National Grid : supports Hull schools with funding for science equipment

11 Mar 2019

• National Grid provides 7 schools with funding for science equipment in Hull

• The funding coincides with the work on the River Humber Gas Pipeline replacement project

• The work on the pipeline will ensure North Lincolnshire and the rest of the UK have a safe and reliable source of gas

It's British Science Week and, for a second year, schools in Hull are benefitting from National Grid's science equipment funding. The aim of the funding is to enable schools to improve their Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) teaching, and to encourage children to get involved in practical science activities while having fun learning.

Seven schools in Hull, including Hedon Primary School and Oldfleet Primary School, have been supported by National Grid with funding for science equipment. Last year, the funding allowed the children at Oldfleet Primary School to build wildlife habitats including a Bug Hotel and this year, the school is using the funding to build on this initiative and encourage children to get outdoors and have an interest in science outside of the curriculum.

Charlene Wellburn-Tallis, Science teacher at Oldfleet Primary School, said:'We are thrilled to receive Science Equipment Funding from National Grid for a second year. So far, the funding has helped us to create a more hands-on science curriculum which demonstrates science in real life situations, as well as connect our pupils with nature. The funding will help us further develop our science gardens into outdoor classrooms, as well as establish a lunch time club to encourage the children to engage with science outside of lesson time.'

Steve Ellison, Project Manager at National Grid, said: 'As well as bringing safe and reliable gas supplies to local people, being involved in the community is really important to us. We are thrilled to be able to make a difference to schools in the local area and love hearing about the STEM projects that the funding is supporting.'

National Grid is currently replacing the existing River Humber pipeline, a strategic gas pipeline beneath the Humber Estuary. This is required as over time, the tidal patterns of the River Humber have eroded the seabed covering the existing pipeline, leading parts of it to become exposed. On 8th January, the Tunnel Boring Machine reached the halfway point in the journey under the Humber Estuary. The work, which will be complete by 2020, will help ensure reliable and resilient energy supplies in the years ahead to North Lincolnshire and the rest of the UK.