Youngsters and their parents got their hands on technical activities and scientific experiments this weekend at a Mansfield studio school’s open day.

Vision Studio School, on Chesterfield Road, invited the public to a free, all-day event designed to inspire individuals more about science, technology, engineering and maths during the STEM festival on Saturday.

More than 30 young people and their families turned up to the festival which enabled people to have hands-on experience in the ‘CSI body lab’ which explored the human body.

Visitors could look at cells under microscopes, have a go a first aid and resuscitation in the special ‘fix the victim’ lab and look at different x-rays and how the body systems work to keep us alive.

Those with a technical flair learnt how to make a battery using items of fruit and put a cabbage to use to monitor pH levels as well as making novelty bath bombs.

Engineering tutors were on hand to show how cutting edge CAD CAM technology and laser cutting can produce precise items and visitors were able to make their own creative gifts using the machinery.

Students from the studio school who are studying on a range of health, care and engineering programmes, were present to speak to guests about what they are learning at the school and how they’re benefitting from real work placements with local businesses.

Principal of Vision Studio School, Chris Hatherall, said: “The STEM festival was a massive success. It was great to be able to show so many people around our facilities and let them meet real students who are learning so much in the world of science, technology, engineering and maths.

“There’s a whole world of skills to learn and it was a pleasure to be able to let people have a go at our experiments and engage in workshops so they could be inspired further about these subjects.

“We pride ourselves at Vision Studio School in giving individuals the opportunity to have lots of practical learning alongside the classroom theory.”

Pictured is head of engineering Rebecca Unwin with visitors.