Dynamic Earth sees 75% surge in 10-11 year olds joining the hunt for future-shaping STEM roles at ‘Your Planet, Your Future’ showcase
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, recently welcomed a record-breaking 549 primary seven pupils to its annual careers showcase. Held on 9 and 10 March, the event (Scotland’s largest free STEM careers showcase) engaged young learners, sparked curiosity, and inspired the next generation of innovators and leaders. For the first time, the two-day programme was expanded to include 10–11 year olds, responding to growing demand from both students and teachers and ensuring even more young people could explore exciting opportunities within STEM.
‘Your Planet, Your Future’ welcomed 1,200 learners across the free two-day event. Along with bringing together over 20 partner organisations and 80 STEM professionals, the showcase provided insight to young people regarding careers within scientific disciplines that both fuel their passion and contribute positive outcomes for people close to home and further afield.
Conor Ellis, Science Learning and Engagement Director at Dynamic Earth, said: “Dynamic Earth has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback following this year’s Careers Showcase. Due to the growing demand of the event, this was our first year catering to younger students in primary seven. It was fantastic to see early learners engaging with both STEM and their future. We can’t wait to see what we get up to next year, and look forward to accommodating even more learners than ever before.”
In addition to highlighting potential career choices across STEM fields, Dynamic Earth empowered young people to use modern technology critically and responsibly. One such element of the showcase was the event’s Digital Innovation Zone, part of the “Demystifying AI” project supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with project development from Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC, part of UKRI). Within the Digital Innovation Zone, learners were encouraged to explore how AI can be used in real world scenarios, including healthcare, and they also had the opportunity to contribute to discussions about how young people can influence the future of AI and robotics.
Alongside the Digital Innovation Zone, this year’s Careers Showcase introduced a brand-new Engineering Zone, supported by Edinburgh College, highlighting cutting-edge sustainable solutions powered by STEM innovation. A series of inspiring panel discussions, The Skyscanner Sessions sponsored by Skyscanner, further demonstrated how conversation and collaboration can ignite ideas, broaden horizons, and open doors to future career pathways. Speakers included:
- Alan Philips, Heavy Vehicle Lecturer at Edinburgh College
- Carl Strathearn, Computer Science, AI and Humanoid Robotics Expert at Edinburgh Napier University
- Claire Motion, Technologist at Cirrus Logic
- Kirsty Webster, Sustainability Lead at Skyscanner
- Emily Burton, Conservation Manager at the Scottish Seabird Centre
Myra Fulton, VP of Engineering at Skyscanner, said: “Supporting Dynamic Earth’s Careers Showcase and The Skyscanner Sessions is about helping young people see what’s possible. Hearing real career journeys and asking questions directly to people in the industry can play such an important role in making STEM feel accessible and achievable. There are so many pathways within STEM – whether that’s software engineering or sustainability, it’s a career path that’s all about solving real-world problems. As an Edinburgh-founded company, we’re proud to support local initiatives that inspire the next generation and strengthen Scotland’s future tech talent.”
As well as listening to talks from engineers and robotics experts, students also had the opportunity to connect with professionals from leading organisations relating to conservation and astronomy, including: NatureScot; the Scottish Association for Marine Science; and the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. Through a dynamic programme of talks and hands-on workshops delivered by experts in their fields, learners gained insight into the breadth of careers available within STEM and discovered how the skills they are developing today can help shape the world of tomorrow.
In addition to catering to students in Edinburgh’s capital, since the beginning of the year Dynamic Earth has facilitated two free school visits for groups from Fife, with seven more being scheduled for the rest of the school year. In total, over 400 children are booked in for venue-funded visits, solidifying Dynamic Earth’s commitment to actively engaging with children from communities further afield.
For more information about the event, and to find out how to register early interest for next year, head to: [https://dynamicearth.org.uk/learning/schools/school-careers-day/]
