Remember when your chemistry teacher tried to demonstrate an experiment to the class through fire-eating and trapeze skills? No? But it’s 2020 and who says science lessons have to be boring?

We may be stuck at home but youngsters across Essex have been learning about the fascinating worlds of science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM) with the help of some unusual teachers ­— circus artists and dinosaur experts.

As part of the Essex 2020 initiative, schoolchildren have been able to brush up on the curriculum through watching number of colourful STEAM virtual learning workshops which are available for free online. GCSE chemistry, physics biology and PE students, for example, have been learning about their subjects through watching fire breathing stunts and trapeze swinging thanks to Little Stars Circus based in Chelmsford.

Led by founder Dr Diana Entwistle, a professional aerialist and ice skater who also has a PhD in bio-mechanics, Little Stars Circus works to provide a positive learning environment for youngsters where the focus is firmly on fitness and fun.

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Acrobats at Little Stars Circus

Throughout the first national lockdown, Diana and her team created regular exercise videos for students to access at home. Now, with the support from Essex 2020, Little Stars has taken its virtual learning to the next level and created a series of videos featuring practical circus performances to explain scientific concepts

“Our virtual chemistry lesson uses fire eating and breathing to discover how the properties of hydrocarbons are formed, while the biology session features contortion to explain how the musculoskeletal system works,” says Diana.

“In a world where children are constantly measured by achievement, I wanted to create a joyful place where young people can simply enjoy being the best they can be,” explains Diana.

“During lessons I always say to my students, it’s not about luck, it’s about science – science is behind everything. Around half our young performers also have additional needs such as ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia or sensory issues and for some, Little Stars offers their first chance to feel equal to those around them.”

Meanwhile youngsters across the county have also been learning about the world we live in – past and present- thanks the Travelling Natural History Museum (TNHM). The museum offers imaginative, energetic and humorous ways for young children to discover fascinating facts about dinosaurs, ocean life, the polar regions and the environment.

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The concept was created by museum founder Peter Tabois, whose dyslexia was undiagnosed at school, so he wanted to help educate children in the way he would like to have been taught. Drawing on a lifelong passion for natural history, Peter and his team now deliver a range of fun workshops, parties, museum exhibitions and events with a serious message about planet preservation.

Cllr Dick Madden, cabinet member for Essex 2020 at Essex County Council, said: “Little Stars Circus and the Travelling Natural History Museum epitomise the legacy Essex 2020 aims to leave by sharing their unique, exciting talents to inspire the next generation of STEAM learners.

“Essex 2020 is delighted to help both organisations take their fascinating work to a virtual audience and inject some fun into many households across the county and beyond.”

The Little Stars “Circus Science” resources and free TNHM workshops can both be found at www.essex2020.com/resources.

Essex 2020 has been running since January and is the largest ever celebration of science and creativity in the county, bringing together an Essex-wide programme of over 365 STEAM-focused events and activities. All are designed to break down barriers to science, technology, engineering, arts and maths and appeal to people of all ages in every corner of Essex. Due to Covid-19 events, workshops and meetings have moved to a virtual online platform via essex2020.com.