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STEM Next Essay Competition 2024 has officially launched! Students and volunteers, please register your interest below.
This essay competition has no subject pre-requisites and is not purely STEM based. Students of various interests are more than welcome to take part! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn transferable skills that you can utilize in your future studies and careers, e.g. research, critical analysis, communication.
There are 3 potential essay categories to choose and within each category there are a diverse range of potential essay questions, with something to suit every interest! This is a solo project that requires independent research and writing. However, we encourage that participants get feedback from their peers or teachers before the final submission.
There are three essay categories available:
View all available essay topics here.
1) Energy In Action (Download Information Booklet)
2) Life Sciences & Medicine (Download Information Booklet)
3) Chemistry & Biological Sciences (Download Information Booklet)
Taking part in STEM Next competition is a brilliant opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application. In addition, participating students are eligible for CREST Awards. Additional prizes for 2024 competition to be confirmed soon.
TECHFEST’S STEM NEXT ESSAY COMPETITION IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline to register interest – 14th June, 2024
Project launch – 17th June, 2024
Deadline for essay submission – 30th August, 2024
(don’t forget to submit the cover sheet, which will be provided in due course)
Winning essays announced – November 2024
Interested in volunteering for STEM Next?
If you work, have worked in any of the following industries or have great knowledge about any of the following areas: Energy, Life Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Space Science or Biological Sciences industries, and would like to be interviewed by a student for their essay about the topics around these industries, please click below to register.
Interested in supporting STEM Next?
Sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to invest in the future of our local community, directly benefiting hundreds of young people throughout the area and beyond.
Please click here for information on how you can sponsor this project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start writing my essay? The essay questions can be found in the Information sheets above. You must pick one of the provided topics. You can start writing your essay whenever you like, but the starter pack (including guide to get started, guide to referencing, guide on essay writing, etc,) will be sent out on 17th June.
What if I don’t know a person to interview? That is no problem; we will provide a database of volunteers who are willing to be interviewed on the essay topics. You can also interview a person that you know personally that will benefit your essay.
I don’t live in the UK, can I enter this competition? Yes, this competition is open to international applicants, however it must be written in English. Additionally the prize of amazon vouchers cannot be exchanged for an alternative.
I am unsure of how to get started! Once the project launches (17th June), all the support materials will be available to you which will include guides and videos on interviews, referencing and how to get started.
When is the deadline to submit my essay? The deadline to submit your essay is 30th August, 2024. You are required to submit a cover sheet as well, which will be provided in due course.
If your query is not answered above, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Watch STEM Next 2023 Final Celebration
Watch student testimonials from previous competitions to learn more about STEM Next:
A massive thank you to project sponsors and supporters.
Click here to enter TechFest's STEM Book Club.
Click here to view TechFest At Home page.
Check our ESP's website where they provide a list of free STEM activities to do at home.
Click here for CFE-linked, free and on-demand activities and resources to expand your knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
Click here.
Download Ben Garrod's Activity Pack here.
Click here to see STEM learning resources you can use.
Click here for lots of girl guides adventures at home.
Or here for a Pinterest board full of STEM activities.
Click here to download your free education packs.
Click here.
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Dive in here.
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This page is currently under maintenance.
It will be back online ASAP with information on TechFest 2018
The Wasp that felt the Thunder
A wasp awoke in the deep dark wood. A bird saw the wasp and the wasp looked good. What happens when the wasp feels a thunderstorm coming and tries to warn the creatures that live in the great oak tree?
Poem - click here to download!
Presentation - click here to download!
logo on the workshop pages!
Download Primary Outreach catalogue.
Booking information:A minimum of two workshops must be booked per visit.
Maximum capacity for workshops: 33 pupils
Fee: £66 per workshop (min 2 to be booked) + mileage cost of £15 per day visit.
Due to the high cost of living we have had to take the hard decision to apply mileage costs to all our workshops. To make it fair to all schools across the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area we have averaged out the cost to £15 and will place this on all bookings from 01 April 2023.
