On 29th August, ACT, in collaboration with NatureScot, participated in the SmartSTEM event hosted at Islay High School. The event saw the attendance of 135 students, including primary school students from across both Islay and Jura, eager to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Our team, including ACT’s Peatland Sites Manager Angharad Ward, alongside NatureScot’s Jen Deane and Sally Weaser, led three interactive workshops throughout the day. These sessions introduced students to the critical work involved in peatland restoration, a key strategy for mitigating climate change, improving water quality and increasing biodiversity.

       

The students had the opportunity to get hands-on with an exciting activity where they built their own dams using guttering pipe and various materials, mimicking the practical work done in real-life restoration projects. Creativity and teamwork shone through as each group designed dams to hold back and slow the flow of water, simulating a real-life restoration challenge using our ‘Islay Storm’ watering can.

The competition among the groups was fierce, with many thoughtful and innovative designs emerging. Not only did the activity give students a tangible understanding of how water flows through ecosystems, but it also demonstrated the importance of strategic planning and problem-solving—skills essential in STEM fields.

The event, supported by SmartSTEM, provided a fantastic platform to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and STEM enthusiasts, demonstrating the real-world applications of science and engineering in protecting our natural environment.

For more about SmartSTEM and their mission to engage young minds in the possibilities of STEM, visit their website: SmartSTEM.

We’re proud to have been part of such a successful day and look forward to more opportunities to engage young people in the fascinating work of peatland restoration! 

Find out more about our work to protect and restore peatlands across Argyll

Harnessing our expertise in outdoor learning, climate literacy, and the natural environment in Argyll and Bute, we also provide outdoor STEM learning for Mid Argyll from our hub in Kilmory. Read about our Outdoor STEM Venture for Mid Argyll.