Alstom STEM Ambassadors take to busking, of the science variety

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Last week, a group of Alstom Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Ambassadors headed to Manchesters Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) to demonstrate simple science experiments, also known as Science Busking, to local children visiting the museum.

The Science Busking consisted of several experiments that demonstrated engineering and scientific topics such as vibration, which was demonstrated by making a straw oboe; this not only made a musical noise but also showed children and parents an easy and fascinating experiment which they could repeat in their homes. A further experiment that captured the attention of the children was balloon kebabs which dealt with surface area and tension, children and parents were asked to pass a skewer through a balloon without popping it, an experiment which was difficult to master but easy to replicate once you knew why and how it worked.  

Laura Ganderton, Alstom Thermal Services Generator Planning and Support Administrator, said: I must say that I was really not too sure what to expect on the day. I was looking forward to sharing the Science Busking experiments that we had learnt with young people. We all started off a little tentatively then once a crowd grew around us it flowed very well. Both the young people and their parents were enjoying our demonstrations and getting fully involved having a go themselves. The balloon kebabs were a hit with many children showing off their new skill to parents; a few accidental pops of balloons (some coming from us buskers) helped to attract attention. The straw oboe was a little more challenging to master but again it was great for attracting attention. I think I can safely say we all had a great time and would do it again. 

This year Alstom was a sponsor of the MOSI annual science festival that engages and inspires young people with science and technology, building their confidence in exploring and questioning science in the most creative ways possible.