For schools outwith Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, mileage is charged at 45p per mile and is calculated from TechFest offices (Butchart Centre, University of Aberdeen, University Road, Aberdeen, AB24 3UT).
Email the Outreach Programme team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Every child in Scotland should have the chance to experience the fun and excitement of STEM, whilst building knowledge and skills essential for life and work in the future.
Developing their STEM understanding and capabilities allows young people to become confident in using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in their everyday lives, as well as in whatever career they choose to pursue. TechFest aims to provide opportunities and experiences for children and young people to build on and improve these vital skills.
Why is STEM important?
Why is STEM knowledge so crucial for young peoples' learning? An understanding of STEM allows children (and adults!) to develop and grow as individuals and in society.
STEM encourages curiosity and creates an eagerness to learn and understand the universe around us. By possessing a range of STEM skills, we can interact with and combat key issues in society such as global warming. STEM stimulates creativity, innovation, analysis, invention and productivity and can lead to exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the future.
See https://www.stem.org.uk/ for more information on STEM
Due to the increased demand from schools and the success of events in the past, TechFest now offers all year round events for secondary school pupils.
These events involve speakers from industry and research travelling to secondary schools and delivering talks and workshops applicable to the Curriculum for Excellence. TechFest aims to inspire pupils and enhance their knowledge and interest in topical science subjects.
Below are the two options that you might consider that TechFest can deliver at your school.
Crystal Maze
Teams will be required to work their way around puzzle rooms solving mathematical problems in a race against time! Each challenge will relate to a different Maths theme and will require teamwork and lateral thinking.
Climate Challenge
Designed and delivered by TechFest this workshop aims to give students the confidence to present to their peers as well as engaging with the science behind Climate Change and what we can all do to make a difference. Students will also work to communicate what Industry is doing to meet the challenges of our future.
For more information, contact the Outreach Programme team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses gives S2 pupils an insight into how Mathematics can be applied and utilised outside of the classroom.
The Aberdeen Maths Masterclasses series has been running in Aberdeen for over 12 years and the Masterclasses have become very popular with students and teachers in this time. The main focus of the series is the application of Mathematics to real life problems, a message which can often get lost in the school environment.
We are delighted to be bringing reinstate this fabulous series back face-to-face in Aberdeen in 2023 thanks to kind sponsorship from Serica Energy.
Nominations have now closed for this series of Masterclasses.
We are delighted to have a varied programme for pupils who have been awarded a space – full programme can be seen here.
Pupils were nominated through Mathematics teachers and 45 pupils from 13 schools across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire completed the 2022-2023 series of classes.
The presenters gave engaging and interactive sessions on a variety of Mathematical topics, and included codes and ciphers, measuring big numbers in space, million dollar equations, fractals and probability.
Pupils received their Mathematics Masterclass certificates, and Crest Discovery awards from representatives from Serica Energy and the Royal Institution.
“My favourite part of the series was learning mathematical secrets and being able to socialise and have fun while learning at the same time” Masterclass pupil 2022-2023
We hope to open nominations for the 2023- 2024 series in August 2023; interested pupils who will be in S2 at this point should speak to their Maths teacher.
If you would like further information about any aspect of the series, please contact Yashka Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Photo credits: Michal Wachucik/ABERMEDIA LTD
At TechFest, we would normally be busy preparing for our Heroes of Tomorrow event, sponsored by Equinor. Although the event is not going ahead this month, we’ve been reflecting on how it started and how it progressed since our first launch in 2015!
CHECK IT OUT!
Heroes of Tomorrow is an event that aims to spark young people’s interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and provide insight into future career paths within the oil, gas and energy industries.
