Jane showing the blue team how to code a human robot.

Our February Half-Term STEM & Literacy Event was nothing short of extraordinary. What began as an idea to bring science, technology, engineering, maths and literacy together in an engaging way quickly became one of our most joyful and memorable community evenings to date.

From the moment families arrived, there was a real buzz of anticipation. Children walked in wide-eyed, spotting activity stations, colourful team aprons, and tables filled with materials ready to be explored. Within minutes, the community hub had transformed into a vibrant, science-tastic environment — alive with excitement, curiosity, laughter and the sound of children asking questions.

And that joy never dipped.

Smiles, Laughter and Pure Excitement

Bunswick Cllr Mathew Thomas joins lends a helping hand in bridge building

One of the most powerful things about the evening was simply watching how much the children enjoyed themselves.

There were giggles during STEM Simon Says as children “moved like robots,” pretended to “load like a computer,” and dramatically “froze” when their imaginary batteries ran out. Even the shyest participants quickly found their confidence. The room filled with laughter — but behind the fun, listening skills and comprehension were being strengthened.

During the Build-a-Bridge Challenge, you could see determination on every face. Some children carefully measured and reinforced their structures. Others tested and rebuilt repeatedly, refusing to give up. When bridges held the weight of coins or small objects, cheers erupted across the room. When they collapsed, there were dramatic gasps — followed by resilience and a quick redesign.

Younger children beamed with pride as they built tall towers from wooden bricks, only to squeal with delight when they knocked them down and started again. It was hands-on learning in its most joyful form.

Parents told us afterwards how much they loved seeing their children so engaged — focused, curious and confident.

Coding, Creativity and Confidence

our Vice-Chair Jo Kember helping to code a human robot

The “Coding Without Computers” activity was a standout moment for many families. Watching children program a “human robot” through a maze was both hilarious and inspiring. They debated directions, corrected mistakes, celebrated success and worked collaboratively.

When the “robot” successfully reached the finish point, the applause was immediate and enthusiastic. Children were proud — not just because they completed the challenge, but because they had solved a problem together.

Meanwhile, younger participants immersed themselves in maze-themed crafts, carefully navigating pathways and developing fine motor skills. You could see their concentration and satisfaction as they completed their creations.

It was clear that the enjoyment came not just from the activities themselves, but from the sense of achievement.

The Magic of the Mad Science Lab

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for — the volcano reaction.

As baking soda and vinegar combined, the eruption triggered gasps, squeals and pure amazement. Children leaned forward, eyes wide, completely captivated by the fizzing reaction. Some shouted “Do it again!” before the foam had even settled.

For many children, this was their first experience of hands-on chemistry. It sparked genuine wonder — the kind that plants seeds for lifelong curiosity.

Younger children were equally engaged during the STEM-themed story session, listening intently and responding enthusiastically. Every age group found their moment of magic.

Why STEM and Literacy Matter

At Helping Hearts Fylde, we are deeply committed to integrating STEM and literacy because together they build confident, capable young learners.

STEM develops critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and resilience. Literacy underpins everything — from following instructions and understanding scientific concepts to communicating ideas and working as a team.

Throughout the evening, children weren’t just building bridges or navigating mazes. They were reading instructions, discussing strategies, asking questions, listening carefully, and expressing their ideas. They were developing skills that extend far beyond the event itself.

And they were doing it with smiles on their faces.

A True Community Effort

Lunch kindly provided by Spencer Clarke!

This wonderful success would not have been possible without the generous support of:

Blackpool & The Fylde College
National Literacy Trust
Brunswick Ward Councillor Mathew Thomas
Food kindly provided by Spencer Clarke

Their support enabled us to deliver a completely free event, ensuring every family could attend without financial barriers. Seeing children enjoy a nutritious meal together added another layer of warmth to the evening.

Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback

The feedback from parents has been heartwarming. Families shared how much their children talked about the activities long after they got home. Many commented on how engaged, confident and excited their children were.

Several parents told us it was the most focused they had seen their child in a group setting. Others expressed gratitude for accessible, high-quality events that bring families together in a safe, supportive environment.

The laughter, the pride, the applause and the wide smiles told the story long before the feedback forms did — this event was loved.

Why We Will Continue

Events like this reaffirm why we are committed to hosting free community events throughout the year.

Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, experiment and discover — regardless of background or circumstance. When we create spaces where learning feels like play, confidence grows. Curiosity grows. Community grows.

We are proud to continue offering these experiences completely free of charge, because accessibility matters.

What’s Next?

If you missed out this time, don’t worry.

We are already planning our next themed celebration — and it promises to be Egg-tastic! 🥚✨

Keep an eye on our page for details of our upcoming event days. If our February STEM evening was anything to go by, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

Thank you to every child who brought energy and enthusiasm, every parent who supported and encouraged, and every partner who helped make the evening possible.

Our community hub may have returned to normal — but the excitement, inspiration and joy from that science-filled evening will stay with us for a long time.

A Science-Tacular Success: Celebrating Our February STEM & Literacy Event