Year three children at William Westley Church of England Primary School, Whittlesford are now heading to the House of Commons to showcase their distinctive design, as one of eight winning schools in the NFU’s Farmvention competition.
Working with teacher Elizabeth Nally, the 28 pupils took on the challenge of designing a unique clothing product made from British wool using science, technology and maths (STEM).
During the project they looked at the thermal insulation, sound insulation and waterproofing qualities of wool and compared it with other materials. They also discovered that, between them, they own about 1,500 cuddly toys, all made from non-biodegradable man-made fabrics.
The children came up with the idea of using fur wool sourced from Yorkshire to make a cosy, warm dressing gown that converts into a biodegradable cuddly toy. Every child was involved in knitting the garment and also made pom poms, which were used to make Huggley’s ears.
Dr Nally said: “The competition was so well-structured that the children were able to use all their scientific enquiry skills and they had a lot of fun with the research as well. They found out a great deal about wool and about the materials used to make most cuddly toys.
“They wanted to make something that would be loved by children but also good for the environment.”
As well as taking part in the Farmvention exhibition at Westminster on 17 March, the children will be spending a day at Robert Law’s arable and sheep farm near Royston, finding out about food and farming.
The Farmvention competition forms a key part of the NFU’s education programme which reconnects children with food, farming and the countryside, all while learning about core topics within the national curriculum
NFU President Minette Batters said: “The launch of Farmvention last year was hugely successful and demonstrates that food and farming does have a place within children’s education.
“The enthusiasm we’ve seen from both pupils and teachers is infectious and is reflected in the incredible designs that have been submitted.
“I can’t wait to see the designs in person at the House of Commons, and meet the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematics. Or better yet – the next generation of farmers.”