REAL SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS SYMPOSIUM
An event showcasing the scientific research being undertaken by pupils in Nottingham primary and secondary schools
Each year, as part of the Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity, Ignite! brings together school pupils from across Nottingham and further afield to share their scientific research.
Held at the Council House in Nottingham City Centre, it's a celebration of projects in which pupils are taking the lead and being able to conduct real research outside of the curriculum.
​
For the 2025 Festival, we will be holding three symposia - one in Mansfield, one in Nottingham and one for special schools. Register via the online form here.
2024
35 pupils from four special schools joined the morning Symposium, showcasing the projects they had been working on with Nottingham Trent University chemistry students through a project funded by the Royal Society for Chemistry. In the afternoon, 65 pupils from six primary schools shared the projects they had been working on with architects, computer scientists, physicists and plant scientists. We were also joined by researchers from University of Nottingham and the National Education Nature Park.
​
You can find the chemistry project lesson plans here.
2023
15 pupils from three special schools joined the first ever morning special school session of the Real Science in Schools Symposium. In the afternoon, 100 pupils from seven schools came together to showcase their science projects, including technological solutions to litter, inventions designed to be patented and understanding how the tongue works. Pupils were welcomed by the Festival's Chair Professor Susan Anderson and the Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Wendy Smith, as well as by students from Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham.
2022
Pupils from 5 primary schools and 1 secondary school showcased their scientific research projects and investigations, and received CREST award certificates. Pupils were joined by researchers from the city's universities for interactive demonstrations. This year, the students were joined by Robin, a humanoid robot created by the University of Nottingham's Cobot Maker Space to engage with people in social contexts, and the Sheriff of Nottingham Councillor Merlita Bryan.
2020​
Pupils from four secondary schools and eight primary schools showcased their work ranging from AI in learning environments to the spread of germs. Environmental scientist Mo Langmuir spoke about life as a research scientist and Behaviour Change Officer Sam Preston spoke about Nottingham's net zero carbon ambition.
2019
Groups from ten primary schools and five secondaries showcased their work and were welcomed by Director of Education for Nottingham City Council, John Dexter. Pupils also had the opportunity to meet scientists from Quotient Sciences.
2018
Groups from six schools showcased their work and listened to key note speeches from Director of GH Scientific, Hephzi Angela Tagoe and Director of the Institute for Research in Schools, Professor Becky Parker. Pupils also had the opportunity to meet scientists from the Nottingham Molecular Pathology Node.
