Making a Big Bang with Beetles - George's placement experience

Displays built by a Harper Adams University placement student have entranced hundreds of children at a leading science event.

Wildlife Conservation and Ecology student George Baker – currently on his placement year in the University’s laboratories – was tasked with designing a stand for Harper Adams University at this year’s Big Bang Fair.

The fair is one of the UK’s largest science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) events and is designed to inspire young people to consider a stem career.

This year, Harper Adams were working with CIEEM - the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management – on the event.

Dr Lucy Crockford, Senior Lecturer in Soil and Water Management and Course Manager for the Environment, Sustainability, Wildlife course area, said: “CIEEM and has been instrumental in highlighting the need for people to choose green careers with their Green Jobs for Nature website.

“This website has more than 250 career stories including vlogs of people in various different green careers. The website also has career ladders, showing how someone may move through their education and experience to work in the green sector.

“CIEEM is the accrediting body for our Wildlife Conservation and Ecology course. They’ve been accrediting our courses for over 10 years and we were delighted to be asked to be their partner at the Big Bang Fair.

“They asked us to design some activities to capture the attention of school children as they passed by – and were keen to both showcase our talents and to encourage interest in the university and our course area.”

Capturing the attention of thousands of young visitors might have been a challenge – but it’s one Lucy says George took to with relish.

She added: “George was completely responsible for the design and construction of the Harper Adams display at the fair.

“He was keen to showcase the variety of beetles that we have in the UK - but also how they adapt to their environment. Understanding how organisms adapt to thrive is an important part of conservation and managing habitats.

“George collected beetles across a number of months and then created a display to show their habitat and provide an engaging activity for the school children passing through.

"CIEEM were delighted with his efforts and the stand was visited by more than 1800 children!”

Representing the University – and inspiring the next generation – is just a small part of the activities George has been able to immerse himself in while on placement.

Lucy added: “He is working across a number of broad disciplines such as soils, water, entomology and wider environmental topics.

“He supports the laboratory technicians in setting up classes, organising equipment and contributing to research projects.

“George is getting great experience in the workings of the lab - but also the workings of the department, ordering items and learning about how teams work and are motivated.

“The year’s placement is rich in experiences and opportunities for George to develop his skillsets, both technically and professionally.”