ALMOST 500 schoolchildren got stuck into the gory details of “Disgusting Digestion” at a two-day science show.

GSK in Ulverston played host to 13 schools across the area who visited the site to learn more about the body.

Developed in conjunction with Glasgow Science Centre, the event saw children getting hands on with different activities, which included a giant walk-in heart that taught them about the different parts, functions and diseases that can affect it, a 3D jigsaw of the human body complete with organs, a drum that beat to the sound of a human heartbeat and the smoke-damaged lung of an actual pig.

The Year Five and Six pupils were also whisked off to a gruesome talk that showed how the body digests food and left schoolteachers holding a handful of a representation of human waste.

Pupils of Sir John Barrow School, Ulverston, said the event was interesting and felt it showed a realistic side to science, in addition to a fun approach to learning.

Nancy Fletcher, Year Six teacher and deputy head of Sir John Barrow School, said: “We think it’s really good for children to get hands on with science.

“Something like this means they can get involved and younger children learn by doing, because they can remember and they’re learning from experience, which is much more effective.”

The session was delivered by GSK Science Technology Engineering and Maths ambassadors.

Liam Mitchell, second year manufacturing apprentice, said: “We try to engage children in Stem subjects and develop that interest.

“We’ve got a responsibility as a science manufacturing company to take sponsorship of science in Cumbria and make sure children are getting the opportunity to get jobs in science in the future.”

Alison Roberts, Year Five and Six teacher from George Romney Junior School, believes a good relationship with companies like GSK can really help encourage children to follow careers in Stem subjects.

She said: “We feel as a school that it’s a massive opportunity for children to get into Stem careers and hopefully more people will think about coming to places like GSK.”

Niamh Currie, nine, of George Romney Junior School, said: “It’s a fun experience because we don’t have these sorts of things in school. I’ve learned about how different parts of the body work and how the heart pumps blood around your body.”

Emily Titcombe, 10, also from George Romney Junior School, added: “I really enjoyed this because it’s different. It’s fun and it’s easy to learn when you’re doing things.”

Callum Couston, science communicator at Glasgow Science Centre, thinks science can open up many doors for young people.

He said: “Years ago everyone thought if you did science you had to be a scientist but now you can do engineering, manufacturing, even art. Science can answer every question you’ve ever had and unravel all the mysteries of life.”