Balloch Primary pupils visited the Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton recently to take part in a hands-on STEM workshop and learn about Scotland’s world-famous ship-building industry.

The visit facilitated by National Museums Scotland as part of its national ‘Powering Up’ outreach programme trip, gave pupils the opportunity to step back in time to see William Denny and Brothers’ inventions in action.

During the renewable energy workshops, pupils generated examples of wind, solar and hydro power and were given an insight into the science behind the world-famous Victorian shipbuilding trade in a tour of the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank - the world’s oldest working model experiment tank.

Primary 7 teacher Andrew McGavin, who took his class on the trip, said: “Our visit to the Denny Tank was a wonderful learning opportunity for the children to investigate renewable energy sources with hands on STEM experiences.

“Both Primary 7 classes who attended thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Read more: Education Scotland publish Balloch Primary inspection report

STEM is the term used to group together the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The Scottish government has previously published a STEM education strategy, which they hope will equip the country’s young people with the knowledge and skills they need to ‘help Scotland’s economy grow.’

Clare Meakin, Science Engagement Manager at NMS said: “We’re now at the half-way point of the 2018/2019 Powering Up programme and to have boosted the number of schools and pupils engaged with the project is something we’re very proud of.

“Funding from the ScottishPower Foundation has helped us broaden the programme’s reach and has allowed schools from far and wide to take part in museum visits and in-class workshops, which have been a great success with pupils and teachers.”