhabited by dinosaurs and 3D pottery printing.

Year 5 and 6 youngsters were mentored by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) ambassadors from Coleford-based global business SPP Pumps, and were excited to get hands on in the lab at the creative digital and engineering workshop.

More than 20 pupils from English Bicknor CofE Primary spent the morning there on Tuesday, July 9, followed by children from St John’s Academy in Coleford yesterday (July 16).

Youngsters were able to don virtual reality headsets which took them into the forest, courtesy of BBC footage, where dinosaurs ruled the Earth, and appeared incredibly real.

They were able to use the controllers to step over rocks and streams, and also used 360 degree cameras outside the library to create pictures they uploaded to computers and edited, to create more virtual reality worlds.

Pupils also had the chance to design pots using computer graphics and software, with the information fed into a Claybot 3D printer to create the pottery.

And a third session saw them bridge building and weight bearing using drinking straws.

Welcoming the youngsters, SPP Pumps STEM ambassador Laura Hurcombe said: “We’re all engineers and we’re really interested in making things, so we’re going to have fun.”

She explained: “On the virtual reality headsets, they can see 360 degrees of forest and it’s telling them a story with animals, including dinosaurs, lions and birds, and they can move things they see with the controllers.

“We’re also letting them take 360 degree images outside which they can then upload and edit to use in a virtual reality world.

“As ambassadors, we are trying to engage children at a young age to show them what experiences they can have working in science and engineering.

“We’ve got some great companies in the Forest and we want to inspire local children to think about going on to work in local industry.

“And having shared resources like the Innovation Lab can give children great experiences. They are learning, but perhaps don’t realise it, because they are having fun.

“This is the first ‘Innovation Lab’ we have supported, and we’re hoping to do more in the future.”

Deb Harris, ‘Innovation Lab’ manager, said: “It’s amazing to see so many young people engaging with science. It makes all the work setting the lab up so worthwhile.

“This is the first ‘Innovation Lab’ in Gloucestershire, and I’m so proud as a Forester that it’s here at Coleford Library, with the official relaunch set for Monday, July 29.

“The concept is to inspire children to get engaged in science, digital technology and STEM, and it’s great to see it happen. The kids are loving it.

“I’m also really grateful for SPP funding the transport to the lab for the schools and working as STEM ambassadors – industry will be vital in making the lab a success.”

English Bicknor CofE Primary teacher Ellie Johnson added: “Hopefully, the children will get an insight into what engineering is and what technology can be used for.

“It’s great experience for them using the VR headsets and the 3D printer.”

Pupil Jacob Price said after using the headsets: “It was super real, but really weird. When you tried to touch something, it wasn’t there – you could see it, but you couldn’t touch it, but it was so real.

“I was in a big forest with dinosaurs and I was riding on the dinosaur’s back. I’d love one of these for Christmas.”

Hayley Alliston, head teacher at English Bicknor CofE Primary, said: “We are delighted to be one of the first schools to take part in this exciting initiative with Gloucestershire Libraries.

“Digital technology is such a big part of the world we live in and it is hugely important that our young people are prepared for the future.

“Having this local resource is a great opportunity for our pupils and we hope that this visit will be the first of many.”

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We are proud to be forming such strong links with local businesses and we are really pleased to be working in partnership with SPP Pumps to deliver these workshops to support local schools.”

Funded by Gfirst LEP as part of their Growth Hub Expansion, the Innovation Lab aims to bring the digital technology of the future to businesses, schools and communities in libraries across the county.

The Innovation Lab will be officially opened at 11am on Monday, July 29.

From 1pm the doors will be open for the public to visit the facility with 3D clay printing, design studio, computer coding, animation and virtual reality fun for everyone.

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