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 worked 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 was showcased at the Advanced Manufacturing Event at Masson Mill on 16th April.
Want to know more? Read project lead Clare Limb's blog, Derbyshire Makes Our Future, reflecting on the pilot project, the creative journey and the ideas that shaped STEAM into ACTION.
For Year 2 of the project, all Derbyshire schools are able to get involved in the design and innovation challenge. Find out more below, download the information pack and register your interest.
Watch a short video by John Felix Film about the Pilot Project.
Want your school to get involved?
STEAM into ACTION invites schools across Derbyshire to take part in a creative challenge exploring science, technology, engineering, arts and maths through making.
Open to pupils aged 8–16 (KS2–KS4), the challenge encourages children and young people to design and build a moving machine with a purpose, using mostly repurposed materials. Schools that register their interest will receive a free 'Setting the Wheels in Motion' workshop with a creative practitioner or industry expert to help inspire ideas and get the challenge underway.
The challenge can be delivered in whatever way works best for your school – as a dedicated STEAM into ACTION Day, across a series of lessons, or as an extracurricular club.
If you'd like to find out more, download the STEAM into ACTION Schools' Challenge Information Pack. It includes everything you need to know about the challenge, curriculum links, ideas, inspiration and how your school can take part.
Expression of Interest Form
Complete the Expression of Interest form by clicking on the red box below and we'll be in touch to help your school get the challenge underway.
