The event took place in late March at Taddington & Priestcliffe CofE Primary School, with children from Peak Dale and Dove Hole primary schools also attending. Around 200 children participated in the fair, enjoying various activities while working around different stalls.
Parent volunteer Luke Wilkinson organised the event with the support of a £700 grant as part of British Science Week 2023.
The theme of the British Science Week 2023 was ‘Connections’, with the event focusing on showing the children the connection between the science learnt at school and how it is used in the world around them.
Three employees from Tarmac attended the event, teaching the children how limestone is quarried and the everyday things lime is found in, such as toothpaste and purifying drinking water.
Mrs Elaine Chapman, head of school at Taddington, said: “It has been so exciting to see the children engage in brand new activities and experience such a hands-on way of learning about science.
“We were a little nervous about the combination of 200 children and a giant digger, but by the end of the fair, it was not just the kids who left inspired but also our colleagues across the three schools.
“This is what we all got into teaching for: the lightbulb moments and the smiles on faces. We are so grateful to all the organisations and individuals who gave their time to help make the event such a success.”
Peter Butterworth, lime & powders director at Tarmac, said: “It was great to be able to support the science fair and be given the opportunity to show local children what happens at the quarry and what it is used for. We hope that learning more about the industry will inspire some of the children to join us in the years to come.”
Other contributors at the event included Otter Controls, Rolls Royce, Buxton Mountain Rescue, Brick Corner, Archaeological Research Services, Buxton Wild Week, Transition Buxton, Peak Active Sport, and Dr Amy Gyte, a scientist from the Health and Safety Executive.
