Rockets launched over Holywells Park

The hands-on activities gave children a chance to see science in action Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

Rockets were launched into the sky over an Ipswich park as children swatted up on aerodynamics during their school summer holidays.

STEM-subject advocates and event organisers Kinetic took over the walled garden of Holywells Park, teaching children about our solar system and aerodynamics.

The organisers of the STEM event say children often miss out on practical science at primary schools in Suffolk Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

The children learnt about pressure by mixing water and antacids in sealed containers before using compressed air to send their very own rockets into the air in a spectacular display.

Clair Peck took her children Ayla, five, and Skye, two, to the workshop, held on Friday afternoon.

Safety goggles were needs for the Holywells Park science day Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

She said: “Kinetic have all sorts of these events, but these science ones are really good - they had another one in Bury St Edmunds that we liked so we came to this one too.”

Groups of curious minds gathered around tables making straw rockets and targets to take home, while others followed a trail of planets, guided by clues on their work sheets.

Children learnt about condensed air and how to create pressure during the Kinetic STEM day Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

The small scientists were brought together for special rocket launches throughout the day, with the children’s creations being blasted into the air with the help of a bicycle pump. Some reached distances of upto 100ft - flying high in the air before landing on the opposite side of the garden,

The inspiration for some of the children was clear, with seven-year-old Edward Monteney, who had just launched his rocket, telling his mother he wanted to be an astronaut when he got older.

Children in Holywells Park get involved in rocket making and planet spotting at Kinetic Science's hands-on session to get kids excited about STEM subjects. Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

Kinetic’s director of science Vicky Sorhaindo was on the scene helping her team with the array of practical demonstrations on offer.

She said: “We find that sometimes in primary school, because time is so tight, children can miss out on a lot of practical science.

Families could drop in and out of the science action day Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

“It’s why we bring along a lot of hands-on activities, try and raise awareness for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mechanical) and get them more excited about those subjects.”

Up to 200 children attend the Kinetic activity days, with families free to come and go, take part in the activities and learning more about science.

Children in Holywells Park get involved in rocket making and planet spotting at Kinetic Science's hands-on session to get kids excited about STEM subjects. Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

Ms Sorhaindo added: “We get an equal number of girls and boy who are happy to get involved and get messy - if the parents are keen to get involved then that makes a big difference.”