We are excited to be organising another run of our very popular Heroes of Tomorrow event. This years Heroes of Tomorrow event was a huge success with S1 & S2 pupils being introduced to many exciting facets of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Watch Equinor's video of the event:
Heroes of Tomorrow 2020 was an enormous success with approximately 400 S1 and S2 pupils getting a chance to learn more about career prospects in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics industries.
Here are some of the highlights of the talks, workshops and shows:
''Equinor seeks to inspire young peoples' interests in STEM subjects, the energy industry and the important role we play in its transformation through our use of innovation and digital technologies. Supporting the next generation of scientists and engineers is key to providing energy in a sustainable way. We are proud to inspire the young people of today [...] to improve the world in which we live.'' - Arne Gurtner, Equinor's senior vice president of UK and Ireland offshore.
Workshop: Equinor’s Digital Innovation Zone
(Presented by Equinor)
Mariner is one of the most digitally advanced developments in the North Sea. Digital solutions support safe and efficient operations on Mariner. We invite you to come along and explore some of the new technology we’re using to support daily operations and construction globally. Digital Field Worker - tablets have been used to replace paperwork and manual processes offshore. This has generated huge time savings for Equinor. Over the last two years 13,000 work-hours have been saved through the introduction of this technology. Echo, a digital 3D copy, or digital twin, of the platform. When combined with the digital field worker tools Echo provides quick access to and an overview of key technical information, supporting safe and efficient operational and maintenance activities. HoloLens2 – mixed reality, holographic glasses. By placing holographic projections of a model in the ‘real world’ you can open up a new dimension. When used with Echo, our 3D model of the platform, they can be used to monitor for and map errors and faults which may occur in the plant and explore them in real time. Suddenly your world turns interactive and you can click on physical objects which appear in front of you to bring up more information.
Future Fuels Show
(Presented by Glasgow Science Centre)
Join us on an exciting mission to explore how we could generate power in the future. Learn about the different types of energy sources, including fossil fuels and renewables, and the ways that these can be harnessed to create energy.
Superhero Science
(Presented by Dr Matt Pritchard)
Are superpowers fact, fiction or feasible in the future? Explore invisibility, superstrength, body armour, levitation, mind control and find out what they do (or don’t) have to do with real science. And for those superpowers which are scientifically impossible? That’s where the magic comes in!
Workshop: Careers Networking
(Presented by Industry Professionals)
This workshop will give you a chance to meet and practise networking with Industry Professionals in an informal setting and think about your futures. To support this workshop there is a work booklet in your welcome bag which will get you thinking about the transferable skills you already have that link to your future opportunities.
Workshop: Climate Challenge
(Developed and Presented by TechFest)
Designed and delivered by TechFest this workshop aims to give students the confidence to present to their peers as well as engaging with the science behind Climate Change and what we can all do to make a difference. Students will also work to communicate what Industry is doing to meet the challenges of our future.
Crystal Maze
(Developed and Presented by TechFest)
Teams will be required to work their way around puzzle rooms solving mathematical problems in a race against time! Each challenge will relate to a different Maths theme and will require teamwork and lateral thinking.
Here are some of the highlights of the talks, workshops and shows of 2019:
The Supercool Show (45 mins)
Science Museum, London
Join Plasticine Pete and Pam as they travel to the extremes of temperature, and investigate the incredible effects of the coldest substance you'll ever see - liquid nitrogen. Find out what it feels like to touch a cloud, make instant ice cream, and stick your fingers in your ears as we blow up a balloon Science Museum-style!
Photo Credit: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media/Equinor (formerly Statoil)
''The hydrogen balloon explosion was spectacular.'' Student, Cults Academy
"Excellent show, pupils were engaged and enthusiastic." Teacher, Meldrum Academy
Workshop: Ready to be Blown Away? (45 mins)
Developed and presented by TechFest, supported by Equinor (formerly Statoil)
This workshop explores renewable energy, specifically how we can harness kinetic energy from the wind. Pupils learn about Hywind Scotland, the world’s first floating wind farm, before participating in a challenge to build the most efficient windmill.
