PUPILS were treated to a week of workshops to learn about eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to the planet’s problems.

The youngsters from Lethbridge Primary in Old Town were being given an introduction to science, technology, engineering and maths in a school wide project.

Children used Lego bricks to tackle a different aspect of how the architects, engineers and builders of the future might work to evolve and change their designs to adapt to the changing planet.

One class was looking at how to build houses that could withstand floods.

Pupil Emma explained how they conducted their experiment with the houses they made out of boxes.

“We wrapped it up in foil, so water does not get in. We put stilts on our houses and used cling film to insulate them, it’s been fun learning about floods and ways to prevent them.”

Classmate Mason added: “I’ve really enjoyed STEM week. Everything has been great. Using the Lego was the best bit.”

Year 4 teacher Tara Moran said: “The theme this year is based on the show Grand Designs: the House of the Future. It’s all to do with building houses that are eco-friendly and sustainable.Which is quite topical now because the children will have to deal with things like global warming as the planet gets warmer and the weather changes.

“And the STEM week and workshops are a great way to use their problem solving skills for real life problems and what we’re doing as humans to try and fix them, instead of always just doing maths or English.

“As you go further up the years the children had to use different skills like mathematics or problem solving. For example with the topic Beat the Wolf they had to construct houses that could withstand harsh winds. We did this by using a leaf blower and measuring the different lengths the house they created could last up to.”

Stephen Pilling of Children Builders’ Workshops which runs the classes said: “Seeing the children with passion about what they learn through these workshops is great. It is a different experience from what they would normally get in the classroom and a great way to learn about science and teamwork.”