STEAM into ACTION
What is STEAM into ACTION?
This ambitious schools-based project connects young people with artists and local manufacturers to explore how science, technology, engineering, arts and maths come together in everyday life. By working on hands-on design challenges and creative problem-solving, students experience STEAM not as subjects, but as something they can do, shape and be part of.
Through collaboration between schools, businesses and Derbyshire Makes, the project creates opportunities for young people to develop practical skills, build confidence and discover new pathways into creative and technical careers. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry, showing how ideas can become real products, processes and possibilities.
Rooted in Derbyshire’s rich heritage of innovation and manufacturing, STEAM into ACTION is about inspiring the next generation of makers, thinkers and doers. It supports young people to see themselves in the future of making – whether as designers, engineers, creatives or inventors – and to understand the role creativity plays in shaping the world around them.
The project is led by Derbyshire County Council in partnership with Arts Derbyshire.
The Beginning of the STEAM Journey
The pilot project was delivered January – March 2026 and involved 5 schools; Glossopdale and Belper Secondary schools, Spire and Cavendish Junior schools and Belmont Primary School.
Artist and maker Matt Pang delivered the creative inspiration for the project, which included a performance of his show 'Thingimabob' and complimentary 'Chain Reaction' workshop in the five schools. Arts and cultural consultant Clare Limb was the project lead. Together they are working with a range of industry and education experts to design and develop the innovation challenge for Year 2 of the project. The outcome of the pilot project will be showcased at the Advanced Manufacturing Event at Masson Mill on 16th April.
For Year 2 of the project, all Derbyshire schools will be able to get involved in the design and innovation challenge, which will be developed with industry partners and announced in June 2026.