Photo Credit: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media/Equinor (formerly Statoil)
"You got to use your own creativity" Student, Kincorth Academy
Workshop: Learn How to Rock It (45 mins)
Developed and presented by Equinor (formerly Statoil)
Pupils travel back in time to discover the origins of oil and gas in the North Sea. This workshop looks at how these natural resources are formed, including those from Equinor's (formerly Statoil) Mariner field.
"It was informative and very fun and interactive" Student, Alford Academy
Workshop: Installation Manager (45 mins)
Developed and Presented by Risktec and STEM Ambassadors
This workshop puts the pupils in the position of Offshore Installation Manager; responsible for both safety and oil & gas production on an offshore installation. They are faced with scenarios that require them to balance the risk of a major accident vs the reward of continued oil & gas production.
This game is facilitated by industry STEM ambassadors providing context from their own experiences.
Photo Credit: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media/Equinor (formerly Statoil)
“Great fun and interesting to learn about the oil rigs.” Student, Albyn School
Demo: RGU Engineering (30 mins)
Developed and Presented by RGU Engineering Department
Robert Gordon University boasts impressive, state-of-the-art engineering laboratories equipped with the very latest engineering technology and pupils get the opportunity to see some of this equipment in action. Demos include the department’s Ocean Wave Tank, ROV Pool and Wind Tunnel.
Photo Credit: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media/Equinor (formerly Statoil)
“I really enjoyed it and it has encouraged me to take more of an interest in engineering.” Student, St. Margaret’s School for Girls
Pupil STEM Talks
The original concept for the Heroes of Tomorrow events remains and schools are asked to nominate pupils interested in presenting a STEM talk. These are held in the amphitheater after one of the showings of the ‘Big Energy Show’.
Pupils can include this talk as part of their CREST Awards.
Pupils who successfully completed a talk were awarded a prize bag with goodies from the Science Museum, courtesy of Equinor (formerly Statoil), and a certificate.
Photo Credit: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media/Equinor (formerly Statoil)
"Heroes of Tomorrow is Equinor's talent development concept and we are delighted to extend this to TechFest Public Programme, celebrating many of Aberdeen's finest examples of leadership and innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. There are talks and tours for everyone to share their interest and passion for STEM, as well as many opportunities for young people to gain an insight into subjects for potential future studies or careers. We are delighted to play our part in celebrating some of Aberdeen's success stories and supporting the next generation through TechFest." - Hedda Felin, Managing Director, Equinor (formerly Statoil) Production, (UK) Ltd
For more information, contact Jenny Taylor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01224 274194 and become part of Heroes of Tomorrow!
TechFest aims to establish a strong platform for careers and life skills for secondary school-aged pupils across Scotland. Within our schools there is a need to support Maths teachers with practical applications and cross curricular learning. The aim for Scotland’s young people is to mature into a financially literate society and programmes such as Maths into Finance support their financial education as well as offering a greater understanding of the career options available within one of Scotland’s largest industries.
The session involves three workshops that have been designed to encourage teamwork and introduce the pupils to mathematical modelling. The day starts with an ice breaker challenge, identifying the difference between wanting and needing, an important part of personal money management. The remainder of the workshops have been designed to establish important links to learning with real data being used throughout to add authenticity. The afternoon Business Challenge is the highlight of the day and time to test skills established and developed throughout the earlier sessions. With a deadline to meet and critical choices to be made this problem requires accuracy and teamwork.
Covering mortgages, tax, payslips, budgets, protection and risk, debt, saving, and careers in finance, the workshops encourage the young people to be creative, to communicate with each other, and to consider the importance of financial literacy and confidence in a range of real-life and interactive scenarios.
