A busy month for acornITy: STEM, sustainability, enterprise and mentoring

Some months remind you why you do what you do.

June was one of those months for acornITy. A varied, energising few weeks that took us from a primary school science lab to a university entrepreneurship centre, with satellite data, career coaching and sustainability education in between. Throughout, the focus remained consistent –to help people of all ages build confidence, curiosity and the skills to shape a more sustainable and enterprising future.

Here’s what we got up to.

Exploring materials science at Field Lane School, Batley

A highlight of the month was leading an interactive materials science workshop for 30 primary school children. For an hour, the pupils investigated materials through practical experiments, making predictions, testing ideas, asking questions and thinking like scientists.

Hands-on learning is especially valuable in primary science because it brings abstract concepts to life. By investigating, testing, and discussing different materials, the children developed their scientific thinking while building confidence in making observations, asking questions, and drawing conclusions. These practical experiences helped them connect classroom learning to the world around them, from everyday objects to the technologies that shape modern life.

Using satellite data for a sustainable future in Calderdale

Building on our ESA-funded space education project, acornITy delivered a sustainability-focused session to 120 students across primary and secondary schools in Calderdale. The session introduced young people to the role of satellite data in understanding environmental change, with a particular focus on pollution across Calderdale and the links between local activity, carbon footprints and the wider sustainability challenges we all face.

Using Earth observation as a starting point helped students see that satellites are not just distant objects in space. They are practical tools for monitoring water, vegetation, air quality and the environment. By linking satellite data with an understanding of carbon footprints, the session encouraged students to think critically about how evidence can support better environmental decisions in their schools, homes and communities.

Entrepreneurial thinking at Leeds Beckett University

Alongside the STEM and sustainability work, acornITy delivered an entrepreneurial masterclass at Leeds Beckett University's Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange (CEKE). With support from the Institute of Directors, the session brought together entrepreneurs and students to explore opportunity recognition, strategic thinking, resilience and the mindset needed to turn ideas into something real.

The masterclass reinforced a theme that ran through everything this month. Innovation depends on more than technical knowledge; it requires confidence, communication, collaboration and the ability to turn ideas into action. Whether working with school pupils or aspiring entrepreneurs, the aim was to help attendees recognise their potential and back themselves to act on it.

Continuing career coaching and mentoring

acornITy continued its career coaching and mentoring work, supporting individuals to reflect on their strengths, clarify their goals and build confidence in their next steps. This quieter but equally important work sits at the heart of acornITy's mission, to enable people to see possibilities, develop direction and access encouragement when it matters most.

Looking ahead

It’s been a month of energy, learning and connection. acornITy has worked with young learners, students, entrepreneurs and professionals, helping each audience engage with ideas that can shape their future. From materials experiments to satellite data and enterprise education, June has shown the value of connecting science, sustainability and skills in ways that feel relevant, accessible and inspiring.

As June comes to a close, the focus now turns to July, and to continuing to create opportunities that spark curiosity, support ambition and inspire action. Planning is already underway for further STEM events, building on the momentum created this month.