TechFest is currently working to translate this programme to a digital offering to allow us to work across Scotland with this programme as well as our in person model. We are also excited to explore links with the Higher Applications of Maths course. For more information please do not hesitate to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
STEM in the Pipeline is one of TechFest’s key events across our annual programme. This project is available to S6 pupils and runs from September to December. The project is designed for teams of pupils (max. of 6 pupils per team) to compete in a realistic project set within the Energy Industry.
Each part of the process allows the students to advance their knowledge of STEM subjects but also encourages them to develop their transferable skills, both as an individual and as part of a team. STEM in the Pipeline requires an interdisciplinary approach and as such is relevant across a diverse range of skill sets. By engaging in career exploration, students will become more aware of the different job roles involved in the Energy Industry, which will hopefully help them make informed choices about their education and lives after school.
STEM in the Pipeline begins with an Introduction Day event, where the students are provided with all the information and tools necessary to take on this ambitious project. Following on from the Introduction Day, there is several weeks of independent research as the teams work through the project Task Book. Throughout the duration of the project, each team receives help from an industry professional, acting as a mentor, who can provide advice and support. The final stage of this project is a Presentation Day and where the teams present their completed project to a panel of assessors. All the teams receive feedback and prizes are awarded to the winning teams.
Every year the STEM in the Pipeline project receives exceptionally positive feedback from students, teachers and the industry professionals. It is a brilliant opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they have learned in school to a real-life situation. As well as being academically challenging, this project requires skilful project management, communication and teamwork, and is a great introduction to university level projects or for entering the work force. However, it is the one-to-one guidance and advice that the students receive from their industry mentor that really makes this project so successful and an incredibly valuable experience for all involved.
Registration and Timeline for 2024 coming soon.
For more information please email Jenny Taylor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Engineer 'n' Our Lives programme aims to help children appreciate how the skills they learn in school are used by engineers in real life.
Live Wire Productions, in partnership with Techfest and supported by industry professionals, has successfully delivered the Engineer 'n' Our Lives programme to over 4000 pupils since 2012. Each child is asked to complete four 20-30 minute challenges based on the Curriculum for Excellence.
By successfully completing these challenges, the pupils will recognise that they have used the same skills that engineers use in their day-to-day work. The challenges require the children to follow a brief, meet deadlines, solve problems and use teamwork, all while improving their knowledge - and thinking just like professional engineers!
All challenges are age-specific and the kit and materials provided crossover with the learning spectrum of Aural, Visual and Kinaesthetic learning. For example, the challenges link an art class to civil engineering, a drama class to electrical engineering, a maths class to design engineering and a science materials class to chemical engineering.
For more information about Engineer 'N' Our Lives, please get in touch! contact us
Kingsford Primary School Celebration Event 2014, sponsored by Chevron.
"Overall, the Engineering Week in our school was a big success. Each class teacher had a challenge booklet and CPD input prior to the event. The Engineering Week began with Engineers from the sponsor visiting the School and working with all classes along with the Live Wire staff. Each class had to do a Design, Properties, Prototype and Process challenge."
Staff Feedback from Milltimber Primary School
"The children and staff enjoyed the week and found the experience very valuable. Some children, particularly some of our ASN and some of our harder to reach children, were very engaged with the tasks and it showed some of their creative skills."
Sarah Webb, Headteacher at Fernielea Primary School
The week-long festival programme offers pupils the opportunity to interact with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Teachers, classroom assistants and parent helpers are also invited to attend the programme which offers a wide range of STEM workshops, presentations and shows all correlating with the Curriculum for Excellence.
For more information about TechFest's Early Years and Primary School Programme, please get in touch! contact us
"Interesting, fantastic, awesome, fun, exciting. Well-explained and in a manner all pupils could understand and contribute."
Teacher, Lumsden P1-7
"Excellent workshop - children were motivated and encouraged to take part. Very much aimed at their capabilities. Learning was fun."
Teacher, Rhynie P3-5
"It was extremely helpful to get the notes on these experiments. The children are looking forward to trying some themselves."
Teacher, Lumsden P1-7
